Would it be OK for me to ask a CM to do this?

[wotsits]

I know a childminder from mother & baby group. She's very nice, very capable and currently has two mindees and a small son. I'm expecting DC2 in the new year, and because I don't have any family around or close friends, I won't be able to go out much with DD (now 16 months) until baby is about 8 weeks old.
Do you think the nice CM would mind if I asked (and paid) for her to pick up DD twice a week and take her to mother & baby group sessions - 2 hours each session - and then send her home? It would be for a couple of months only. I don't know if this kind of temporary arrangement goes on or not. I just don't want DD to miss out on the company of other children, but then if my suggestion is way out of line, I don't want to annoy the CM by asking in the first place .

I'm a CM myself and if I attended a mother & baby group already and had a space I would agree to taking your DD with me. All you can do is ask. I don't think she will be annoyed by it, especially if you know her. If she hasn't a space (as she's limited to the number of children under 5 she can have to 3) then she won't be able to help you, and it might be that she might agree to it, but only on the basis that if she gets another enquiry but on a full time basis, then she will have to offer the space to that chlid instead.

No harm in asking!

Shes already going if its the same one you mention, so as long as she isnt over ratio's i cant see why not?, she wont be annoyed at you!, she'll be doing you a favour and getting paid for doing something she already does herself whihc means no extra work for a few extra quid!, why not

why won't you be able to go out much till the baby is 8 weeks old. My 2 are 20 months apart and we have no local family and I managed toddler groups, tumble tots etc

is it because your having a c-section and won't be able to drive? Could you wrap everyone up warm and walk to toddlers?

It might be better for all of you to get out of the house for a couple of hours than for you to be stuck in the house without any family or close friends around.

i agree. i took ds out from day 1. the fresh air is good for them as is seeing places other than home - it keeps them stimulated.

Thanks chel and snowflake - I will ask and see how she feels about it. I'm not planning on being housebound for 2 months, but at the same time I don't want to be in a stuffy village hall with a newborn if I can use those few hours to sneak a nap with the new baby

Dont blame you Wotsits, will give your older one a bit of fun and a break for you both, get as much rest as you can, wish i had

you will be amazed at how much more portable a 2nd child is than a 1st one so I wouldn't rule out taking them yourself .

you will also be amazed at how much newborns do sleep too IIRC

if this lovely c/m has 2 mindees plus small son she is already full for under fives i'm afraid (presuming all three are under 5yrs)

because that is my exact situation!!!

and having 3 under 5's is knackering one more would kill me!!!!!

She may not have an under 5 space at that time of day but might have for other times so it's worth asking or she ma know someone else who couold do it for you, it's not unreasonable to ask.