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Parenting

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Original poster

Through the looking glass...welcome to parenthood!

25 replies

shonaspurtle · 09/12/2006 14:49

So, just over 3 weeks ago I was 9 months pregnant, due to be induced the next day and took a walk into the city centre for a coffee and to pick up some last minute bits (hoped it might kick things off naturally too )

Yesterday, I thought I'd take out new, 3 wk old ds on the same trip. We've not been out much and my mum's staying so I thought a good time to face the world.

Firstly, discovered the nice walk into town along the river is almost all cobbles so v difficult with the pram. Also no way off the footpath without steps so we were stuck with the bumping

Secondly, everywhere I went I was faced with cars doing illegal u-turns, running red lights - so scary!!

Thirdly, in all the shops I went into I kept being faced with escalators and steps so spent ages trying to find the ramps and lifts and all the lifts were tiny so had to wait for ages in some places to be able to get on.

Fourthly, we got the bus home and I didn't realise you can only get one pram/wheelchair on at a time so again, waiting for ages

I have to laugh at myself - only 3 weeks ago I had no idea about any of these things. It never crossed my mind for a second all the obstacles you face if you have a pram, I fully admit I would have been one of those mean people with no patience for a newbie only barely in control of her ridiculously huge travel system... I seriously thought that the river walk would be lovely on sunny days and didn't think about the cobbles at all!

We don't have a car or I'm sure I'd be having a good rant about mother & baby spaces ...

...so, any other parenting "challenges" I should be aware of? Next week ds and I face the outside world alone . We're thinking about trying out the supermarket...

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Monkeytrousers · 09/12/2006 14:52

Check toilets and changing facilities are okay before choosing to shop there!

cruisemum1 · 09/12/2006 14:54

Make sure the supermarket you visit has trolley's that you can fix your car seat onto rather the ones with baby seats attached. But when you attach your car seat beware! You will be gazing at your beautiful baby sleeping soundly and will ram the trolley into shopper's behinds - trust me you will!!!!

Monkeytrousers · 09/12/2006 15:05

Yes, and if the trolleys aren't free, find a place where they are. More hassle!

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wickedwinterwitch · 09/12/2006 15:07

There's the string bag and octopus thing, hang on, I'll see if I can find it.

wickedwinterwitch · 09/12/2006 15:09

here! Welcome to parenthood (and mumsnet)

cruisemum1 · 09/12/2006 15:24

never seen that before! psml made my day!

Original poster

shonaspurtle · 10/12/2006 00:12

lol at the octopus! Rings v true already...

OP posts:

dizietsma · 10/12/2006 02:58

Been there, done that It's a wholly different and at times scary world view, I know. Wait 'til you get on a 'plane with a baby, the scowls you get on buses are nothing in comparison!

Smithagain · 10/12/2006 20:05

Welcome Shonaspurtle! I so remember our first shopping trip. I used to be phobic of lifts. It was such a shock when I realised I had to use them now!

And then there's the extra half hour you have to allow for letting all the local grannies coo at your newborn, while giving you all sorts of unsolicited advice about how to care for him. Of course, their affection tends to tail off once you have a big, ungainly four year old who wants to carry the basket and dishes out bruised ankles left right and centre.

Enjoy!

bctmum · 10/12/2006 20:07

Get a baby sling. I use the baby bjorn sling & it's fab - you can forget the problems with stairs, lifts and space on buses.

When I had my first I realised how difficult getting about is for the disabled and elderly.

Original poster

shonaspurtle · 11/12/2006 13:06

We got a ring sling/pouch type thing but I've not managed to work out how to use it yet... The baby always looks like he's about to fall out.

Db has lent us his baby bjorn one though. Can you use it when they are very tiny though?

OP posts:

cholas · 11/12/2006 13:11

I think you have to wait until baby is a certain WEIGHT before using the Bjorn, check the instruction as it will make your life a LOT easier. I rarely used the pram because it was so much hassle. Welcome to the joys of parenting! ; )

PetitFilou1 · 11/12/2006 14:11

Plenty more challenges for the future: you will need to learn where all the babychange places are in your local shops, which places will heat up babyfood and which won't, where you can breastfeed in private in a place that isn't a toilet, which restaurants have waiters that don't hate children and have highchairs and somewhere to put your buggy and why other mothers give you a knowing smile as they walk past.... Oh and you will probably buy a smaller pram in six months time.
Go for the sling while you can! (Both of mine were in a Wilkinet from birth until they got to heavy, they loved it)

fiiiivemadmarchhaaaares · 11/12/2006 14:16

We re currently going through 'needing to know where all the toilets are' phase

cruisemum1 · 11/12/2006 14:44

Someone just gave me two slings without instructions - you need a degree in astrophysics to work out how to wear them! If I were to put ds into it he would no doubt end up in A&E

Judy1234 · 11/12/2006 15:33

Our babies loved slings at that age. I didn't use the pram much. I think they prefer the warmth and smell of your body too.
It gives you a good idea of what being disabled must be like when you have child.
Just trying to plan how to take my father out at Christmas with a wheel chair is similar.
I really don't think anyone can properly explain to a potential new parent just how much their life changes after birth.

Monkeytrousers · 12/12/2006 00:22

Yes, it does corrolate with the social model of disability

wishingchair · 12/12/2006 14:04

Yes you can use the baby bjorn now ... in fact use it now as it's harder when they're heavier. You need a nice bouncy pram with big wheels and suspension to cope with the cobbles! Certainly does make shopping interesting doesn't it.

Try going to Singapore - you can't go ANYWHERE without stairs or escalators. No idea what disabled people do in that city.

NineUnlikelyTales · 12/12/2006 17:11

My advice...if you're thinking of going to the supermarket, try tesco.com or similar

Seriously, it's a nightmare and if you can avoid it, do. But as for the essential shopping trips, the other MNers have given some great advice as usual.

cece · 12/12/2006 17:16

I used online shopping for my second one till he was about 3 months. Trust me it isn't worth it

You will choose coffee shops by judging them on their ability to cater for your lo = peaceful time for mummy

Shopping trips will only take x amount of time as your little dalring will play merry hell when it is time for them to go home.

Have fun!

cece · 12/12/2006 17:17

You will only shop where the aisles are wide enough to get your buggy down. wait for the Sales when they pile everything in the aisles. it is impossible to get to the tanatlising bargains

Smithagain · 12/12/2006 18:24

Regarding Baby Bjorn - I believe you can use it once your baby is 8lbs - facing inwards until he can support his heads. I found that you have to do it up really snugly, so that the baby is cuddled in really close with head just under your chin. Then it is very comfortable for both of you, and the baby's fuzzy head is within easy kissing distance. Ah!

Smithagain · 12/12/2006 22:14

head Lol!

Assuming he has got just the one, that is

cruisemum1 · 12/12/2006 22:20

smithagain - just had a glass of wine and lol at your two headed baby!.......... I really must get out more....

Legacy · 12/12/2006 22:26

OH god - I remember this feeling so well.

remember feeling completely flummoxed in a large coffee shop - how did I carry a tray AND push a pram without risking tipping the whole thing over precious DS. I didn't want to leave DS in his pram by the table in case someone stole him!

that feeling of 'not knowing' my local shopping centre at all, as I'd always used stairs and escalators

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