Letting somebody down gently?

[Shanshan21]

Hello Ladies. I really dont know what to do. My MIL has told us she has made us 2 macrame hanging moses basket. I really dont feel comfortable putting my newborn in this, and I dont know how to let her down gently, she is such a sensitive person I'm worried I will offend her :( please help x

I couldn’t believe this was a thing so I googled. There are some amazing, insta worthy, ones!

Why has she made 2?

Could you mention it from the angle of not wanting to put a hole in the ceiling? Cables run along the joists so you don’t want to risk going through cable?

They are in Moses baskets for such a tiny amount of time that they possibly wouldn’t be in use for very long. If it comes to it could you put baby in for a photo then never have them in it again? Would she be likely to find out?

Thankyou for your reply 'youdontknowwhatyoureonabout'. These are some good ideas. I'm unsure why she has made 2, I have already managed to politely decline 1, saying we don't have the room as we live in a small house, but finding it difficult with the second.

Don't get me wrong I think they look beautiful , but I worry about the health and safety aspect, so your suggestions are very helpful, thankyou :) x

I would put baby in it, and get your DH to hold the macrame hanging part so the basket is only very slightly off the ground. Take a picture (cropping out DH so it just looks like it's hung up), send her a copy of the photo with thanks. Then put it away and next time she comes round you can just say that baby outgrew the moses basket.

If this is part of a pattern of trying to give you stuff and over-ride your answers, that's a whole other thing! Hopefully though she is just a bit over-excited at the prospect of a new grandchild and making stuff is a way for her to channel the excitement.

Thankyou 'mutteringdarkly' this is a good idea ! MIL is always trying to give us stuff she has made, plant hangers, coasters etc but this time I don't feel I can say no thankyou when she has made it especially for us. I am very grateful for her but sometimes find it a little overwhelming. Thankyou for your advice :) x