Infant Parking spaces rant

angel2118

Soooooo yea. Bj's and one of the Stop & Shops where I shop have those AWESOME infant parking spaces which are SO helpful when lugging LO in the infant seat during high winds and rain (and really every day to be honest). I have to say though that I have left a number of "please be more considerate when you park in these spots and clearly do not have an infant" notes as well as said to a number of people going into or coming out of those spots (without infants or sometimes without children period) that it really stinks when people park in those spots and people WITH infants end up hoofing it from the far end of the lot especially in bad weather. I have been met with the really nice, "oh man I'm so sorry" to "I don't care it's a free country and I can park where I want to" as well as the "I have an infant (and points to their screaming 4 year old who is running around the car)". I have to say that more times than not I get the "So?" response and it is just so... grrr. DH has said he is happy he is not the one in the car faced with this otherwise these people would get a full "post prune" diaper on their windshield

 

I am assuming this is a pretty common thing but I had to have a little rant since it happened again today. I don't mind the extra exercise if I have to walk from the far end of the parking lot (unless it is terrible weather), but I guess it's just principal. 

Thanks for listening

MWoodside

I have never in my life heard of an infant parking spot.

IrishBrideND

I cannot believe you call people out. If its THAT hard to lug an infant around, you'd think you wouldn't have the time or energy to track people down. And honestly, I would think its harder to lug a 4 year old around than an infant. If the walk is that hard for you, use a stroller.

two-pink-shoes

You leave notes?  How do you know that a person doesn't have a baby by looking at the outside of their car?

My grocery has one of these spaces and while nice to use, I wouldn't harass anyone for taking it. 

angel2118

I don't "track people down". If I am walking out and see them or heading in to park and notice it then yes I do say something. But thanks.

 The walk isn't "hard" for me (if you read my note saying I don't mind the walk unless it is terrible weather) and I wouldn't use a stroller for grocery shopping. 

And yes.  I also am one of those people who say something to people I see who park in a handicapped spot and aren't handicapped. 

MNgirl326

I think you are making way bigger deal out of it then needs to be.

Most places don't even have those spots. 

danto

Wowza! It's a marketing campaign for crying out loud.  Those stores don't really think you NEED those spaces if you have an infant, it's just that those with infants (and pregnant mothers at Baby Stores) spend MORE and they want you to frequent their store.

If there's an empty one - bonus, if not, it's not your God given right to park close to the store.

IrishBrideND

angel2118:

I don't "track people down". If I am walking out and see them or heading in to park and notice it then yes I do say something. But thanks.

 The walk isn't "hard" for me (if you read my note saying I don't mind the walk unless it is terrible weather) and I wouldn't use a stroller for grocery shopping. 

And yes.  I also am one of those people who say something to people I see who park in a handicapped spot and aren't handicapped. 

how do you know they aren't handicapped? H has a condition you can't see. It sucks when jerks call him out and accuse him of not being handicapped because they can't see it. I hope you know for a FACT those people don't have issues. Seriously. You better be careful and stop assuming what you don't know.

angel2118

if their backseat is covered in items (hence no child would be sitting there) as well as no car seat then yes I have left notes... I don't leave a note or say something EVERY time. and I'm not mean or nasty when I say anything so I would hardly call it "harassing".

 

my point of the post was basically that it is sad that people don't really care to help out moms/dads with infants by seeing this courtesy and saying yea, that's nice I will leave the spot for some mom/dad who needs it.... geez guys.

MWoodside

angel2118:

And yes.  I also am one of those people who say something to people I see who park in a handicapped spot and aren't handicapped. 

And how exactly do you tell if someone is handicapped just by looking at them?  Ever heard of cancer, MS, a recent surgery, etc?  Think about it. 

MNgirl326

angel2118:

if their backseat is covered in items (hence no child would be sitting there) as well as no car seat then yes I have left notes... I don't leave a note or say something EVERY time. and I'm not mean or nasty when I say anything so I would hardly call it "harassing".

 

my point of the post was basically that it is sad that people don't really care to help out moms/dads with infants by seeing this courtesy and saying yea, that's nice I will leave the spot for some mom/dad who needs it.... geez guys.

