Really stupid question....

[longleggedlady]

How do people get to the hospital if they don't have a car?? Will taxis take a woman in labour?
Just thinking ahead... It's prob a really stupid question.

my sister didnt have a car so my dh took her. Do you have any family about?

No unfortunately. All my family back in Ireland. We live in London so don't know that many people with cars.

Taxis will take you, worst case scenario, you'll need an ambulance. Only if you are literally about to give birth though!

I walked. It was a twelve minute walk, and I had five contractions on the way, but it was quicker than awaiting on a taxi at 10pm. It was also the most foolhardy thing I've ever done. I don't necessarily recommend it.

Maybe call a couple of local taxi firms now to check if they'd take you - it must be pretty common in London.

That's what I thought re: ambulance. Good news about taxis!! Thanks x

Our friend is a fireman, maybe we can go in the fire engine! ;)

In the same position, taxi or tube for me - have visions go giving birth on the underground though (even though it's two stops).

Some women also cycle impressive if they can!

We lived in London when I had DD so we got a taxi - it was about a ten minute journey & we had already phoned a few weeks before & checked that they were okay with delivering (no pun intended) a labouring lady to the hospital! They were fine with it, and the taxi driver was really nice even though I was making considerable noise because of contractions! (Speed bumps are the work of the devil!) So you could maybe call your local firm(s) & check with them.

I live in London & will use a cab with this baby.

I'm just wondering if you come home in a cab, would a car chair still be required as I remember reading some where that taxi's/ cabs were exempt...I could be wrong. I will check this out asap!

Shelley - OFCOURSE A CAR SEAT IS REQUIRED!! WHY WOULD YOU GO.IN ANY CAR WITHOUT A SEAT FOR.A.NEW BORN BABY... SOME HOSPITALS DONT ALLOW U.OUT UNLESS U HAVE A CARSEAT

Shelley, my SIL took taxis to and from the hospital to give birth and they definitely needed a car seat for their 1 day old son. Not a stupid question necessarily, but I doubt you would even consider going in a taxi without on right after the birth. I think the exemption is more to do with slightly older babies and toddlers!

some black cabs can take a baby in a pram rather than in a car seat. You are right though that it is not illegal to carry a baby without a car seat in a cab.

I got a black cab. At least they can use bus lanes in London to get through traffic. Also big enough to get on all fours when contracting if you need to.

We had a car seat coming home in black cab. Not sure what you would do otherwise?

legally you don't need a car seat but really, do you want to take your brand spanking new baby in a taxi without a seat? Being a taxi doesn't make it magically safer than a normal car. bus, coach, train statistically safer. use a car seat in a taxi. You will want a seat anyway for times you get lifts etc.

Southfields - relax!

You don't need a car seat for a black cab. The baby can be in a pram. If it's private hire you will need a car seat.

The thing about hospitals not letting you leave without a car seat is nonsense too. Loads of people don't have cars. They don't make them stay there until they buy a car seat! Lots of people get public transport home from the hospital. It's really fine

The legal advice is:
In a licensed taxi or licensed hire car, if a child restraint is not available then the child may travel unrestrained in the rear. This is the only exception for children under 3, and has been introduced for practical rather than safety reasons. You should always think about ways to make sure that a child seat is available.

If you don't own a car and therefore have no intention of buying a car seat perhaps you could borrow one from a trusted friend? You probably will feel nervous holding yor newborn on your lap or in their carrycot in a taxi.

Thanks for all of your replies. Hadn't even thought bout a car seat!! Something to look into. x

We got a recommendation from our NCT teacher of a firm that claim to never refuse to take anyone to hospital. Some firms are funny about waters breaking etc, so I'd ring and check well in advance, for peace of mind. Oh, and when/if you buy maternity bed mats, to protect bed from waters breaking, hang onto one of them for the cab ride.