[Stephanie W]

I delivered a baby boy on October 15th, 3 days before the 10th
birthday of my stepson.

He has not been around a baby younger than 2 before, let alone held or
fed one. I have demonstrated how to properly hold the baby's head and
neck, and placed the baby in the arms of the 10 year old. I've even
adjusted his arms and said "THIS is how the baby's head and neck need
to be supported". I've explained that the baby can't hold his head up
on his own and won't be able to with any skill for the next 6 to 9
months. I've also explained the head is delicate and one simple
mistake can injure the baby and cause mental and physical development
delays, paralysis and even death.

I have seen the 10 year old holding the baby and not paying attention
to the position of the baby's head and neck, and corrected him. I've
also seen the 10 year old *walking around* holding the baby. I have
told him I absolutely *do not* want him walking around holding the
baby, my reasoning (not told to the 10 year old, but I have told my
husband) is that given he does not pay attention while sitting with
the baby, what are the chances he won't pay attention while walking
around that he could injure the baby (very high in my opinion).

The public health nurse came by Tuesday regarding some issues to do
with nursing and such. Her advice was that the 10 year old shouldn't be walking around the house holding the baby.

Am I off my nut? Should my husband not support me in my request that
his son (my 10 year old stepson) simply *not walk around the house
holding MY baby*?!!

Stephanie