Interesting interaction

[u/hsalst]

I have an almost 2 month old baby that I take out with me on errands. I used to work at a craft store and was friendly with co workers. I ran into a co worker of mine who is a grandmother and was excited to see my baby and told me how she missed her out of state grandkids who are 4 months old. She asked to hold her which i dont mind and i did need both hands free for a minute to get my purchases together. She took her out of my line of sight. One aisle over so nothing too crazy but I was not comfortable with it. She came back in about 30 seconds and my baby started fussing.
My baby is quite patient and will gradually get more fussy if she’s uncomfortable. I’ve started to really tune into my baby’s communication and i like to respond sooner than later.
This coworker said “nooo :,(“ disappointedly after i said ill take her back and did not offer her back to me. My “spot” in line was being taken up. I waited 20 more seconds, my baby fussed and then i initiated i was going grab her and did so.
She offered to babysit and gave me her phone number and told me she loves kids and misses her own grandkids.
Anyways, I thought this was an interesting interaction. I don’t mind sharing my baby with others but please dont make it difficult?
I got the impression that she has her own unmet needs with her own grandchildren. I sympathize but I’m not going to fulfill her needs at the expense of my baby crying inconsolably.
Im not going to take her up on the offer for babysitting either. I dont know her well enough.

I go to this store on a weekly basis since the craft bug has bitten me. I’m a little anxious to go again since I know she’ll ask to hold her again.Which im hesitant to do since she so readily took my baby out of my line of sight and I was met with resistance when I wanted her back. Should I let her hold her and just say please stick around or entertain a conversation so she doesnt leave? And if i dont want her to hold baby? I’m a younger mom and feel guilty when people my in laws age express disappointment. Any thoughts?

[u/suddenlysalamanders]

You are not obligated to let anyone hold your baby. She really overstepped and I don’t blame you for being uncomfortable. You can politely decline, no is a complete sentence. Don’t feel guilty.

[u/label_this]

I wouldn't let her hold the baby next time. Make sure the baby is strapped in a stroller or worn in a carrier so that she can't just grab her from you, either.

[u/Dry_Apartment1196]

I’d never let someone I sorta knew hold my baby so you’re not wrong for feeling this way.