to introduce my son to man I'm seeing this early?

[ShambalaHambala]

I've been seeing someone who I like, a lot. I came out of an abusive relationship with my ex when my son was born. Son is 19 months old. Was seeing new guy for around 3 months before lock down. Haven't seen him in 2 months. He messaged me last night asking if I wanted to go for a walk with him round our local park. I said I would love to, but as a lone parent who lives alone, I would have to take my son with me. He would either be in the sling or the pram. Do you think this would be OK? Or is it way too soon? I'd love to see him but feel like it's a big step taking my son with me. Wwyd?

I can’t see how a walk round a park at a social distance is going to upset a 19 month old. I would.

How old is your son? I think if he’s young enough to still be in a sling it’s not a problem. He likely won’t have any understanding of the situation etc

Given you still need to stay 2m away it’s no different than meeting a friend.

Oh sorry, 19 months, I’d say go for it

Nope. Far too early, sorry.

If your son is only 19 months old, he's not going to have a clue who this man is, or what your relationship status is. As far as he needs to know, "we're going for a little walk with mummy's friend Bob." If son is in a buggy or sling anyway, and you stay the required 2m away, I can't see a problem.
Your son, at this age, doesn't need to know, and wouldn't understand anyway, that you are in a relationship. Enjoy your walk OP!

I don't think it matters at that age. When I had a boyfriend when my son was little, he was just mummy's friend.

Your son won't have a clue what's happening - I think you're fine to go ahead.

Off topic, but I'm on awe of still being able to carry DS in a sling at 19months! DS is 11 months and 14kg so it's been impossible to hold him in a sling for some time!

Thanks everyone. Don't know why I'm so anxious about it. @tokenginger I use a standard tula and carry him on my back. Had him on my back for 3 hours yesterday :)

Token you need a different sling! I carried both of mine on and off till age 4/5 years.

I have a Jazooli sling, like a wrap sling. Is that not good to have now at this weight? The weight of him in it digs down so badly on my shoulders!

I've not tried carrying on my back, though! I will give that a go!

@tokenginger slings are different for everyone. I like the tula because it's so sturdy and padded. It's so comfy. Once you're able to, I would suggest using a sling library and trying a few out.

I would
You’re not bringing him into your home or your sons life. You’re just meeting for a walk !
Go and enjoy

I did around 4 months in. Met partner when my son was sleeping this wasn't during lock down. This was my way to see if the reality of seeing me as a mum meant he decided to go seperate ways. Try plan it around nap time. This way he sees you and your child but the child is none the wiser at this stage. Almost 12 years on I am still with my partner. Good luck.

Do it.

19 month old still in a sling? Doesn’t he like to run around?

19 month old still in a sling? Doesn’t he like to run around?

We got rid of our pram at 18 months. DD just walked for miles. Literally.

I would think at 19 months he wouldn't really notice. At that age my son didn't seem to notice or care who the other adults were if we met up friends. Nor would he remember them later or recognise them next time.

19 month old still in a sling? Doesn’t he like to run around? yeah of course he does, but he also likes to be picked up, can't walk along a busy road to get to the park, sleeps in the day and sometimes just doesn't want to walk. Surely most 19 month old don't walk absolutely everywhere without being in a oran or sling for some of the time?

*pram

How much time have you actually spent in this man's company in real life?

Your son is a baby and as you will be social distancing while walking and not snogging and groping like a couple of teenagers what harm can it do? The baby won’t know any different. Have a nice time

Pram yes but sling no way. My toddler was always huge so wouldn’t fit/ would be too heavy for a sling I just never heard of a toddler in a sling! But hey you learn new things every day.

I was in a sling until I was 5. Dad used to use it at festivals, busy places, when I got tired etc. Most brands make slings specifically for toddlers. It's really common actually.

I've known the guy for a few months and we've only been on a handful of real dates. Haven't seen each other for nearly 2 months now!

Go ahead. It's not going to leave any lasting impression on your ds at 19m.o.