Would I be out of my mind...to take two toddlers with me to an NCT sale?

[hattyyellow]

Our local branch is having one tomorrow.

I've not been to an NCT nearly new before but the local playgroup sale was every woman for herself and I'm sure some small children were sent flying in the chaos

It's in a pretty big venue - I'm not looking for anything in particular - DH is working and the forecast is yet more torrential rain so I thought it might be a good way to spend some of the morning. We could always hit the bran tub, look at toys, buy a cake and make a quick exit...

Do NCT sales tend to be full on in terms of jostling people? Or are there lots of kids there?

It'll be a rugby scrum I tell you!

They often don't let you bring buggies in there and they can be very busy and boisterous. I wouldn't! But plenty of people do.,..

yes, go alone or not at all

Hmm that's what's worrying me! Is it madness then...?

I went to a Boden sale when my twins were tiny..with a double buggy!

I was so naive! I actually thought I would be able to get in (with the double pram) and walk around - and even pick up things and look at them without them being snatched away!

I have been to an NCT sale with two toddlers, but it wasn't really a relaxing experience.

How are are your children?

I went to one with just DD (2.6) a couple of months ago and that was fine - it aslo helped that the venue was spread out more.

They are stupidly busy, I went when heavily pregnant and had to escape for my own safety! Go on your own and have your best barging elbows at the ready.

twins 2.8

Dh is working and no one to palm kids off on...

nope. can you go with a friend and share the childcare while you both have a look?

yes you would - next question !

You would need about 15 pairs of hands and eyes in the back of your head. I have helped at lots of NCT sales and have twins - I know what I am talking about . I never took any of my kids near them.

See if you can get someone to have them in the local park for half an hour while you have a quick dash round - if you go nearer the end there will still be loads left but the queues to pay will be less, and you will have room to browse more.

having said that - if you are determined to try it then go in the last half an hour and it should be just about survivable !

Had forgotten about queues to pay...it's bad enough with one person in front at the post office!

Might see if I can bribe ask a friend to come with me - but that would leave one of us protecting 4 children from the hordes of insane women..

if they have a cafe area (ours did) then you can leave the kids with one happily stuffing cakes etc while you go and brave the scrum.

i help at our NCT sales and it is carnage, particularly the first hour. Definitely avoid taking a buggy (better to use reins)and if you are an NCT member go v early as you'll get in first. There's often some great bargains to be had towards the end and it's much quieter so I would skip the first hour if you're not a member.

Wimped out! But we did go to our local charity shop instead and bought some toy prams so someone still benefited from our cash! Thanks for all the advice, next one that comes up I will go alone, with elbows firmly out ;)