Is it safe to take a baby on a demo?

[Flowerface]

Have never been on one (to my shame...) but would like to go to the anti-austerity one in London. Is it safe to take my 10 month old, or irresponsible? DH imagines us being kettled, crushed, trampled, etc... I am assuming this is silly, but don't actually know!

I honestly think the march in June will turn nasty.
I wouldn't take a child.

That one may kick up rough, though. But as a rule, yep, babies on demos - loads of them.

No - things can change quickly. Do not do it

I wouldn't

Blazing - what do you mean?

That demo is unlikely to stay peaceful. Go alone.

I was on the march against the war with Iraq in 2003 and there were loads of babies.

I was also on the march against the closure of Lewisham hospital and loads of babies carrying "I'm a Lewisham baby" signs (well, strapped to their buggies or parents!).

I think kettling and large scale kick offs tend to be rare and focussed in a couple of key areas and in London it's relatively easy to escape down a side street.

Now, would I bring the DDs (19mos and 3)? probably not but that's just because neither of them would want to be in the buggy for that long without enough chocolate to feed London for a week and I wouldn't want them walking in that kind of crowd.

Seriously - have you seen the reaction on MN to the Tories getting a majority? You'd swear that Pol Pot had just been elected. An anti austerity march is highly likely to be a very highly policed event with a zero tolerance on any anti social behaviour and kettling will be the first step if there's any aggro. By all means go but you would be far better arranging a local march in support!

Did Boris get the water cannon approved in the end does anyone know?

You'll need to keep an eye on what is actually being organised.

Early on, and near any speakers (but not in the thick of the crowd) is probably safest. Also, study a map carefully before you go, so you know where you can turn away from it if you feel the need (recommend taking a small hard copy A-Z too). Be aware that they might close tube stations (or make them exit only) for crowd management, also that places that are usually happy for you to nip in to use the loo may not allow that during demos.

I wouldn't. If you have to go, leave the baby in the care of a responsible adult.

there is a feminist bloc forming. Loads will have young family with them.

Yes, go.
My DCs went on lots of demos when they were small.
DS is particularly proud that he was in the Anti War Against Iraq demo when he was in a pushchair.

I hope you've got the message now OP.

If not - No, it is not safe to take a baby to a demo. DON'T DO IT!

I can't leave her, she wouldn't cope without BF for that long. I guess I would send DH instead. It just irritates me a bit that this is something I shouldn't (and won't) do.

I still think a baby (who can be satisfied by being BF) is an easier ask than an older child who would have to walk/weigh ten tonnes being carried, and constantly demand food, but there we are.

The boris water cannon had their application for a licence turned down.

You have time to store pumped milk and train your baby to use a cup.

Anything austerity related is 1. extremely unlikely to stay completely peaceful and 2. likely to draw huge numbers of people and therefore a crushing risk (or for older children getting separated from their parents). I personally would not choose to take even my 4yo to it.

In all honesty I don't agree with taking children on demos anyway, unless it's directly relevant to them such as school or SCBU closures. This is because children are individuals, not pawns, and my personal opinion is that when they are old enough to make their own minds up and voice their own political opinions then they can choose to go or not. It's the same as attending/ playing sports and events - i refuse to thrust attendance at a football match on my ds when he has absolutely no interest in football.

But i get that your reasons for considering it are practical ones rather than idealogical ones. We have another 5 years of cuts, you'll get more chances when your baby is old enough to be left with someone.

I think it's good to talk to your children about your values, etc. They are entitled to disagree. My 5 year old seems to be an ardent monarchist, for example .

I wouldn't consider taking the older ones, I just think babies are more portable and more easily contented with less!

I am grateful for the input, anyway. Though I am a bit suspicious that the "NO WAY!" contingent think that going to demos is dubious anyway, and that they are infested with violent criminals.

On this occasion we will probably bow out.

Sadly, this won't stay peaceful, there's a lot of anger and shock about the scale of the Tory win, a smaller win with a tory government in coallition with another party/parties wouldn't have the same upset attached to it. There's a lot of people clearly feeling not just annoyed at the result and the government plans, but also angry at other voters for 'letting them down'.

That anger might well overspill. (esp if it's a hot day)

This is a risky demo to take your DC on, I would say others would be fine, but this particular one is unlikely to stay safe. It is hard having a "can't be left baby" (DC2 was like that). There are other ways to make your voice heard though - demos, while get a lot of press coverage, rarely make a difference, whereas writing to your MP personally, or going to see them, would probably have more effect.

My MP is a Lib Dem, he has troubles of his own!

Absolutely agree about values as ds and i blow raspberries at UKIP posters when driving but there's a difference between talking to them about it and giving them no other choice than to go with you.

Fwiw I'm totally with you idealogically and would be there myself if i wasn't out of the country. I just get a bit squeemish seeing kids paraded around...

When is it?

20 June

Did you see how last Saturday's panned out?

In words of one syllable, no it is not.