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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Safest way to get home from hospital?

24 replies

wondering7777 · 29/03/2020 09:18

DH and I don’t own a car. I was planning to get an Uber home from hospital after the birth, but with everything that’s going on, I’m a bit nervous about putting a newborn into a vehicle that could potentially be contaminated with this awful virus. Public transport is also a definite no.

So, do you think it would be ok to walk the baby home in a pram instead? The hospital is a 30 minute walk from my house and I live in a polluted area (London).

Would walking be the best option or am I over worrying about the Uber?

OP posts:

MrsL2016 · 29/03/2020 09:22

It will entirely depend on how you feel physically after birth. I couldn't have walked for 30 mins the day after when we were discharged. Other than that I don't see any issue with taking the baby in the pram. Could your partner walk them home and you get a taxi and then have a shower and change your clothes when you get home.

Doveyouknow · 29/03/2020 09:22

Walking would be fine normally but you might not be able to walk for 30 mins. An Uber might be better.

PinkDaffodil2 · 29/03/2020 09:24

Your DH might be able to walk baby home in the pram but I’d certainly get an Uber yourself and meet them at home.
A 30 minute walk after you’ve had a baby is a bit much, especially with covid they’re discharging people really really soon after baby is born.

SirVixofVixHall · 29/03/2020 09:25

Do you know anyone who could pick you up ?
My friend walked home the day she gave birth, but I imagine it really depends on the birth.

ChipsAreLife · 29/03/2020 09:27

Also if you don't have a straight forward birth either vaginally or need a section you won't be able to walk that far.

Could you hire a car maybe and give it a really good antibac? Drive with windows down etc?

ScouseMar · 29/03/2020 09:27

My BIL and SIL has the same dilemma- BIL walked back with baby in pram, SIL had also planned to walk home with them but had had a blood transfusions and was knackered so she got a cab.

anniefrangipani · 29/03/2020 09:28

While legally you don't have to use a car seat in a taxi or an Uber, you definitely still should.

Buy or borrow a baby car seat, clean it thoroughly, put the baby in it, put the car seat in the taxi, take the seat out of the taxi, wash your hands and then take the baby out of the car seat.

The baby should only touch the inside of their clean car seat, and have no contact with the inside of a taxi.

Original poster

wondering7777 · 29/03/2020 09:29

Yes, I was thinking I could get an Uber if I’m not up to walking and DH could take the baby in the pram. I will obviously shower and wash my clothes as soon as I get in the door.

I’m just wondering which is safest for the baby - pram or taxi.

OP posts:

okiedokieme · 29/03/2020 09:30

I walked home after dd1, 15 mins walk downhill. Have a plan b in case you don't feel up to it

AnnaMagnani · 29/03/2020 09:30

Levels of pollution have dramatically dropped everywhere as car journeys have dropped and some factories shut.

But 30 min sounds too far to walk. I think you will be shattered.

PotteringAlong · 29/03/2020 09:31

Pram is safest for the baby.

Original poster

wondering7777 · 29/03/2020 09:33

The baby should only touch the inside of their clean car seat, and have no contact with the inside of a taxi.

Is that a safer option than DH walking with the baby though? I’m not sure.

OP posts:

Original poster

wondering7777 · 29/03/2020 09:34

plan b in case you don't feel up to it

Plan B is me getting a taxi and meeting DH and the baby at home.

OP posts:

LillianFullStop · 29/03/2020 09:34

You could try a black cab? There's a bit more separation between you and the driver with the glass barrier. Have some anti bac wipes handy for the surfaces and gloves on too. You can fit a baby sit in them same as you would a normal car.

Maryann1975 · 29/03/2020 09:35

I couldn’t have walked for half an hour after having dc1. I was knackered and really sore. Go in the taxi, as soon as you get to your home, in the doorway, all clothes off and in the washing machine, people in the shower and disinfect your bags/pram.

Original poster

wondering7777 · 29/03/2020 09:36

I could try a black cab - but if walking is the safest option for the baby then I’d rather do that (and I will get a cab on my own if unable to walk).

OP posts:

BertieBotts · 29/03/2020 09:54

I think you're overthinking it. The inside of a taxi is not that likely to be contaminated. The baby will be in their car seat and not in contact with the inside of the taxi anyway. You can wash your hands before you take the baby out of the seat.

I think they are probably more likely to be sneezed/coughed/rained on if walking home vs travelling in a taxi. Although I suppose you could put a raincover over for a walk, which wouldn't be possible when seatbelt fitting a car seat.

BertieBotts · 29/03/2020 09:56

Even if you can walk, I would recommend that you don't if possible - it's not good for your hips which are still very loose and which must be rested in order to go back together without long term injury.

Voxx · 29/03/2020 10:01

You’re overthinking this, I think. Your baby won’t be touching any surfaces as they will be be in a car seat. If you are worried about you touching surfaces, then change your clothes and wash your hands when you get home. Open a window if you are concerned about airborne viruses.

Caspianberg · 29/03/2020 10:08

I would just take the taxi option. Baby will be contained in car seat anyway so not touching anything. And you can both wash hands well on arrival home before taking baby out of seat.

mouse1234567 · 29/03/2020 10:10

I have this same dilemma -and was worried about this. Though my walk is a little further. I think honestly tho -will our babies be at any more risks in a very short 15 mins taxi ride) if we are carefully with what we touch and using hand gel etc ) than they will be being delivered on a busy labour ward? I think hopefully it’s short trip and with safety measures shouldn’t been too risky. I appreciate your concern tho as I feel it too!

PinkDaffodil2 · 29/03/2020 12:41

Keep flexible as there is a chance that you might be discharged late at night if they’re really trying to get people out and in that case a taxi may be more sensible, or the weather might be rubbish.
Do you have a car seat which can attach to your pram chassis? Then you’re prepared for all eventualities with minimal kit.
All options are more sensible than staying in hospital longer than needed I guess so don’t get too attached to a particular plan. I hope it all goes well xx

Megan2018 · 29/03/2020 12:45

There is no way I could be separated from my baby for 30 mins. The anxiety you feel is enormous.
Get a taxi and just wash your hands carefully as soon as you get in.

I had the easiest birth ever and still couldn’t have walked for 30 mins.

Original poster

wondering7777 · 29/03/2020 13:01

Do you have a car seat which can attach to your pram chassis? Then you’re prepared for all eventualities with minimal kit.

Yes I do, so a taxi is definitely an option.

OP posts:

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