Sandpits

[Zaft]

My DS is 8 mths old and has just started settling in sessions at nursery for when I return to work two days a week next month. Yesterday whilst he was there I was told he had been in the sandpit, supervised by his key worker, to play. I thought nothing of it - in fact I found it quite exciting! DH spoke to his parents in the evening and mentioned it to them. Both MIL and FIL were really angry saying it is ridiculous that a 8 mth old was in the sandpit - danger of eating it, getting it in his eyes etc. I then started to doubt myself wondering whether it should bother me. What do you think? Are PILs being over-protective or should I question the nursery about it? Anyone else have young DCs who play in the sandpit at nursery?

If with his key worker then I don't see a problem. I doubt they allowed him to get it in his eyes and from personal experience 'if they eat it it comes out the other end' - I wouldn't worry. My son was 13 months when he went to nursery and he ate the coloured rice they played with - no problems.

Erm, I think they are being over protective. DD played in the sandpit from when she could sit up unsupported - around 6 months.

Thank you both for your speedy responses - this is what I thought but started to doubt myself in the face of very strong opinions from PILs.

Honestly! I would definitely put an 8MO in a sandpit, if supervised all the time.

Would you not take your own child to the beach? (if it would ever stop bloody raining)

A good point rushofblood - I shall mention that to them when they ask me about it again, as I have no doubt they will!

Yes, babies can and do play with sand in most baby rooms. If it gets in his eyes, it will come out. The same goes for eating it- it will just come out in his nappy. The same as anything else they eat.

Your PIls are over reacting. Nothing wrong with an 8m playing in the sand. Many babies this age have played on the beach too. Many 8m are mobile and putting far worse than a bit of sand in their mouths.

Nothing wrong with it - just expect some sandy nappies! At nursery DS used to play with sand, jelly, rice krispies, cooked spaghetti, rice, 'gloop' and lots of other things that I would never want him to do at home!

Even at 3yrs, he comes home from nursery and I find half of the sandpit in the bath and the washing basket.