To leave a 18 month old with a friend overnight ?

[giraffes2021]

Got a wedding next weekend have 2 children 3 and 18months really struggling for baby sitters!!! Wedding is a two hour drive

The people we normally use are away, don't really have anyone else to ask my friend has offered to have both of my children, she has two boys one of her boys and my daughter same age went to nursery together she'll be fine, but I'm not sure about my youngest just worried he won't settle as he won't be used to it!
Other option is my mum but she's 3 large dogs and it makes me nervous my mum would have him and she sees him once a week etc he just doesn't usually stay over!
Wahhhh
Would it be wrong to leave him with a friend ?

Wedding is for one of my best friends so it's not just anyone

If your friend has offered, and you’ve made her aware that youngest might be unsettled, then I don’t see why not. If she’s two kids of her own, I expect she’s used to a fractious child!

I would leave him with your friend before I would your mum, personally.

I wouldn't but if you're comfortable with him going then as PP said, your friend has kids she'll know how to handle a little one missing you.
Could your mum not come to your house to watch them?

Has your original plan failed or was this a last minute wedding? It is a long time to leave them. Can you mum not get someone to have the dogs and then she comes to your house?

It is odd that you're just figuring this out now. Was it a spur of the moment wedding? If so, perhaps you just can't go. Your friend should understand that if she is a reasonable person.

And with kids that little that don’t have a very regular babysitter I’d be coming back that evening. Is that not an option? Your friend must know she’s not inviting kids so you’d likely need to leave early. I’d certainly want to be in a fit state to drive in case of emergency back home.

I take it you don't leave your kids very often? For one night, they will be fine.

If your friend is happy to have both your children, then do it.

I looked after a young baby, that I didn't know that well overnight for young neighbours across the street. He was a little fractious at first, but did eventually settle and went to sleep. I had forgotten how hard work a baby was, so was happy to see the parents when they came to collect the baby the next morning.

I wouldn't leave overnight, no.

No don't leave them that often.
Partner was meant to sort childcare as it's his parents who we normally ask and now they are away for the weekend!
My mum can't leave the dogs overnight on their own.

I wouldn't. Not because of age - I looked after my nephew overnight at that age. You clearly have doubts in your gut and you have to listen to that with one so young.

Your friend knows you have 2 very young dc's so shouldn't be surprised if you have to leave early. But no I wouldn't expect a friend with young dcs to manage mine as well.

Well in this case DP stays at home and you go. That’s exactly what I would do. I think it’s too much to ask a friend from nursery!

@Jangle33 my friend is one of my really close friends I wouldn't just leave them with a mum from nursery!

@Jangle33 but yeah thinking that might have to be an option DP stays home

A really close friend who you trust and who the kids know? Of course. Your kids will be fine. I think leaving them with your mum and three big dogs could be problematic depending on the dogs/ household setup. Even if the dogs are great they might not be used to little people in their space for 24 hrs.

But if you have any doubts that they will be safe and comforted then partner stays home and problem solved. You might also be more relaxed that way, and enjoy it more.

Could your mam not sleep at yours for the night with DC? Then the dogs won’t be an issue?

Your friend has offered and your youngest will be with their big sibling. If you trust your friend then go.