Should disabled MIL be looking after our baby?

[Desupi]

I don't want this to come across badly at all, but just looking for people's opinions. I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with our first baby. My parents are both retired early a couple of years ago and said they are happy to do the bulk of childcare (v. lucky, I know). DP said MIL would love to have the baby for a day too.

MIL is a lovely person but she has severe arthritis and walks with 2 sticks and is unable to get up and down stairs on her own.

I feel terrible about being wary about her looking after the baby, not to mention FIL passed away a month ago so she is on her own and thought of the baby is keeping her going.

Given she walks with sticks and can’t navigate stairs what would her plan be for looking after the baby? How would she move the baby to change nappy etc? Sounds like she would love to do it but it’s not going to be realistic.

Maybe she could helps with small tasks at yours eg feeding the baby while you do some washing up etc. things that don’t require movement.

I don't see why she couldn't have the baby for a day. It doesn't have to be completely by herself.

Your DP doesn't have a clue of what it entails to care for a baby yet, it will become glaringly obvious by the time you go back to work, I wouldn't worry just yet.

It depends how mobile she is surely? If she uses two stick out the house only or in any situation that involves walking. I walk with a stick but have carried around and cared for children. I’ve taught nursery even 😂 I don’t think the stairs part would really make a difference - surely she can just stay downstairs with the baby?