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Parents and Guardians Forum>DC Going to The Grocery Store
Solenas 01:59 AM 06-09-2013
We're looking for a home daycare provider for our 7 month old baby. One of the providers we're interviewing sometimes will take the kids (6 to 7 of them) to the grocery store for shopping. Her example was if she ran out of milk, but she also talked about how all the kids would keep there hand on the cart and walk along and if every one did then she would reward good behavior back at the house with cookies.

She has to pick up a child from preschool, so transportation is part of the agreement. She has a big van so she can fit all the kids. My preference is as few trips out of the house as possible. It feels safer to me. Less risk of an accident or tragedy.

I don't know how often she would need a trip to the store during DC hours. It's hard for me to imagine going to the store with 3 kids under two, plus 3 or 4 more that can walk reliably. Is it a red flag that the provider knows she'll occasionally need to take the kids grocery shopping? It sounds like she's not well prepared? It seemed strange to me, but maybe it's totally normal. Your thoughts?
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Kaddidle Care 05:22 AM 06-09-2013
If you have any reservation in your gut about leaving your child with a provider, find another one.

Some providers can manage that many because they have a group that works and fits well with their program.

Grocery shopping can be a wonderful learning experience for the children if you use your imagination. Counting, colors, etc. "I Spy" games. Children aren't a bother when shopping if it is fun for them.

There are providers that don't leave the home all day but if you want a provider that treats your child as their own, then they will be taking trips on occasion.

I would keep in mind the number of the group and find out what is the legal limit in your area.

Best wishes.
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Play Care 06:45 AM 06-09-2013
It sounds as if the provider is being very upfront and honest about the type of service she provides. I agree with the pp, some providers have a knack for taking kids out, especially after years of experience.
I think at the point the fact you have doubts tells me this would not be an ideal placement for you. She isn't going to change the way she does things for *one* clients (nor should she have to) so the onus is on you to find care you will be comfortable with.
Best of luck!
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sharlan 07:58 AM 06-09-2013
Some providers never leave the house with the kids.

Others, like me for instance, go on frequent outings. I am upfront and let the parents know in advance that we'll be going on a big outing that day. If I'm just headed to the grocery store or out to lunch, then I don't always tell them.

I let me parents know up front, first thing in all interviews.

You need to choose the provider that you are most comfortable with. If you are not comfortable in your child leaving the facility, then choose one that doesn't leave.
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Cradle2crayons 10:04 AM 06-09-2013
I agree with all the pp. I won't even entertain an interview if the parents have an issue with transport. We go on frequent outings as part of our program.

I take 7 grocery shopping with me sometimes and it's no bother at all. Of course, I'm used to it.

I'm afraid transport isn't a gray area. They either transport, or they DON'T transport. Ad I'm afraid the provider isn't likely to negotiate that with you or any parent. And she shouldn't.

If you agree to them being transported, then you agree.

If you don't want them transported, then find one who NEVER leaves the house.
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Solenas 10:37 AM 06-09-2013
Thanks for all the replies.

She is being very honest with me. I just found it difficult to imagine a provider taking several infants to the store at once.

Thanks for letting me know it's possible and not all that strange. And it's true that I'm generally uncomfortable with the idea and probably need to find another option for care.
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MrsSteinel'sHouse 11:35 AM 06-09-2013
I do not transport regularly. I only have a car so I could only take 3 kidlets anywhere. Now, if I have 3 we may go somewhere if I plan that. Every once in a while I end up transporting but my parents know and I be sure that there is something kid oriented in the trip. For example I had to have my TB test read. I was able to get it put in without kids but had my two girls when I had to have it read. We went to the library also then. I also cannot image regularly transporting a larger number of kids- especially to run for milk!!
I would be worried about the rewarding with cookies part! I only serve nutritious food! I believe that our kids get too many treats and linking treats with reward... ugh. I expect good behavior without rewards.
If your not comfortable with that, find a different provider
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lovemykidstoo 12:50 PM 06-09-2013
I don't transport at all. For many reasons. Here the auto insurance is through the roof if you put so much as 1 daycare child in the car. Not to mention, there is nothing I need during hours of daycare that can't wait until later for me. It's easier for me though because I don't work on Fridays so I can do errands on that day. Bottom line, if you're not comfortable with it, then keep looking.
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Unregistered 01:40 PM 06-09-2013
Originally Posted by Solenas:
We're looking for a home daycare provider for our 7 month old baby. One of the providers we're interviewing sometimes will take the kids (6 to 7 of them) to the grocery store for shopping. Her example was if she ran out of milk, but she also talked about how all the kids would keep there hand on the cart and walk along and if every one did then she would reward good behavior back at the house with cookies.

