Melbourne Cup and Babysitting

[Julez82]

Hi there,

My name is Jules, I'm 25 and Mum to Summer, who's 14 months! We've moved from the UK and are currently living on the Gold Coast but due to study and work commitments we're moving to Melbourne on 11th October.

It's just the 2 of us, her Dad is back in the UK. I've a few friends in Melbourne which is another reason why we're moving down.

A friend has invited me to the Melbourne Cup on the 6th November which I understand is a public holiday? I would love to go as it would be a special event for me but I'd be a bit hesitant to hire a babysitter. My daughter is in kindy so does have some experience of being in care but I'd hate to leave her on her own with a stranger.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

TIA,

Jules

[SilverStarfish]

If this horse flu situation doesn't get any better... you might not have to worry about it after all! The Melbourne Cup might not even be on...

[themumbug]

sorry but there is no way i would leave my kids with a stranger, no way at all. couldn't someone else you know look after them.
I don't know how trust worth people are in the uk but over here i would not risk it.:shame:

[punkbaby]

I am thinking the same unless you actually hire a professional then its a little different but still i wont leave my kids with anyone LOL i am shocking

Do your freinds in melbourne know people that do childcare? Can you take your dd with you? Thats what i would be doing :D

[PunkyDiva]

The Melbourne Cup is heaps of fun for adults and wee ones so take your daughter along,she will have a ball.
If your friends haven't a marquee and you don't want to sit on grassed areas, best to get there early to get seats under cover and accessible with pram. If using public transport either leave early or wait as otherwise you will get squished. I always take a picnic basket of goodies and lotsa water as can be a long,hot day. Don't forget your fancy hats !!

[New Mum Mel]

where abouts in Melbourne are you?? Perhasp your friends friends or family could help you out with a sitter that way it is someone you kinda know. Or perhaps one of the girls here could help you out.

That way you can go out and have some much needed girls time out.

Mel
xoxo

[Ekoorb]

Does Family Day Care do occasional care and on public holidays? Maybe you should give them a try.

As for taking your little one I personally wouldnt. The crowd is usually well over 100 000 and really isnt catered for little ones. There are too many drunk stupid people every where. I went to Derby day last year and that many fights broke out. One fighting group landed on me and one of the guys had there ear bitten off. It wasnt fun.

Emarites Stakes day however is family day, less of a crowd and some activities for the kids.

[Milliner]

I am sure that family daycare is available on public holidays it's just a little extra.

I would never take a child to ANY of the big days, Derby, Melb cup or Oaks. As Ekoorb said the crowds are over 100,000 and it's just not a good environment for children. You can't move, drunk people everywhere, if you can get a spot on the grass you need to get there very early and once the crowds arrive everyone is pretty much sitting on top of each other.

^^^^ I agree stakes day would be the go.