Neighbour banging on wall when toddler cries

[DizzyR]

We have a 17 month old who has a fever and cough and has been crying on and off all evening. Just now he woke up very upset and wouldn’t stop crying in a distressed way. The neighbour banged on the wall when he was crying (around 11pm). We were in DS’ room trying to comfort him and give him calpol when the knocking happened.

It’s not the first time they’ve knocked (they did it the last time he was ill and crying most of the night).

I’ve never met this neighbour and wouldn’t be able to point them out on the street. They’ve never spoken to us or left us a note about the crying. They’ve just knocked. We live in a terrace house and the house next to us (where they live) is split into two flats and the knocking neighbour lives in the upstairs flat.

What would you do? I appreciate no one wants to hear a crying baby but there is not much I can do about the crying when DS is sick other than cuddles/calpol/water etc. I was thinking of going round to speak to them but probably not the best idea as we need to self isolate because of symptoms.

WHAT. A. TWAT. BANG BACK!! you can't do anything about your child being poorly and upset. Short of locking them in a soundproof room - you haven't got one of those, have you? Otherwise just tell them where to go!!

redwinefine, there maybe more to it, there was in my neighbours case, sometimes be you talk to the neighbours even if you can not solve an issue one can be more understanding.

Well handled, OP.

I would avoid leaving a note - it could feel a bit passive aggressive. If you are worried about it maybe go round and explain the situation in a nice way and without mentioning the knocking. Seeing you in person will humanise you and they'll maybe think twice before knocking again.

Oh sorry just saw your second post! I'm new to this! Glad it worked out in the end!

I would hate to hear a child crying all night. I did ask to be moved rooms once in a hotel as a child was having the biggest meltdown for over an hour (the child was like 5 Asian see themat breakfast the next morning) and was making me hate my life. If I wanted more kids I would have them. I don't. I like quiet.

Wow. As I see them at.... that should have read

@toobbqornottobbq

Believe it or not nobody likes to hear a child cry. But it does happen and unlike a hotel neighbour cannot just move. Banging on the walls does not help anyone either it is selfish and rude.

If they bang on more then 2 occasions it is harassment and you are within your rights to ask the police to speak to them. Child's noise is always classed as not a statutory nuisance and classed as normal living noises.

You have handled it well, OP. Hope your lo feels better soon.

Those who advised going to speak to the neighbour- you do realise that the child has a fever and a cough, in other words, displaying symptoms which mean the whole family should be quarantining for 14 days, not going to knock on people's doors?

You have been more than considerate and decent, @DizzyR.

Hope your family doesn't have covid.

"Drop a note through their door apologising for child crying and saying child is unwell. Tell them it drives you mad too when you cannot make your child feel better. Hopefully they will feel ashamed of themselves."

Great idea this.