Parents think I'm being ridiculous - rule of six and baby

[Putmynewshoeson]

Before the rule of six we had arranged for family friends to come and sit in the garden for a socially distanced coffee with my husband and I, our nine month old and my mum and dad.

I mentioned in the week we would have to cancel because there will be seven of us but everyone keeps saying oh it's fine babies don't count.

We haven't been anywhere - the poor little one hasn't been ANYWHERE except out on walks outside since this whole thing began - but babies DO count don't they? (This is UK)

Would you still go ahead even though it's breaking the rule? They're all being very dismissive and saying because he hasn't been anywhere and isn't mobile he doesn't count

I would report you for it, as I am fed up with people making exceptions for themselves, thus ensuring that the virus will continue to spread and more people will die

Well fortunately for me and unfortunately for your prying eyes, I don't have parties and I don't have a baby. But my point stands - a small baby is an extension of its mother and it is completely ridiculous to say if the OP has her baby in the garden s/he is going to spread the virus to someone and they are going to die. A toddler that may be going to nursery and meeting a whole different set of people is a very different situation. I don't agree with the Scottish and Welsh rules that children generally don't count but a very young baby is different.

Actually I find the views of most on this thread scary.... The world has gone mad

I never knew so many people were blind rule followers...

I'm sure the rule of 6 indoors won't be here for much longer, especially with so many flexing the rules to fit. Also if people carry on regardless, the argument that well if 200 children can be in a bubble at school we can meet 8 people at home, will also become defunct as schools will close. Wonder if that will make the people trying to make 8 the same as 6 happy then.

I wouldn't give it a second thought and just meet up.

They Do count but I’m not counting my baby. They don’t count on any other part of the U.K.. no idea why in England they do. To be honest, I don’t really count my 3 year old either but it depends where we are. I do the rule of 6 (minus baby) indoors as otherwise it’s gets crowded & impossible to distance. But outdoors, the risk is so minimal.

Why haven’t you been anywhere OP?!

I don't understand how many people dont get the 6 ppl rule. Its 6 breathing human beings, regardless of age.
To the poster who is ignoring her baby as part of the 6, that's not how it works. You can't make up the rules to suit your needs. FFS

I’m not counting my 7 month old. He can’t go anywhere without me and is not going to spread any extra virus himself! I don’t particularly care about THE RULEZ. I stick to them as best as is sensible for me and my family.

@LolaLollypop

I’m not counting my 7 month old. He can’t go anywhere without me and is not going to spread any extra virus himself! I don’t particularly care about THE RULEZ. I stick to them as best as is sensible for me and my family.

Yes, but if one of your guests does have coronavirus and you have seven total in your group including the baby, then six people can be infected rather than just five. If that's the case for every household it potentially means more strain on the NHS. Plus, the baby isn't likely to be the extra one. The baby was always going to be there. If by not counting him you've included Nana Briggs, then it's Nana that's the extra. And she is more likely to: a) suffer badly from the virus b) spread the virus

We're going on holiday next week and because of this stupid rule we can't as there is 7 of us even though one is a 4 month old baby who is pretty much stuck to me permanently!

I'll get shouted out but I don't personally see the problem with it espcially as your outside and distancing so low risk situation but if you don't feel comfortable don't do it. Your baby your decision 🙂

When is this country going to catch up with Scotland and exclude children from the rule and get rid of social distancing for them!

The rule may be stupid because no evidence to prove it should be limited to 6, instead of 5 or 7.
Then if it was a rule of 9, there would be as many posts asking what they would do to have 10 including the baby, how hurtful it is to uninvite a child for a birthday party of 10, can all their children’s boyfriends girlfriends to stay the night to make 10 but they will go straight to the room, why is it stupid rule of 9, They will make their own Clever judgment for what’s right for their family. You name it, people would come up with it.
OP if they are coming to yours, you have every right to decide. With a young baby, you can choose not to have a gathering even if it makes only 5. The number really shouldn’t be the focal point although I am aware you are asking about the number.

Absolute insanity.

Your poor baby has not been anywhere except on walks?

I honestly can’t believe people are so warped by all this that they are locking themselves away indefinitely.

The very fact the rules are different in the four corners of the SAME island should have you questioning the whole situation.

Life is short. Meet your family.

Fines if more than 6 but ok to protest with hundreds of strangers! 🙄

Does the law explicitly say that babes in arms count as separate people? They don't usually. If the baby isn't handed around is it breaking the law? I can see why your parents are confused.
Maybe email your MP and ask.

@Tavannach

Does the law explicitly say that babes in arms count as separate people? They don't usually. If the baby isn't handed around is it breaking the law? I can see why your parents are confused. Maybe email your MP and ask.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

2.4 yes

TBH with the way R rates are rising you may not be able to meet with other households by then anyway

The law says my 5 seater car can carry 5 people of any age so can I have 6 people in it? NO, because it's against the law. Same thing.

We're in England and have a four month-old making us a family of five (two older boys too, 10 and 13). It's my 40th next month and tea party with parents who live in the same village has had to be cancelled. It seems ridiculous that if we were in Wales it could still go ahead but there you are - rules are rules!

@MayFayre

2.4 Are children counted in the group of 6?
Yes.

My point is that babes in arms are not usually counted as children.
That's why I suggest emailing the MP for clarification. She or he can ask Matt Hancock, who might be able to answer.

@Tavannach If they weren't I think it would state this exemption? For example, in Wales and Scotland children under a certain age (12?) are not included in the number and this has been made clear.

My point is that babes in arms are not usually counted as children.

That only applies to disgruntled wedding guests on MN with small babies

@Tavannach It says 'all ages'. Which means all ages.

That only applies to disgruntled wedding guests on MN with small babies

And cinemas, planes, trains, amusement parks etc., etc.

But "all ages" is clear.

Most people are making their own risk assessments. I think you being daft. Baby can’t go anywhere without you, so it’s almost impossible that you would be adding additional chance of transmission by bringing a newborn as opposed to just the mum.