A post on Mumsnet has sparked a massive online debate about whether it is ever acceptable to leave your baby alone.
A lady posted on the chat pages, stating that she had left her baby alone, asleep, at home during his “heavy sleep” phase of his nap to pick up a parcel from the local shop. The visit did not involve crossing any roads, but took approximately seven minutes and was around 50 metres away. Her reason behind it was that the child rarely wakes, that she did a ‘risk assessment’ first, that she did not smoke and did not leave any appliances in on her house. The house was secure, she didn’t feel there was any risk of intruders, and felt that the alternative, taking her child with her later, was more hazardous, as would involve carrying a heavy box and her son up the stairs at the same time.
As you might expect, this caused quite the debate. Many Mums defended the lady, stating that it was no more risky than taking a shower, or going to do some work in the garden. Others were concerned, stating that a child shouldn’t be left alone at all in an empty house, as the risk was too great.
The NSPCC National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) believes children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time, children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight and babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone.
Whilst I can sympathise, (I know how precious those nap times can be!), I for one wouldn’t be able to do it. I have been tempted, through laziness and not wanting to wake my daughter, to leave her in the car when paying for petrol. The one time I did it she woke and burst into hysterical tears – I never did it again. I do however have an incredibly long garden, and as some people have rightly stated, being outside whilst they nap also poses a risk. I am however one of those sad people that still uses a baby monitor despite Erin being nearly 3, so I am confident I would have heard or seen if something had gone awry.
What are your thoughts on this?
