AIBU to ask in-laws to remove shoes?

They really need to take their shoes off at the door do they have a key and just let themselves in? Also they should wash their hands with soap and water when they come in too That would help more with germs than the shoes

Your house, your rules, but the germophobic reasoning is just weird.

Did you invite them round? Or did they just turn up?

ETA that was to @Franjipanl8r

Overall, YANBU.

We’ve always been a shoes off indoors household even before children. I don’t want our carpets getting filthy.

It is your house, so your rules with things like that.

However, I am unsure to what degree this is linked to your baby’s illnesses. What is understandable is that when your baby is ill, that can create anxiety and an urge to control things as it can feel very out of control and frightening. Hopefully everyone around you will be kind and understanding to you, it is never nice seeing your child ill.

No need to provide house shoes or slippers, they can bring their own if they want.

My in-laws did this. My DH answered the door and just stood there waiting for them to take their shoes off before letting them in every time. This is a DH problem.

We have a no shoes policy in our home but not due to germs. I don't want outside dirt etc on my carpets.

But, regardless of the reason, you don't have to justify yourself. It's your home and anyone who disrespects your rules and preferences is disrespecting you, IMO.

YANBU.

"The bottom of your shoes can harbor anywhere from 421,000 to over 8 million bacteria per shoe, with a massive percentage (up to 99%) transferring onto clean floors within just a few steps. This includes heavy concentrations of fecal bacteria like E. coli, as well as pathogens linked to respiratory infections and diarrhea."

Yup. Pretty gross. 🤮

@Anarchy99 you can get washable slippers ffs.
@tirednhn Maybe you could order some slip-over shoe covers for FIL. (Like they have in hospitals)

I was raised in a shoes on house and I have a shoes off house.
Yanbu. Its gross.

Assuming the best....
Some older folks have shit mobility.
Id have shoe covers and somewhere to sit.

I'd also met them at the door and guide them to sit if visiting OR if they are picking up your baby leave them at the door amd say you are grabbing a few things and will be one moment then tale the baby out to them.

Separately...

Id look at buying a UV steriliser its great for toys and also some aquaint

I found aquaint sooooo useful.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vital-Baby-Hypoallergenic-Antibacterial-Vegan-Friendly/dp/B0BXB7XYK8/ref=mps_a11?crid=2KV75JQZQ8WEP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2U9j10pFl-NC4wPw5nqhcJmyOniVl8ATsKrqAapk2RidYvfQPiVfOIJMOw59RkqnJ0Vq9wEJarOXX-8Wt3biW17oUiam0shcsaOMYimvsMmzApHjvtmIVGsWl0O0ChLeKXnNotBsBeAHTX1OkPz9G5IqVn2ymJSkYhsbG2W83aohyeUD-q2mNELGNtTvyEkkz1jEqdNzXcbBUBW9A.c1q39dyK0nTgermm4NdGlpGiPHX2-jYbO9pSqiv9c&dibtag=se&keywords=vital+baby+aquaint+cleansing+water&qid=1783565443&sprefix=aquiant%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1

Omg that url 🫠

I am in my early 70s and every one of my friends is a shoes off household. I think it is disgusting to wear shoes inside.

OP, I am very sorry that your child has been ill. As people have pointed out, germs are often carried in on hands. Anyone coming into your house should be washing their hands when they arrive. I expect many people here will scoff at that.

You’d be better off asking them to wash their hands on their way into the house, that would at least be linked to reducing the spread of colds/viruses.

Used slippers?

Are house shoes for you or for visitors?

(That sign is awful - putting up signs in your home is not a good look in any case 😁)

@LivelyGreyShark - shoes bring in up to 85% of household dust. If this baby has had repeated bronchitis, then dust is very likely a trigger. Shoes also increase likelihood of germs on the floor where this kid will be crawling and putting things in their mouth.

I have a shoe rack just inside my door, with extra house shoes and some hand sanitizer on top. If you have room to add a chair or a stool, even better. I would even consider putting a sign up on the door. This one is on Temu but I am sure you can get them anywhere.

Shoes on in the house is nothing to do with your child's immune system, does your child go to nursery?

Well as I explained in my last post, I’m not going to risk picking up some nasty infection from someone’s carpet which could result in serious health complications.

Having a foot amputated is a lot more grim than shoes on inside a house

We don't wear shoes as we have carpets. Most guests take off their shoes but I would never tell them to. I think if you are very sensitive about germs, don't have carpets and then visitors don't need to worry taking off shoes.

So you would rather bring in dirt you’ve been stepping on outside than take off your shoes in the house? I have a dog, I pick up after him, but there will still be traces I’m sure, he sometimes pees on the road…mainly bushes but still. 😩😢😢😩😢🤢

I find it grim when people don’t take off their shoes. I loved my time in Asia and Africa as it’s common, seen as a sign of respecting someone’s home and clean to not traipse around indoors with whatever you’ve stepped on outside.

If I was asked, it’s not a problem as I just wouldn’t be able to come in. I am diabetic and walking barefoot is something I have been told not to do.

I am certainly not going to risk picking up something nasty from your carpets (dead skin cells, sweaty feet, small children’s dirty hands and dribble… 🤢) as it could have serious consequences for me if my feet get infected.

Why do so many germphobes have carpet anyway?

I have this issue with my in laws. Turns out they struggle to bend down to take shoes on and off, we don’t have a seat by the front door. It’s still disgusting though.

Yep. I never ask people to. Many do take them off, or offer to, but I don't ask and would never insist. Some people have smelly feet or verrucas, and I'm not about to put them in a position that embarrasses them..

Then keep both the 2 year old and poorly baby at home for the next couple of weeks whilst baby recuperates.

Do your in-laws have a weekly arrangement that they look after the 2 year old? Why do they need to come inside to do ‘handover’ if they know your baby is poorly?

Ah nothing says ‘screw the environment’ better than a load of plastic shoe covers…