If I were to leave a spot open, I would rather leave a spot open for someone who is older and maybe has a hard time walking then worry about a mom with an infant.    

two-pink-shoes

angel2118:

if their backseat is covered in items (hence no child would be sitting there) as well as no car seat then yes I have left notes..

This insinuates that you go and look inside the car.  And that is just plain obsessive.

fussbucket

angel2118

geez. ok apparently i need to be more specific when i post.

 

i don't TELL EVERYONE i see who doesn't have a handicapped sticker/plate/hang tag. when i bring my grandfather around and the spots are all taken (and a 20 year old walks without issue to the spot i may give a glare or I may roll down my window and just say "hey it's a handicapped spot" (in a normal voice).

 

there is no need for everyone to jump down my throat. as i said before my original post was basically about courtesy with moms/dads and infants.... heck even holding the door instead of letting it slam in someones face has become a rarity. 

 

easy all. 

lindseychase06

I wouldn't go as far as to leave a note, but I do agree that its selfish for someone to park in those spots that does not have a kid in tow. We have them at our BJ's  and they are wonderful, esp. in the winter months.

IrishBrideND

angel2118:

geez. ok apparently i need to be more specific when i post.

 

i don't TELL EVERYONE i see who doesn't have a handicapped sticker/plate/hang tag. when i bring my grandfather around and the spots are all taken (and a 20 year old walks without issue to the spot i may give a glare or I may roll down my window and just say "hey it's a handicapped spot" (in a normal voice).

 

there is no need for everyone to jump down my throat. as i said before my original post was basically about courtesy with moms/dads and infants.... heck even holding the door instead of letting it slam in someones face has become a rarity. 

 

easy all. 

and that 20 year old man who walks normally in you opinion may have a heart condition or something else you can't see. There is no need to be so verbally assertive about things you don't know for sure. Sheesh. H looks like a completely able bodied person (when wearing pants) and has people like you give him grief for it all the time. Because of it, he often doesn't take those spots even if its a case that would be very helpful to him just because he doesn't want to deal with the comments. Just in the future think before you act.

MNgirl326

No one is jumping down your throat,  They are just pointing out that those spots are courtesy, not a necissity and like I said earlier you are making way bigger deal out of it then needs be.

JoBieger05

abartow:

angel2118:

if their backseat is covered in items (hence no child would be sitting there) as well as no car seat then yes I have left notes... I don't leave a note or say something EVERY time. and I'm not mean or nasty when I say anything so I would hardly call it "harassing".

 

my point of the post was basically that it is sad that people don't really care to help out moms/dads with infants by seeing this courtesy and saying yea, that's nice I will leave the spot for some mom/dad who needs it.... geez guys.

If I were to leave a spot open, I would rather leave a spot open for someone who is older and maybe has a hard time walking then worry about a mom with an infant.    

This.

My BIL has CP and could use the handicapped parking spaces, but chooses not to because he is capable of walking and  would rather someone who can't walk get those spots.

IrishBrideND

ill admit I might be jumping down your throat about the handicapped thing, but as you can understand, its something I'm sensitive about.

ajtjirsnow

alright OP, you have a companion!! I too hate when someone, for example a teenager walking out with a soda and bag of chips, parks in these spots. I have called that exact person out too. I usually have both of my kids with me, and tho I don't mind walking with them, it is convenient to park a little closer.

For those that would rather leave the spots to older people, I agree. Most of the infant spots near us are actually close to the store, but usually not the closest spots.

If it were me designing these spots I would make them closer to the cart terminals since that's what I need anyways.

angel2118

i know they are a courtesy and not a right and thank you all for your input

 

i appreciate all the constructive criticism and perspective!

angel2118

on a completely different note and to cool the convo, here is a great recipe that just came out of the oven,

 

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/creme-brulee-cheesecake-bars/292a25e3-2752-4a46-9cc7-7a04ae799d98

 

my little peace offering after this rousing discussion. 

WinesNotWhines

Sometimes the able-bodied person getting into the car parked in a handicapped spot is driving around to pick up someone waiting in front of the store. My parents sometimes do that with my disabled sister if the weather is bad. Just something to think about.

AvidVertigo

At what point do you consider the baby not to be an infant anymore? 

If it is late night at the grocery store after 8 or 9pm, we have parked there with Hudson.  Now that he is almost 8 months old, I doubt we will park there anymore and leave it for expectant mothers and moms with babies younger than 6m old.

