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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...to continue drive for babies to sleep?

44 replies

okayokaywhatsnext · 24/03/2020 21:16

I have 9m twins. They only sleep in the car for nap times. WIBU to continue to take them for a drive at nap time under current rules?

I strap them into seats inside then carry to car. Car is parked in private parking space directly behind my house. My usual route is to go to motorway and drive north for 2 junctions then turn around and come home then sit outside my house in the car with sleeping babies. Then when they wake I carry them in seats back inside the house.

OP posts:
cardibach · 24/03/2020 21:19

It feels like there is no risk, and there in all probability isn’t, but it’s not a necessary journey. I wouldn’t take babies out of the house at all if I could avoid. They can sleep without the car, and you need to work out how to make them as this isn’t practical with or without the virus.

Elouera · 24/03/2020 21:20

How do you get petrol? What if you got a blown tyre or broke down?

Ponoka7 · 24/03/2020 21:21

There seems to have been a surge in 'joy riding' where I live. It that absolutely isn't the case where you are driving and/or the accident rate is low, there's not many wagons etc, then carry on.

I've noticed that because the roads are quiet, people are driving faster and not expecting people/cars about.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 24/03/2020 21:22

I’m sure it’s fine but what will you do if even these journeys are locked down?! Time to try and break the habit?

SamSeabornforPresident · 24/03/2020 21:22

They're saying avoid unnecessary journeys as you'll have to refuel so probably not. I also wouldn't want to drive unnecessarily in case of an accident when the NHS is so stretched.

I feel your pain though, my DD screams when I try to put her down unless she is in the pushchair or the car seat so it's been pretty hellish so far.

MyNameHasBeenTaken · 24/03/2020 21:23

My dd was a car sleeper.
Until the day the car had to go to the garage for its MoT.
I kept her car seat home. Put it up against a wall so couldn't fall backwards and strapped her in.
She slept fine!
Worth a try?
At 9 months, they are still in infant carrier seats?
Put them safe on the floor, near a big window for them to watch out of. Patio doors?
Put radio or CD on for them and see if they sleep?

DontBuyLangClegCashmere · 24/03/2020 21:24

Have you tried pushing them in a buggy recently? It might take longer than the car, but they do change what they will tolerate and sometimes you try smth different and you're surprised it works.

Luckily I only have one baby but I have to feed him or carry him in sling to sleep.

Toybox88 · 24/03/2020 21:30

They will get used to a new way of going to sleep. Some of the suggestions already mentioned. Buggy, or their cot. It will take a few days but it will happen and be so much better for you

Russell19 · 24/03/2020 21:35

I took my baby out in the car earlier. For a nap (and change of scenery) as soon as he was asleep I came back and sat on the drive. Don't see any risk in spreading covid 19 but when I got back my husband told me it was a bad idea incase I had an accident/flat tyre etc and then would cause problems for the NHS or would have to come into contact with someone. Didn't really think of it that way.

NoKnit · 24/03/2020 21:35

Virus and all aside you shouldn't let them sleep in their seats daily I know it is a 2 hour rule or something but you shouldn't do it every day no good for their backs

cologne4711 · 24/03/2020 21:36

I've noticed that because the roads are quiet, people are driving faster and not expecting people/cars about

I agree with this I'm afraid, plenty of idiots on the roads at the best of times, and now they think they have the roads to themselves.

Skysblue · 24/03/2020 22:12

There is no health risk and it is helping you get 9mth twins to sleep, I would continue.

The ‘rules’ aren’t a full list the government keeps saying we are expected to use common sense. For example they just said that of course going to your own allotment is fine.

countbackfromten · 24/03/2020 22:14

We need people to also minimise risk of other things that might impact on the NHS and other key workers like getting into a car accident. Or breaking down. Or having a flat tyre.

If you don’t absolutely have to do it - don’t. Stay indoors. Please!!!

Coffeenofilter · 24/03/2020 22:22

It's taken 3 days to get our baby used to a new sleep routine (and I know that's pretty quick, coz our eldest would never have adapted so quickly!), so now we pop him in the pram in the garden, rain shield over to stop noise distraction/ breeze etc, and rock him back and forth. Today he fell asleep in a few minutes and I could push him back indoors where he slept his usual nap length.

Last week I'd never have imagined it was possible. But needs must, so that's our new routine.

Possibly (probably) it will take a bit more time to switch habits, but it is possible, and hopefully will be good in the long run.

Good luck!

Historyofeverything1 · 24/03/2020 22:33

I'd echo needing to try something different because if we get further restrictions it's going to be impossible.
My Dt slept better together (side by side) would they do this? Can you rock them to sleep in the pram? (can even do this inside). Sleep training?
Best of luck you may have a few bad nights but it'll be worth it in the long run.

MrFaceyRomford · 24/03/2020 22:57

Don't. In the present circs. any damage/breakdown could be a real issue.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 24/03/2020 23:01

It’s an unnecessary journey. therefore it shouldn’t be happening.

There is a small but significant risk of an accident happening, you breaking down etc.

This will then place others at unnecessary risk as a result of your actions.

Please don’t do it.

Original poster
okayokaywhatsnext · 24/03/2020 23:16

They sleep all night in their cots without any sleep aids. It’s just naps that are a bugger. I’m scared of the crying if I try and get them to cot nap.

OP posts:
marchez · 24/03/2020 23:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

St0pTryingT0MakeFetchHappen · 25/03/2020 07:35

I'm taking the opportunity to sleep train my 4 month old. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to homeschool my 4 year old.

FamilyOfAliens · 25/03/2020 07:42

I’m scared of the crying if I try and get them to cot nap.

Being scared a baby will cry doesn’t make this an essential journey.

Rainbowqueeen · 25/03/2020 07:43

I think long term you really need to find another way so why not do it now
Your twins crying is much better than you catching cv and having to be away from them. Or even having to self isolate for 14 days if you happen to be in the servo at the same time as someone else who gets it

FamilyOfAliens · 25/03/2020 07:50

Actually, maybe have a read of page one of this thread if you’re still wondering if you should take your babies out for a drive:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/3860306-this-is-our-reality-please-stay-inside-nurse?pg=1&order=

heartsonacake · 25/03/2020 07:57

YABU. This is not an essential journey and as such is not allowed.

Sounds like it’s the perfect time to get them to nap another way. You can’t be beholden to their whims forever you know; as a parent you do actually have to confront problems like this and not let them carry on just for an easy life.

Star81 · 25/03/2020 08:00

Not to try and frighten you but god forbid you have a car accident the A&E- isn’t going to have the usual resources available to help you.

Stay at home would be my advice