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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to want my son to have a carbon monoxide detector with him on holiday

126 replies

Continuewithfacebook · 14/08/2023 08:28

18 YO DS is travelling around Europe staying in assorted accommodations, most of them for just the one night before he moves on to the next destination. Am I silly to want him to have a small portable carbon monoxide detector with him?

OP posts:
pd339 · 14/08/2023 08:35

Yes

Badbudgeter · 14/08/2023 08:36

It’s not what I would have chosen to stick in my backpack tbh. I think the odds of carbon monoxide poisoning in a youth histel(I’m assuming are pretty low) why not get an Apple Watch or something that can monitor your o2 saturation.

Hufflepods · 14/08/2023 08:36

Sounds like massive overkill. I've literally never heard of someone doing this.

GoingToBeLessRubbishAtLife · 14/08/2023 08:36

Not silly. I’ve often thought about this myself actually.

Clefable · 14/08/2023 08:37

Actually given the stories lately about bad holiday accommodation and people dying from CO poisoning from faulty/unmaintained boilers , if he's likely to be staying in cheap places that possibly aren't massively well maintained then I don't think it's that odd tbh. Pretty sure they are tiny and won't take much space.

TheOutlaws · 14/08/2023 08:38

No, not silly. I know a person who died on holiday from CO poisoning. You could get him a small one to take with him.

User5653218 · 14/08/2023 08:38

I would. They're small and easy to carry and could save your life. Why wouldn't you?

Bobbybobbins · 14/08/2023 08:38

It's not silly but I wouldn't insist. I would speak to him about being careful with where they stay- this is also relevant for keeping themselves and belongings safe in other ways.

Original poster
Continuewithfacebook · 14/08/2023 08:38

But @Badbudgeter and apple watch is at least £350 and a carbon monoxide detector can be as low as £14!

OP posts:
Wolfpa · 14/08/2023 08:39

Why would you want that? Do you take one with you when you go on holiday?

It’s overkill and at 18 you need to start treating him like an adult by letting him pack for himself

OP posts:
Willmafrockfit · 14/08/2023 08:41

bit ott imo

HamishTheCamel · 14/08/2023 08:43

You can suggest it if you like but it's his decision.

Rocketpants50 · 14/08/2023 08:43

We have taken one away before, but this was staying in a property for a couple of weeks. Will your son actually take it out of the bag at each stop? It can save lives so absolutely a good idea and would very much encourage your son to take and use. My friends went off in her house a few months ago in the middle of the night, horrible to think what might have happened if she didn't have one.

JazbayGrapes · 14/08/2023 08:43

YABU. Even if he has it, he'll forget all about it.

ittakes2 · 14/08/2023 08:45

I have OCD and tend to go overboard...but that is too far for even me. Yes I think go to a house in a third world country you might want a detector - but unless you point one out to me I have never heard of an incident in group accommodation. Large numbers of people coming and going increases the chance of someone noticing their is a problem. I think smoke dector more important than carbon monoxide if you want to go overboard - more fires than carbon monoxide poisoning!

Floatlikeafeather2 · 14/08/2023 08:46

Continuewithfacebook · 14/08/2023 08:38

But @Badbudgeter and apple watch is at least £350 and a carbon monoxide detector can be as low as £14!

Fitbits are available for £40 at the moment. Apple isn't the only company that makes such things. He's far more likely to glance at something on his wrist than hoik a plastic box out of the bottom of his rucksack, even if he didn't leave it behind somewhere.

BCBird · 14/08/2023 08:46

I don't think it's OTT to be honest. I thought about taking one on holiday myself.

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr · 14/08/2023 08:47

He could keep it in a bumbag I suppose.

Hibiscrubbed · 14/08/2023 08:50

I’ll be honest, this would not have occurred to me in a million years. Not at all. How long is he staying in each place? You can ask him but you can’t insist. Also, it might be indicative that you’re struggling to let him go and grow up.

hiding5675687 · 14/08/2023 08:50

I did carry a small portable one on some trips. Know someone who had it mildly from a shower heater. He should keep it in his accommodation when he gets home.

Changedmymindtoday22 · 14/08/2023 08:54

Gosh these articles are eye opening. I never heard of any of this.
so it’s not a bad idea at all!

Magneta · 14/08/2023 08:55

I've just heard an ad on the radio recommending this. It had never occurred to me before on reflection it's not a bad idea. Or what about one of those disposable indicator cards with the dot that changes colour? Can you still buy them?

Enthusedeggplant · 14/08/2023 08:58

They are so precious but yes it’s unreasonable. You are asking him to carry your worries. Mention risks and if he wants one that’s fine but condones should be more use plus an awareness of the symptoms of co2 poisoning.