Childcare advice

[destiny121]

Hi lovely ladies... just thought I’d get your opinion. I have secured my son a place at nursery which is great however my partners grandma has come to the uk and is willing to look after baby. However... although it’s free she is in her lates 70’s and is his great grandma. What would you do? Baby is 10 months.

[Hidden]

Depends what she’s like really. If my nan was still alive and 70 (she died at 68) I would definitely let her look after my LG but maybe not a lot as it can be hard work for us so can imagine it can be harder for them. Could you do a bit of both? Maybe you could do more hours at work than initially planned of just do less hours at nursery and the others with her so you can save a bit x

[destiny121 in reply to Hidden]

Yes that’s what I’m thinking.... I had to fight for the days at the nursery that I need and don’t want to mess them about to be honest.... but we’ll see... perhaps I can let her have him a few hours one day maybe xx

[Seb9]

I would use her if she's free and you think she's capable to safely look after your baby. You have to be fully confident that she'll be alright. My mum is in her 70s and is fantastic with my daughter she looks after her for me for a few hours once a week and is very capable. However I'm not sure I'd be able to leave her with her if I was working full time as I think she'd be exhausted. Could you maybe do a bit of both? A friend of mine mother in law has her child and looking after him 3 days is causing issues as mother in law is tired and is restricted on what she can do with child in tow.

[destiny121 in reply to Seb9]

That’s the thing... I’ll be working 4 days a week and I think they expect me to leave him with her al that time.... but babies are so quick and I think at nursery the staff would be more on their toes tbh

[AJBee]

I guess like others have said, I would judge it more on physical capabilities rather than age. My mum is 70 and not especially strong/fit. My boy is 10 months just about and is quite a big lad I guess, but my mum isn't able to pick him up from the floor and isn't confident carrying him on the stairs. Thankfully she freely admits to her physical restrictions so we haven't had to have an awkward conversation. So I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving him with her for any real length of time (until he's toddling certainly. Different kettle of fish when you're not carrying them all over the place). My partners mum is also early 70s but can't hold our son for more than a few mins cause of her back, so to me that rules her out too. Obvs if your partner's great grandma is strong and able then I personally would be glad of the offer, even if it's an odd half day here and there. Good luck with everything xx