Is this fair/right/ok on 18 month DC?

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DC is 18 months. I matched with someone on a dating site and they’re in the next city. They’ve offered to come over my way and go for a meal. I’d be out 6 hours max, probably less and more like 4.

my mum has offered to look after DC for the evening but I am so stressed about it! I also know if the relationship develops that I would need to find a babysitter.

do people use family and babysitters like this? Is it fair on DC? Ex doesn’t see them at all so I have no time otherwise. I feel so conflicted.

im 36 if that’s relevant, thanks.

Of course it's fine. I've looked after my baby cousins when their mum wanted to go out on a date. I enjoyed it. Whole half a day of baby snuggles all to myself. You're allowed to have a life.

It's perfectly fine. You are allowed to have a life. Also don't start thinking about what's going to happen in the future. You've not even been on your first date yet.

What in earth is wrong with a GM looking after a baby for a few hours? Nothing! Enjoy your date and don’t worry!

Its totally fine, I was essentially a 'date night babysitter' as a teenager as I started babysitting for one single mum when she went dating and then lots of her single mum friends hired me for the same thing too.
It was very normal, and sometimes funny as they would come home and tell me about the dates.

Have I missed something?

"Is it ok to let my mum babysit my 18 month old?"

Does she have previous for not looking after your DC properly?

It's completely normal and good for your child to have time apart from you. At some point they're going to be at nursery and school and you won't be with them 24/7. That will be a really hard transition for a child that has never been away from mum. It would be a great idea to start leaving them for a few hours with trusted and friends and family now.

Agree with everyone else. If your mum (or other sensible adult!) is happy to babysit, the reason doesn't matter. You're a mum, you're also allowed a life.

Why would it not be fine?

I left a 12 month old for a week for a holiday.

Most people don't stay trapped with a baby

Who do you leave them with if not family? I am not sure who/where/agency etc? Just want to make sure they’re safe.

i guess I feel bad as they’re young still