BurnNurse

Seriously?  Calling people out because they park in a closer spot, that just happens to say "infant parking"?  Um, I knew when I got pregnant, that there would be a time I'd have to hoof it from the end of the parking lot carrying a kid.  I mean, its things that come with the territory. 

 

This "rant" is just like from the tri days (mainly 1st tri for some reason) when people would complain about people parking in the "expectant mother" spots so their 7 week pregnant self had to walk 15 feet more.   

CamFam

I love those infant spots and get excited when they are empty. I would never think to write a note or call someone out if they park there without a baby, though. I guess I'm a firm believer in KARMA.

After lugging A's infant carrier into the mall without the stroller so I could put it in the cart at Bed, Bath and Beyond, I am seriously rethinking this shopping alone stuff. He's not ready for sitting in the front of a cart.

MrsBalletStar05

Is she for real?

danto

angel2118:

on a completely different note and to cool the convo, here is a great recipe that just came out of the oven,

 

https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/creme-brulee-cheesecake-bars/292a25e3-2752-4a46-9cc7-7a04ae799d98

 

my little peace offering after this rousing discussion. 

Yum! You may continue to post ridiculousness in exchange for tasty treats

Brougham7-15-06

I think the leaving notes/confronting is a bit dramatic.  I surely might be thinking those things...but I don't have the balls to say anything

wifeyvana

angel2118:

And yes.  I also am one of those people who say something to people I see who park in a handicapped spot and aren't handicapped. 

It also makes me angry when I see people taking handicapped spots when they don't need them but sometimes people don't appear to be what you would consider handicapped but still need that spot.  My dad has a handicapped sticker for his messed up back but he appears to be totally healthy, however he is still in a lot of pain. 

GreenieTA11

I've never heard of infant spaces but I bark at people who inappropriately park in handicap spaces all the time.  I usually call the cops when pets are locked in cars during the summer, too! 

kbaseman

IrishBrideND:

angel2118:

geez. ok apparently i need to be more specific when i post.

 

i don't TELL EVERYONE i see who doesn't have a handicapped sticker/plate/hang tag. when i bring my grandfather around and the spots are all taken (and a 20 year old walks without issue to the spot i may give a glare or I may roll down my window and just say "hey it's a handicapped spot" (in a normal voice).

 

there is no need for everyone to jump down my throat. as i said before my original post was basically about courtesy with moms/dads and infants.... heck even holding the door instead of letting it slam in someones face has become a rarity. 

 

easy all. 

and that 20 year old man who walks normally in you opinion may have a heart condition or something else you can't see. There is no need to be so verbally assertive about things you don't know for sure. Sheesh. H looks like a completely able bodied person (when wearing pants) and has people like you give him grief for it all the time. Because of it, he often doesn't take those spots even if its a case that would be very helpful to him just because he doesn't want to deal with the comments. Just in the future think before you act.

 

this exactly

KRISTA555

It's true that you don't always know if someone truly needs a handicapped spot.

My husband is being medically retired from the Army in about a month and is in excruciating pain daily.  When he is officially retired, he will recieve a handicapped tag, and a license plate that says "disabled veteran".   However, he looks like an able-bodied, average 26 year old.  On his good days he walks normally without a limp, but even on those days he is still hurting.

I'm just waiting for the day that some snarky biatch says something to him.

Fashiongal1973

I honestly prefer to park next to the cart corral. When DS was in the infant carrier I would pull a cart out and use it to transport him into the store. Also it is a heck of a lot easier to unload my groceries and has the cart corral right there.

Our BRU has the expectant mom parking but the spots are so narrow I could never park in them. I couldn't get the car door open far enough to get out. 

mopsie

I had to use handicap spaces in college when I had my ankle replaced - I couldn't walk without severe pain for almost 9 months.  I never used the spaces unless I was in pain or it was icy to reduce the likelihood of slipping.  I got nasty notes ALL. THE. TIME. because people saw a 20-something girl walking, seemingly normally, to and from a car.  If only they knew how much agony every single step took, I bet they would've thought twice.  And my car even got keyed once because of it. I stopped using those spots after that, even though there were occasions I really would've benefited from it.  So stop assuming that just because someone is young and "eats chips and soda" means they don't need to park in a designated handicap spot. 