She has to pick up a child from preschool, so transportation is part of the agreement. She has a big van so she can fit all the kids. My preference is as few trips out of the house as possible. It feels safer to me. Less risk of an accident or tragedy.

I don't know how often she would need a trip to the store during DC hours. It's hard for me to imagine going to the store with 3 kids under two, plus 3 or 4 more that can walk reliably. Is it a red flag that the provider knows she'll occasionally need to take the kids grocery shopping? It sounds like she's not well prepared? It seemed strange to me, but maybe it's totally normal. Your thoughts?
I actually DID take the kids to the store. It was a LOT of fun! I also took them ALL out to eat sometimes, to the dollar store, the zoo, park, water park and many other places. I had a quad stroller for the babies and let the others walk and hold the stroller. I never once had a problem, never lost a kid, nothing. I think the biggest challenge was just buckling everyone in and making sure we had all their water cups, diapers, etc. The WORST thing I ever encountered was an old lady who said I had my hands full and because I had ALL mixes of races of children, assumed I had a bunch of different men father "my" 8 children. lol The BEST thing was when a couple paid for the WHOLE table (me + 8 kids) at a restaurant because the dc kids were so well behaved, even the 2yo's! I do not think it's a red flag at all that she wants to take them places or anything bad about her. BUT if you are not comfortable with her taking the children on outings, then it may not be the place for you. I feel that if you are going to trust your provider, you have to trust them FULLY, that includes going out. I was/am a safe driver, had appropriate insurance, made sure that each child had the proper seating, made sure they had enough to eat/drink at all times, were dry, were happy, and having a fun time. After all, the WHOLE point of being a kid is to have FUN in life, to not worry about everything, and to learn to be responsible little beings (i.e. hold the cart, be taught about the street and why we cross together, looking out for their baby friends and themselves, staying with provider and not going off with strangers, etc).
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providerandmomof4 05:43 PM 06-09-2013
I normally have 8 kiddos, so if we go anywhere, we walk. And we do....every day (unless it's raining-lol) If I end up with a day that I only have three or four, we may definitely go on an outing to the store or the library, etc. It really breaks up the monotony of an average day. My parents know that we could and do go on outings...whenever possible!
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Laurel 06:13 PM 06-09-2013
Originally Posted by Solenas:
We're looking for a home daycare provider for our 7 month old baby. One of the providers we're interviewing sometimes will take the kids (6 to 7 of them) to the grocery store for shopping. Her example was if she ran out of milk, but she also talked about how all the kids would keep there hand on the cart and walk along and if every one did then she would reward good behavior back at the house with cookies.

She has to pick up a child from preschool, so transportation is part of the agreement. She has a big van so she can fit all the kids. My preference is as few trips out of the house as possible. It feels safer to me. Less risk of an accident or tragedy.

I don't know how often she would need a trip to the store during DC hours. It's hard for me to imagine going to the store with 3 kids under two, plus 3 or 4 more that can walk reliably. Is it a red flag that the provider knows she'll occasionally need to take the kids grocery shopping? It sounds like she's not well prepared? It seemed strange to me, but maybe it's totally normal. Your thoughts?
I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with that for the reasons you said. I don't transport. If I need milk, we walk to the corner store but I try to be prepared or have someone else bring me some.

When I only watched school aged children for a few summers, we did go out in the car but they were older.

I'm not saying it can't be done safely but I wouldn't risk it especially if my baby was only 7 months old.

That said, I do take the children on walks and people ask me how I've done that with 6 at times. I practice with them every day. I start with them being in the double stroller then go a short distance with them walking holding onto the stroller, then teach older ones to stop and look at every driveway and wait for me to tell them to cross it. By the time they can walk holding onto the stroller we've 'practiced' a lot. I imagine that transporting can work with trained children but personally I don't see the need for it.

Go with your gut on this. Luckily she told you. I know some who haven't.

