AIBU to ask a mum not to put her toddler on the counter

[saltyshakey]

Today a mum with a toddler was in a cafe and went to the counter to pay. She was carrying the toddler and popped the toddler on the counter as she got her purse. I said I’d feel a bit more comfortable if she took her off. She did so but then I heard her talking to her friend about how rude I was. WIBU?

6/10

Head injury waiting to happen.

Safery and hygiene issues! Counters are for rissoles not ars#holes 😂

Unless you work there you are being absolutely insane to think the mum would care in the slightest about whether or not you are uncomfortable about their toddler

Reminds me of my dad holding my then baby DS perched on the kitchen table and jokingly saying ‘tables are for glarses not arses’!

It's literally a thread about people putting toddlers on shop counters and my thoughts and experiences related to people putting toddlers on shop counters - with my own perspective on the matter of a non-employee speaking up differing from what several others have opined.

You do realise that discussions on here tend to develop and widen out and are not purely one-on-one therapy for the OP and their exact scenario, don't you?

Handbags and shopping bags don't tend to fart or poo and then sit in it.

Would not bother me considering far worse has probably been on the counter.

think warted hands, cash notes used for "recreational" purposes etc

unwashed hands after...whatever

a toddler though, really?

Charming. I'm also entitled to my opinion.

So the mum popped the kid on the counter to free up a hand to get her purse for, I imagine, about 10 seconds?

Pretty sure I've done that in the past and nobody rightfully gave a shit, because it's a complete non-issue. It's not a food prep area and it's not a bare arse. It's no more unhygienic than anything else that might go on the counter.

Ignore the voters making this about emotions and their 'precious darlings'. Would you sit on a counter in a shop? If it's not okay for an adult then it's not okay for a toddler, just because they 'fit'. Of course it's unhygienic but also: it's just weird and disrespectful. Your kids can't be plonked anywhere you like just because you have your hands full. Plan ahead next time and maybe leave your kid with your friend while you pay.

I wouldn't be bothered by a toddler sitting on the counter (although it's probably not the best idea if got drinks are within his reach) but I wouldn't be very impressed if his mother had let him stand on it.

Depends if you own cafe or work there and have authority for this or not. If you do, then crack in, that’s your right. If you a random customer, then you have massively overstepped and had no right to do that.

There's no indication said toddler did, or was otherwise dirty in any way.

Well I had absolutely no idea anyone would have a problem with plonking a baby on a counter whilst getting something, not one clue, mumsnet strikes again with its unhinged instructions on how to live life....I'll go back to the other planet I must live on.

Just plan ahead to not have your hands full while parenting a toddler 😂

If you have a surefire way of knowing exactly when a baby or toddler will and will not fart or poo, I'd patent it and make a fortune from parents across the world!

Well, anyone could fart or shit themselves, really. A small child is more likely to be wearing a protective undergarment, though. 😁

I hope you are taking notes? 😁

I know! 'Leave your kid with a friend'. Ah if only life was so simple. Empty handed friends lining up to help toddler parents...

if this bothers you you need to get out more

True... but what do you reckon the statistics are for a baby or toddler doing it compared with adults?!

Even with that probability in mind, I'd think it just as inappropriate if somebody plonked an adult down to sit on the counter with their arse right near the trays of coffee and cake, crisps and scones... it's just that I've never ever seen anybody do that.

Yeah.. so if you know in advance you need to pay for something, you can use a pram / 'leash' or ask a friend to watch the child while paying. Seems doable.

Exactly! People’s bare hands hold well more germs. I’d have even more of an issue if the place actually prepares food on a publicly accessible surface. I would also hope for regular sanitising.The food surely has crockery and trays between it and the surface?