SunflowerMae

KRISTA555:

It's true that you don't always know if someone truly needs a handicapped spot.

My husband is being medically retired from the Army in about a month and is in excruciating pain daily.  When he is officially retired, he will recieve a handicapped tag, and a license plate that says "disabled veteran".   However, he looks like an able-bodied, average 26 year old.  On his good days he walks normally without a limp, but even on those days he is still hurting.

I'm just waiting for the day that some snarky biatch says something to him.

If he has a handicapped tag I doubt anyone will say anything.

SunflowerMae

mopsie:

I had to use handicap spaces in college when I had my ankle replaced - I couldn't walk without severe pain for almost 9 months.  I never used the spaces unless I was in pain or it was icy to reduce the likelihood of slipping.  I got nasty notes ALL. THE. TIME. because people saw a 20-something girl walking, seemingly normally, to and from a car.  If only they knew how much agony every single step took, I bet they would've thought twice.  And my car even got keyed once because of it. I stopped using those spots after that, even though there were occasions I really would've benefited from it.  So stop assuming that just because someone is young and "eats chips and soda" means they don't need to park in a designated handicap spot. 

You had a tag and people would still be rude to you? Wow! 

I won't lie, we had a garage sale at my house yesterday and a lady and her daughter pulled up with a handicap tag hanging from their rearview mirror. Both walking, laughing, acting just fine and dandy.  At first I thought: "What shysty people."  Then I realized that maybe her husband is actually the handicapped one.  But it still makes you wonder if they're just lazy or if they really need it.  Either way, I wasn't going to say anything.

mopsie

SunflowerMae:

mopsie:

I had to use handicap spaces in college when I had my ankle replaced - I couldn't walk without severe pain for almost 9 months.  I never used the spaces unless I was in pain or it was icy to reduce the likelihood of slipping.  I got nasty notes ALL. THE. TIME. because people saw a 20-something girl walking, seemingly normally, to and from a car.  If only they knew how much agony every single step took, I bet they would've thought twice.  And my car even got keyed once because of it. I stopped using those spots after that, even though there were occasions I really would've benefited from it.  So stop assuming that just because someone is young and "eats chips and soda" means they don't need to park in a designated handicap spot. 

You had a tag and people would still be rude to you? Wow! 

I won't lie, we had a garage sale at my house yesterday and a lady and her daughter pulled up with a handicap tag hanging from their rearview mirror. Both walking, laughing, acting just fine and dandy.  At first I thought: "What shysty people."  Then I realized that maybe her husband is actually the handicapped one.  But it still makes you wonder if they're just lazy or if they really need it.  Either way, I wasn't going to say anything.

They don't give out handicap placards if someone's "just lazy".  You need a legitimate medical reason plus documentation.  

 

jlthompson19

SunflowerMae:

mopsie:

I had to use handicap spaces in college when I had my ankle replaced - I couldn't walk without severe pain for almost 9 months.  I never used the spaces unless I was in pain or it was icy to reduce the likelihood of slipping.  I got nasty notes ALL. THE. TIME. because people saw a 20-something girl walking, seemingly normally, to and from a car.  If only they knew how much agony every single step took, I bet they would've thought twice.  And my car even got keyed once because of it. I stopped using those spots after that, even though there were occasions I really would've benefited from it.  So stop assuming that just because someone is young and "eats chips and soda" means they don't need to park in a designated handicap spot. 

You had a tag and people would still be rude to you? Wow! 

I won't lie, we had a garage sale at my house yesterday and a lady and her daughter pulled up with a handicap tag hanging from their rearview mirror. Both walking, laughing, acting just fine and dandy.  At first I thought: "What shysty people."  Then I realized that maybe her husband is actually the handicapped one.  But it still makes you wonder if they're just lazy or if they really need it.  Either way, I wasn't going to say anything.

I didn't realize handicapped people aren't allowed to walk and laugh at the same time.  As evidenced by the many replies in this post, you have NO idea what kind of medical condition someone has just by looking at them.  Not everyone walks with a limp and an oxygen tank.

As for the OP, I've only ever seen spots that say parking for "new and expectant mothers" and I don't consider having a 6 month old as being a "new" mother.