Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Struggling with the school run

105 replies

whatsthepointthen · 10/01/2019 09:33

I live quite far from my childrens school, it means getting the bus. Every morning the bus is packed! It means frequently missing it if I have the pram this means getting to school late. I have tried other alternatives. Like a sling, but dont know why they are raved about so much as I find it extremely heavy. Could be because dd is 20 months now, but as the bus is always packed it means standing then walking to the school and because I have 3 children at the school I have to walk all the way round the building, (very big school 700 pupiles) and back again. There is no way to drop them
off without doing this. Im just finding the sling to heavy and a struggle.

Ive tried taking a pram that can be folded but again its the same thing, bus very packed, having to stand holding a pram and a baby which is pretty impossible. So we are always ending up late getting the later bus.

Obviously dd can walk but I think thats abit far off for now as its such a lot of walking that she will struggle for now as shes still pretty tiny, and tbh will take just as long.

Aibu to be struggling this much? 😩 Are there any alternative carriers for older babies or something im not thinking about?

OP posts:
BlackInk · 10/01/2019 09:40

Is there an earlier bus you could get that would be less crowded? I know getting organised earlier will be painful, but maybe worth it in this situation. Is there anyone who lives near you who could share school runs so you don't have to do it every day? Could you rope in a friend or relative to give you a lift once a week?

Original poster
whatsthepointthen · 10/01/2019 09:42

No the earlier it is the more packed it is im afraid (people going to work.)

And no one to help with the school run as no other parents where I am as im quite far out.

OP posts:
Frogsrus · 10/01/2019 09:46

I'd just get her one of those pack packs with reins attached. I had to do that when my dd was 13 months and she loved it. She can walk for miles without moaning now.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 10/01/2019 09:48

Sounds obvious but Is there not a school any nearer. Not only is does the journey sound daunting, and I hate to give you more stress, but a huge school like that sounds very daunting for children. I.assume They're only in primary school.

pajamallama · 10/01/2019 09:48

Can you afford a taxi? I feel you pain though. It's not easy!

Original poster
whatsthepointthen · 10/01/2019 09:50

I think she would take forever to walk that way, and again its no seats on the bus so would end up holding her. It doesnt
look like there any many alternatives though so its worth a try! Thanks

OP posts:
formerbabe · 10/01/2019 09:50

How far away is the school?

GrumbleBumble · 10/01/2019 09:54

Is this a school that you chose or one that was assigned to you DC that wasn't in you preferences?

BonnieBright · 10/01/2019 09:57

Is there a specific reason you don't have a car? As that would solve all your problems here. If it's due to finances however that's completely understandable as they do cost a fortune to but/run.

Sorry can't be of more help.

Seeline · 10/01/2019 09:58

Sorry - I'm way past this stage so can't remember exact abilities at that age, but would she be able to mange a pull-along scooter. The ones with 2 wheels at the back seem quite stable, and they have a strap attached at the front for the parent to control. It could be folded on the bus, and perhaps given to one of the older children to look after, while you hold the little one?

We did have a much more structured carrier for our DCs when they got bigger, which went on your back. I think such a thing would be too bulky for the bus, but might help in other situations. this sort of thing

Original poster
whatsthepointthen · 10/01/2019 09:58

Didnt choose it, didnt get into any local schools. We did go on the waiting list but there were so many other children in front that we never stood a chance.

Its just under 3 miles, I have tried walking it with them but older two both have SEN so again too difficult as the oldest refuses to walk.

OP posts:
MuddlingMackem · 10/01/2019 09:58

How old are your school age DC? How are they for walking?

I was just thinking that if the route is walkable, but any of your school DC can't walk it, how about one of those double bike trailers which are also jogger pushchairs? You could walk the kids in that plus it will take all of the school bags in the boot area so they don't have to carry them. Grin It means you'd have to go home first to take it back before doing any errands, but you might get to school on time.

This kind of thing: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bicycle-Trailer-Double-Buggy-Seat-for-Kids/323636348704?epid=1623224059&hash=item4b5a3ac720:g:Yz4AAOSwOt5cMLFU:rk:4:pf:0

Sallycinammonbangsthedruminthe · 10/01/2019 09:58

How far away is school OP? Just wondered if there was any other parents who you know who live near you who could help you out?I am presumming(forgive me) that you don't drive...Is there a school bus available? I once lived 3 miles away from my sons school when he was little,I didnt drive then so I set up an account with a taxi company I used then twice a day it was an expense I could have done without but it made so much sense it was worth it to free up my time and have him safely delivered to school...non of these suggestions may be helpful to you as I dont know your circumstances but they are just ideas...The taxi thing might be worth budgeting for if you can as you could take your children to school and walk back maybe with the pram in the boot ..less stress on you?

Mookatron · 10/01/2019 09:59

What does it matter whether she chose the school or not? She's asking for practical advice to help her. She can't go back and unchoose the school. I chose to have two kids withy realising it would be a daily pain in the arse.

Op goes long is the bus ride? Is it completely unwalkable?

Yura · 10/01/2019 09:59

Do you have a sling library close? with the right sling, a 20 month old shouldn’t be heavy at all. slings are personal, what suits one person can be hell forvthe next

Mookatron · 10/01/2019 10:00

Oh x post sorry. That jogger bike thing looks ace!

MuddlingMackem · 10/01/2019 10:00

Ah, cross-posted with you, and it sounds like your eldest is the one who really needs the transport. Take it they'd be too old for my suggestion, even just to tide you over until the youngest starts nursery.

Original poster
whatsthepointthen · 10/01/2019 10:00

Yes I couldnt afford to do lessons, a car would be the easiest solution though but impossible for now.

OP posts:
Holidayshopping · 10/01/2019 10:00

Is this the nearest primary to you?

I would get a very cheap light pushchair that can be quickly folded and stood upright.

Yura · 10/01/2019 10:01

can you bikelock a cheap umbrella buggy at the bus stops?

Miane · 10/01/2019 10:01

Would a back pack carrier be easily than a sling?

That’s what we used with our D.C. at that age. Much easier in your back.

hibbledibble · 10/01/2019 10:01

Have you tried an ergo 360 to put your baby on your back? Or go to a sling meet and try different carriers and get advice?

You probably just haven't tried the right sling.

Alternatively, get a super light weight and easy to fold pushchair (eg yo-yo, pocket), and gold before bus arrives, then put it on your back with a strap.

Mookatron · 10/01/2019 10:02

Ooh that's a good idea yura

Yura · 10/01/2019 10:03

you can search for sling libraries here: www.babywearing.co.uk/local/
i can carry my heavy 2 year old for 2-3 hours easily and i’m petite. some sling advice should help, maybe it just needs to be adjusted

Sallycinammonbangsthedruminthe · 10/01/2019 10:03

Just noticed you replied your children have SEN ...could you maybe ask the head if the local authorities provide and escort service? In our area there is a school for pupils with a range of educational needs and they arrive in a cab with an escort..don't know if this applies in your case but maybe worth an ask?

Swipe left for the next trending thread