OCing with an infant.

[jcabin]

I was thinking, when I have a baby, will I still OC when I'm carrying my baby in my arms doing my shopping or walking where ever? Several factors here; one being that if forced to draw OC or CC what would you do with your infant child? If OC'ing and some groups of assclownhats decide to try and take your firearm off you while youre carrying your infant what then? You're looking out for yourself and your child who is completely helpless.

[General Geoff]

no set of standard rules. Carrying an infant is an awesome responsibility, moreso even than carrying (open or concealed). If you choose to do both, be sure you know what you'll do if confonted. I know, I'm not much help, but I've always been very wary of how much responsibility it is to carry a baby.

[P-11 shooter]

I think i'd try to conceal.

Either way, if youhad to draw with an infant it would be bad news. You can't drop it like you could with a bag of groceries, and the gunshots would be detrimental to the infants hearing.

It's just not a good situation all around.

[ironcowboy]

Plus you might be drawing fire (as in if you tried to stop a robbery at a turkey hill when normally they would not be shooting at you) towards yourself (and in that case the baby as well) so i would say no...

[P-11 shooter]

I know i'd react totally different with an infant than I would without.

If I were in a situation to maybe stop a robbery or something I don't think I'd have any problem "playing John Wayne" on my own and risking my own life. Even if I was with a girlfriend I might not take that chance, and with an infant you have an obligation to nobody but that child.

If something went down it's basically your duty to retreat and get that child to safety. That child comes before anyone else.

[edstephan]

There are ways of putting yourself between the BG and infant as you draw.
I have demonstrated a couple of different ways in the NRA Home Defense classes I have taught. Key is practicing strong arm shooting because you should always carry the infant with weak arm.
Not the ideal situation but no situation is ideal when it comes to defense.
Yes I did OC and CC when my children and grandaughter were infants and will continue OC/CC when the new grandbaby is born next April.
Just my 2¢
Ed

[ar15jules]

Originally Posted by P-11 shooter

I know i'd react totally different with an infant than I would without.

If I were in a situation to maybe stop a robbery or something I don't think I'd have any problem "playing John Wayne" on my own and risking my own life. Even if I was with a girlfriend I might not take that chance, and with an infant you have an obligation to nobody but that child.

If something went down it's basically your duty to retreat and get that child to safety. That child comes before anyone else.

I have to "spread the love around" so to speak, so I will rep you here. Fantastic post.
Jules

[mercop]

A very legitimate question. I have had people have to defend themselves with large dolls in their arms during knife and gun courses.

[dieselkarl]

Infants and toddlers add a whole dimension of distraction towards you. I routinely cc while taking my 2 and 4 year old on errands.
When I was a new father, having a howling infant in a store actually raised my situational awareness but after countless events like that, you numb yourself to other folks reactions.
However, while engaging and occupying the kids during erands nowadays, I don't wish to add another level of situational awareness by oc'ing while running out to grab some grub. More power to ya if you can.

[rady8um]

Not trying to sound sexist here, but if you are together with your significant other, she should be carrying the baby. You will be in a world of shit if you need to defend your self or family while carrying the little one. Unless of course she carries too, then you should take turns.