AIBU to be concerned about taking 3yr old to visit MIL in hospital?

[FickleFairy]

Never even considered taking him to visit before for many reasons but MIL is now in hospital for the next month or so and I have issues with childcare - although not impossible to overcome ones - and also due to the long term nature of her being in hospital I think she would really love to see him even if only for a single brief visit. (Not thinking of taking him weekly, just a one off).

Just concerned about the germs, MRSA and all manner of things. Know I am being totally irrational about many of them so feel free to give me a slap

Just wondered what you would do..............

My dad is frequently in hospital - if we lived closer and ds was allowed on the ward I would take him to visit.

I think I would do it in your situation (although worry about the same things!). I bet your MIL would love a visit from your ds.

YABU. Germs are all over the place anyway. Use that hand gel stuff on your way in and out of the hospital and it'll be fine.

id be more worried about what your child would bring in that could possibly harm the patients - kids are like rats with fleas that way i think - always sommat lurking

check with the hospital ours don't allow children to visit on any ward now

When dh was in hospital for months, we would meet my sister and nephew and niece in the foyer/cafe area of the hospital every couple of weeks or so.

Dh had his own wheelchair though which made transporting him easier.

These visits definitely perked him up though.

I would check with the ward and, if you are worried about germs, leave your ds in the buggy so he can't touch anything.

As long as they wash their hands before visiting and you don't take him if he has any sign of a cold etc you shouldn't cause your MIL any harm.

for the reasons custardo states rather than for child's protection

Hadn't even thought of that Custardo! Far too busy being over protective obviously

Thanks everyone. Hospital allows it so think I'm going to do it after what you've all said.

When my MIL was in over christmas, I took DS and asked the ward sister what she though about me bringing him in. She said if there were bugs going round the ward that she wouldn't let him in anyway and he'd have to wait with DH outside but as it was they were "bug-free" so she was happy to let DS in.

Might be worth ringing and checking with the ward on the day?

We took DD into see her great grandad when she was about 3 months old. Checked with the ward reception that it was okay and mostly I just held her as great grandad was too ill to hold her really. I did keep going in/out with her as it was very hot on the ward and so she kept getting grizzly. Definitely put your DS in an outfit with layers so he doesn't get too hot and maybe take a sticker book or something for him to do.