Laurel
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Play Care 03:16 AM 06-10-2013
Originally Posted by MrsSteinel'sHouse:
I do not transport regularly. I only have a car so I could only take 3 kidlets anywhere. Now, if I have 3 we may go somewhere if I plan that. Every once in a while I end up transporting but my parents know and I be sure that there is something kid oriented in the trip. For example I had to have my TB test read. I was able to get it put in without kids but had my two girls when I had to have it read. We went to the library also then. I also cannot image regularly transporting a larger number of kids- especially to run for milk!!
I would be worried about the rewarding with cookies part! I only serve nutritious food! I believe that our kids get too many treats and linking treats with reward... ugh. I expect good behavior without rewards.
If your not comfortable with that, find a different provider
While I agree with you about the food treats, I wonder how often this is something that is done? I can't imagine the provider taking the children daily to the store.
It sounds as if mom questioned it in the interview and the provider brought up some scenarios where it might happen.
It seems this provider would not be a good fit, but through no fault on the provider's (or parent's) part.
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AnneCordelia 09:08 AM 06-10-2013
Our grocery store is on the way to the school we walk to daily, so we frequent it. If we are baking together we shop for the ingredients and occasionally I run out of milk too. :-) I have been taking kids to the gcery with me for years now and am very good at managing so many children. I have five daycare kids ranging in age from 9mo to 3yo, and four children of my own (ages 2, 4, 8, 9). It doesn't sound possible to others until they see us in action..,but all the kids are well behaved and we have fun!
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AnneCordelia 09:09 AM 06-10-2013
Originally Posted by Play Care:
While I agree with you about the food treats, I wonder how often this is something that is done? I can't imagine the provider taking the children daily to the store.
It sounds as if mom questioned it in the interview and the provider brought up some scenarios where it might happen.
It seems this provider would not be a good fit, but through no fault on the provider's (or parent's) part.
And 'cookie' could mean what it does around here: an arrowroot or graham cracker. :-)
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jenn 10:11 AM 06-10-2013
I don't think she is doing anything wrong. All providers do what works for them. Some transport and go on outings almost daily.
I do not ever transport or go on outings, because that feels safer to me.
If you don't feel comfortable with your child being taken out of the providers home, please look for another place. Good luck!
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momofboys 11:06 AM 06-10-2013
Originally Posted by Solenas:
Thanks for all the replies.

She is being very honest with me. I just found it difficult to imagine a provider taking several infants to the store at once.

Thanks for letting me know it's possible and not all that strange. And it's true that I'm generally uncomfortable with the idea and probably need to find another option for care.
She didn't say she was doing her whole shopping trip - only running in for a few items, correct? I don't see that as too odd - difficult maybe. I have 3-4 kids in my care each day & it is not that difficult to take them into the store for a few items. I don't do my whole weekly shopping trip but if Irun short on a few items I will go, not a daily thing more like once a week. Usually in & out of the store in 15 min.
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sly red cid 11:35 AM 06-10-2013
Chaufuers(sp) license and commercial auto insurance required if driving anyone you are being paid to take care of.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 11:42 AM 06-10-2013
Originally Posted by lovemykidstoo:
I don't transport at all. For many reasons. Here the auto insurance is through the roof if you put so much as 1 daycare child in the car. Not to mention, there is nothing I need during hours of daycare that can't wait until later for me. It's easier for me though because I don't work on Fridays so I can do errands on that day. Bottom line, if you're not comfortable with it, then keep looking.
Same here, except I do work on Fridays.
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kelliott 11:55 AM 06-10-2013
i recently had drama with a daycare that transports.... it was a big mess.. a lot of posters on this forum told me it was ridiculous that i felt so uncomfortable with it!..so before you read anything like that, i'll just tell you that i feel the same way and do not want my child transported..it's hard to trust other people on the road, the provider... it's just tough.

i did find another daycare though..i'm LOVING it..and there's no transportation..so no bad "gut feelings"


if you are not comfortable, even in the slightest!, keep looking
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Play Care 11:56 AM 06-10-2013
Originally Posted by sly red cid:
Chaufuers(sp) license and commercial auto insurance required if driving anyone you are being paid to take care of.
That isn't true in every state. I know it's not in mine. And in some states where they say it's required, the law actually states that if the person is charging an *additional* amount for the transporting is when commercial license is required. Most providers do not fall into this category.

