Brighton, where can granny go with a 9 month old

[unchaperoned]

I'm working in Brighton for an afternoon, near Grand Parade, and I've persuaded my poor mum to come down with me so minimise the time away from DD, as this is pretty much my first day back at work and then I'm back properly a month later (nearer home). DD's not used to anyone else looking after her for so long and I fear may cry a bit (or not...).

Any advice on baby friendly places in Brighton, easy walking distance from Grand Parade, for a 9 month old who has just discovered crawling and is a bit of a messy eater? Your help would be gratefully appreciated and give me some peace of mind to concentrate on the presentation I'll be making while they run about.

Wouldn't it be better for your Mum to look after your DD at your home? Easier for both of them.

I'm only working for 3 hours but it will take 2 hours to get there and 2 hours to return. I asked my mother if she'd help and if so if she'd prefer 3 hours in Brighton or 7 hours at home. She chose Brighton... If the weather is good then a walk by the sea is part of the attraction.

A walk on the beach and paddling sounds like plenty for a few hours. If it isn't (or is too cold), they could go into Brighton Museum. There are always some tactile, child friendly exhibits, plus a cafe, toilets, creature comforts...

And the big Waterstones - look at books, crawl about, and again a cafe, toilets, the warm indoors.

Last one - children's bit of the library. Big, quite new, squishy things to sit on, other little people about, nicely separated from the 'adult' library.

Sea life centre? That should kill an hour at least

If it's bad weather I'd consider sea life centre right by the pier. I know 9 months is rather young but can push buggy round, have a cup of tea and probably even crawl if it isn't school holidays. Should kill a couple of hours.

Brilliant, thanks LongHardStare! Been to the library once with my eldest and it was great.

Thanks everyone else too!

Your Mum's a Mum. Shell know what to do! Stroll on the beach, cuppa and bit of cake, look in the shop windows - three hours gone in a trice.