To tell my filthy neighbour not to touch my baby or her toys...

[MummyMogwai]

Across the road lives an odd woman, definitely some kind of development issue there but she's pretty smart. She's friendly and eager to help, especially if its to do with bins or any other council services.

She loves my 5 month old and I think it's nice for her to see the baby. As much as i've asked her not to, she's always picking up little presents for baby, tops books toys, mostly second hand but some of it's great.

Problem is she is ABSOLUTELY FILTHY. At first I thought i should ignore my sensitivities to it and not be too precious with my little one, but that was before I went into her house. It's the stuff cable tv is made of. She's basically made her home into a landfill site... stacks of rubbish 4 feet high, flies, rotting smell, strange black matter on the windows... she and her decrepit dog sleep on a blanket in the middle of all this rubbish. I've seen her having a few visits by officers and though maybe they were rspca but now i think it's more likely environmental health are trying to work with her.

I don't think she'd be at all bothered if i talked to her about the mess but i'm not sure how to tackle the baby issue. I genuinely don't want to alienate her but don't want to put my little one at risk. When i see her i'm instantly anxious she'll touch baby's hands or pick up one of her toys. I don't think i'm being over sensitive - a full grown adult could be made ill by this level of filth. any advice?

[MummyMogwai]

I really appreciate your responses. We're not overzealous with keeping her things clean at home. Aside from contact with the woman across the road, her toys have ever been cleaned so I think she gets a good dose of normal germs from everyday life.

While the pro dirt posts are giving me some confidence, I do agree with the last two posts. Surely there's a line in the 'let them eat dirt' approach. If this woman is a red alert for hygiene, isn't that across the line?

[MummyMogwai]

sorry not the last 2 posts, the ones by eosmum and katiemiddleton.

[nomorehotbaths]

It's sad for this lady but I wouldn't want her touching my baby. There's picking up a few germs, then there's contact with someone who is downright filthy and could and probably is carrying all manner of germs - I'd be wary too and give baby a quick wash after she touches him, that way noone gets hurt.

[TurkeyBurgerThing]

She's being kind to you with the gifts etc. Can't you send your DH offer to perhaps help her clean up her house instead of being freaked out by it.

Makes me sad that people get to the point where it gets completely out of control like that.