I am going to assume that a provider being upfront in an interview about her transportation policies is also aware of what she needs to do so legally.
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Play Care 12:03 PM 06-10-2013
Originally Posted by kelliott:
i recently had drama with a daycare that transports.... it was a big mess.. a lot of posters on this forum told me it was ridiculous that i felt so uncomfortable with it!..so before you read anything like that, i'll just tell you that i feel the same way and do not want my child transported..it's hard to trust other people on the road, the provider... it's just tough.

i did find another daycare though..i'm LOVING it..and there's no transportation..so no bad "gut feelings"


if you are not comfortable, even in the slightest!, keep looking
I don't think anyone said you shouldn't have reservations. If I recall correctly, it was that you went with a provider who transported knowing there might be a conflict. But you are right, if the provider is being upfront and honest about her policies and it doesn't mesh with you, then the onus is on you to go elsewhere.
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bgmeyers 12:26 PM 06-10-2013
If you have a problem with her taking the kids out, by all means keep looking.
I take the kids out all the time.
They learn safety rules and how the everyday world works.
We will go to a grocery store, a bank, a bakery, a park, the library, whatever or wherever.
I'm very up front about this and all of my parents are great about it.
I get compliments all the time on how well behaved my group is. There are 6 of them from 4 years to 12 months right now.
I don't necessarily reward them, but they do get praised or reminded as the behavior warrents.
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DaisyMamma 12:12 PM 06-12-2013
Originally Posted by Play Care:
It sounds as if the provider is being very upfront and honest about the type of service she provides. I agree with the pp, some providers have a knack for taking kids out, especially after years of experience.
I think at the point the fact you have doubts tells me this would not be an ideal placement for you. She isn't going to change the way she does things for *one* clients (nor should she have to) so the onus is on you to find care you will be comfortable with.
Best of luck!

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crazydaycarelady 12:40 PM 06-12-2013
Just wanted to add that when you are with 6-7 kids fulltime you become much more adept with them than someone who regularly only has one or two of their own. It just becomes second nature. Plus we have the advantage that the kids usually behave much better for us than for their parents.
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Michelle 02:01 PM 06-12-2013
Originally Posted by crazydaycarelady:
Just wanted to add that when you are with 6-7 kids fulltime you become much more adept with them than someone who regularly only has one or two of their own. It just becomes second nature. Plus we have the advantage that the kids usually behave much better for us than for their parents.

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AmyKidsCo 02:16 PM 06-12-2013
Originally Posted by Kaddidle Care:
If you have any reservation in your gut about leaving your child with a provider, find another one.
Yes, this.

You need a provider that you're comfortable with, and it sounds like you're not comfortable with this situation. It doesn't mean you're picky or that the provider is doing anything wrong, you're just not a good fit together.
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LK5kids 03:27 AM 06-13-2013
I have been a certified car seat tech for 14 years. In those 14 years I have seen 2 or 3 rear-facing seats properly installed. I have installed hundreds of seats. Tightness of the seat installation, angle of recline, harness tightened properly with no slack, chest clip on the chest/armpit area are all issues I have encountered, along with proper harness height-no gap between shoulder and where the harness slot is. Also, does the seat accommodate height/weight of the infant?

Very often forward seats have issues also. Seats are not to move more than an inch in any direction when pushed back and forth. The harness needs to be tightened properly with no slack. The chest clip needs to be at armpit height. Seats need to be tethered if there is a tether location on the vehicle. Also proper harness height. Has the child outgrown the weight limit on the seat and needs to be in a booster, etc.

Car seats expire after 6 years. Now if this provider has had the seats in her vehicle checked by a cert. tech and leaves them in place and makes sure to check them for little movement, places each child in a seat that is not expired,
makes sure each harness is the proper height, tightens each harness with no slack, etc, etc, etc, the kids would be safely restrained.

I have on many, many occasions had to work on a seat for 30 to 60 minutes to get it installed properly. ESPECIALLY rear-facing sets. If she is installing these seats each day or taking them out on the weekends etc., I would be really concerned. It would be an overwhelming task to properly install six/seven seats safely on a regular basis......and the children have to be retrained safely each time.


This is definitely something to think about!
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Unregistered 11:13 AM 06-13-2013
Originally Posted by LK5kids:
I have been a certified car seat tech for 14 years. In those 14 years I have seen 2 or 3 rear-facing seats properly installed. I have installed hundreds of seats. Tightness of the seat installation, angle of recline, harness tightened properly with no slack, chest clip on the chest/armpit area are all issues I have encountered, along with proper harness height-no gap between shoulder and where the harness slot is. Also, does the seat accommodate height/weight of the infant?

Very often forward seats have issues also. Seats are not to move more than an inch in any direction when pushed back and forth. The harness needs to be tightened properly with no slack. The chest clip needs to be at armpit height. Seats need to be tethered if there is a tether location on the vehicle. Also proper harness height. Has the child outgrown the weight limit on the seat and needs to be in a booster, etc.

Car seats expire after 6 years. Now if this provider has had the seats in her vehicle checked by a cert. tech and leaves them in place and makes sure to check them for little movement, places each child in a seat that is not expired,
makes sure each harness is the proper height, tightens each harness with no slack, etc, etc, etc, the kids would be safely restrained.

I have on many, many occasions had to work on a seat for 30 to 60 minutes to get it installed properly. ESPECIALLY rear-facing sets. If she is installing these seats each day or taking them out on the weekends etc., I would be really concerned. It would be an overwhelming task to properly install six/seven seats safely on a regular basis......and the children have to be retrained safely each time.


This is definitely something to think about!
I never took the seats out and I had 2 built-in ones. It would be insanely difficult to do that every day.
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cheerfuldom 05:32 PM 06-15-2013
another thing to consider, just a thought, you said she had several infants plus older kids. I would double check that you know how many kids AND of what ages are allowed to follow state guidelines. here it is generally, two kids under two depending on how your licensed and assuming there is one provider. anyway, its good for you to know what is and is not allowed by the state. just because a provider is transporting or has a certain number of kids, doesnt mean that they are supposed to be doing that.

but yeah, agree with everyone else. follow your gut with this one. if you dont feel right about the situation, just keep looking. there is nothing wrong with saying that she is not the right fit for your child.
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Unregistered 10:04 PM 06-15-2013
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
another thing to consider, just a thought, you said she had several infants plus older kids. I would double check that you know how many kids AND of what ages are allowed to follow state guidelines. here it is generally, two kids under two depending on how your licensed and assuming there is one provider. anyway, its good for you to know what is and is not allowed by the state. just because a provider is transporting or has a certain number of kids, doesnt mean that they are supposed to be doing that.

but yeah, agree with everyone else. follow your gut with this one. if you dont feel right about the situation, just keep looking. there is nothing wrong with saying that she is not the right fit for your child.
That is so true! I knew a woman who took way more kids than she should AND stuffed them in her SIX passenger car. And what's worse? When we called (me, and someone else evidently) the state didn't even do a cease and desist order nor did she get into any trouble!
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Jack Sprat 05:40 AM 07-23-2013
We drive, walk and the older ones bike. Going grocery shopping is a HUGE learning opportunity. We have a local store we walk to and then Wal-Mart is further away and requires driving. In our state each parent has to sign an off premises form. They read it and then sign for every single place. It also indicates if we walk, drive or both. If I have more then 5 kiddos we don't go anywhere that requires driving. My dck behave wonderfully when we go out. They all know the routine of getting in and out of the car, hold on to hands and the cart.

If you feel uncomfortable with it then I would change daycares.
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PolarCare 03:16 PM 07-23-2013
My house is too small for us to be cooped up here all day long, and I have 7 kids of my own to begin with, so when ALL of my children are home, there's no WAY we can all stay here all the time.

That said, I don't keep infants, and I don't keep diaper-age kids. I keep only school aged kids right now. I have an infant of my own, and a three year old that is mostly out of diapers, and it's a challenge to take a group out with them in tow. I wouldn't attempt to go on a trip with a bunch of babies without another adult, but it's just because babies aren't my favorite age for kids, and I find the whole "carrier carseat" rigamarole to be a huge hassle. I hated when MY baby was in one of those contraptions. So glad she's huge and sits in a regular car seat now. But still, the getting in and out of the car thing and head count is so much easier with older kids. And you can do so much more with them. We go to the park, to the zoo, to museums, the library, pretty much everywhere.

I should also say that my older kids are 14 and 15, and they help a lot with field trips and stuff (in exchange for spending money, of course). Super helpful boys.
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Unregistered 04:41 PM 08-21-2013
I run a day care, my days are often 11 hours long and then the house ex...and out door chores ex...not much free time if I also shopped every weekend or at night
so
if my day is easy with the number of children , ages, and who, i do take a couple with me out and about
the licensing regs and insurance follows me every where , the van is just for day care and I have the seats and all
some children are here 9, 10, 11 hours and if we do not get out and about they do not see much of life
and I do mention this on the interveiws , the outings and the coverage and why ......
of course we do other fun outings too
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Childminder 08:09 PM 08-21-2013
I also mention at interview that we may be taking trips out to the store and that if you as a parent are not comfortable then we are not a good fit. I have children 6 days and nights a week and cannot nor will not do every errand and chore on my only day off. I can handle the children while out and about or we don't go and I am only licensed for 2 infants so will never be out with six or seven "infants".

OP if you are in doubt go with your feelings and find someone that doesn't drive or you will be uncomfortable and make the provider uncomfortable if she were to accept your child.
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