Is it too much to babysit 3yr old and 2 month old

I would have them if they were my grandchildren.

But if you don't feel up to it you should say so. It's absolutely fine to admit that it would be to much for you. I think we all know that new babies can be quite hard work!

Give them plenty of notice so that they can arrange a sitter. Perhaps your other daughter could do it. But anyway they have to make alternative arrangements. I'm sure that they have plenty of options.

if you don't feel up to it don't do it , maybe if it was an hour or two, but 7 hours is a long time especially with a young baby...

Thank you, yes I expect I will do it, I have never said no. I am more worried about if something happened with the little one. But probably over stressing.

I'd suggest having one or the other but not both.

I could and would do it[I have grandchildren those ages].
Though I am a bit younger than you.

But that is not the point at all.

It is whether you feel fit and capable enough to cope with it.

Regardless of how much you love the children, the crux of the matter is how you will cope with looking after them, especially when you are not used to it, and given your health problems. My advice would be to have a dummy run. You have time between now and 20th Dec to see how you get on.
Three year olds, however well-behaved, can be a real handful, especially if they are put into a situation they aren’t used to. They need to be played with, cuddled and fed. The baby also might be unsettled and demanding. You don’t say so, but I get the impression you don’t have the two girls together, and maybe don’t have the baby on your own at all. So they will be coming into a new situation. Is there anyone to be there with you? You don’t mention a husband or partner.
Of course, both children will be older by the time you have them, which may, or may not be a good thing!
Given your arthritis etc., I think your daughter is asking too much of you. How will you lift the baby? If she won’t settle and needs cuddling, how will your arms cope?
It really boils down to how you feel. Are you confident you can deal with a small baby and a fretful toddler?
I would do it, but then, I am used to it, having done it on and off for thirty years! My youngest grandchild is 17. I also have a great- grandson who is 6 months old. He is a good baby and I adore him, but I would not risk having him here on my own at my age (80) and with my health problems, even though I am able you lead a normal life.
To be brutally honest, I think your daughter is putting you in a very difficult situation. One which, in your position, I would probably refuse to go along with.
One thing has occurred to me……if you had the 3 year old, is there anyone else who could care for the baby? Maybe a friend of your daughter’s, as you say there are no other grandparents?
I wish you luck, but please don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.

I would do this if everything was put in place first. Eg bottles prepared and maybe crib, clothes and nappies brought downstairs. Then you wouldn’t need to carry anyone upstairs.
The other option could be to ask a friend to go with you if there’s anyone suitable.

Thank you very much for your advice all, and Crossstitchfan thank you, I am going to ask my other daughter if she can come some of the time. No husband or partner. At this age a few years make a whole lot of difference. Things I could and did do at 62 (when my grandson was born) I just cannot do now (sigh).

Thank you Aonk, will ask my other daughter if she can help too.

Totally understand. I think the suggestion of a dry run is a good one or even having the baby on your own for a few hours if they aren’t used to being with you. As much as anything it would boost confidence in you.

When I minded young ones I was always armed with medical phone numbers, a bottle of Calpol, how to access the local minor injuries department and in a worst case scenario where to park at A&E. Never needed any of it!

How fast can you run
A 3 yr old can move really quickly and unpredictably might be OK in a secure garden not in the street or park

Good idea to ask other DD to help some of the time, have knowledge of looking aft little ones these ages and it is another pair of hands and eyes you need.
Also find out if the 2 month old is fretful, has colic etc., this could be a bigger job than you think if the baby is like this. If is fairly easy to settle it should be fine. Ask the 3 year old for help, tidying up toys etc., if you make the child feel this is a really important job it might work. My 3 year old likes to do little jobs and I always say how grown up he is and how proud I am of him.
Good luck.

I think you should say no.

I would do it in an emergency but not otherwise.

What is it with mums wanting to leaving tiny babies for that long? Seems odd when so many talk about how important bonding is.

What is an Escape Room, by the way?

Oh..... a film.

If you feel able then I would have them for the day. However, having been in your position I would make it clear that your babysitting does not include overnight. I have been caught out a couple of times with that one. The day will be busy enough so you will need a night's sleep at the end of it.

Baggs

I would do it in an emergency but not otherwise.

What is it with mums wanting to leaving tiny babies for that long? Seems odd when so many talk about how important bonding is.

What is an Escape Room, by the way?

Hi, an escape room is where you use puzzles and clues to ‘escape’ Adventure for adults type thing.

As you are feeling anxious about having them both you shouldn't do it.

Children should only be in the care of an adult that is confident that they can take care of them safely.

You are not their only option

What if they get trapped in the Escape Room lol?

No, the baby is too young in my opinion, to be left so long and they are being selfish I'm sorry to say.

When my children were young we went out separately so there was always a parent present.

Once a year we went out together for our anniversary but only for lunch.

You may also be setting a precedent if you say yes.

My DD and her husband had no one nearby to leave their children with and so didn't go out together for years.

Sometimes you have to put the needs of the children first, and I don't mean your children...

OldFrill

I'd suggest having one or the other but not both.

Good idea.
I would (and have) said "no" to very tiny ones.

It's not an emergency is it?
🤷‍♂️

I think that as you are asking for our opinion that doubts have set in !
It's completely understandable.
I was babysitting my granddaughter and the only way that I could take her upstairs for a bath was to put her on my lap and go up the stairs on my bottom !
The others have suggested a dry run -good idea .
Today I met one of my many friends who've given up work to look after grandkids.
I'm totally exhausted and I keep on getting bugs which I can't shake off,she said .
She was hoping that her kids aren't going to have anymore.
One of them is a child from a pervious relationship.
I've known her for 15 years and that's how long she's been babysitting !
Like all Grandmas she loves them ,but doesn't know how to tell her daughter that she's finding her two year grandson too much .

Take care and please don't be afraid to say no .

Years ago ( I was 60 at the time) I looked after my daughter’s children for a couple of weeks while she decorated her new house. She picked them up at @ 5 each day and I was exhausted by then. I couldn’t’ve done it without my partner helping me. I never wanted to leave my children when they were small babies.

To look after children this young a person needs to be fit and young themselves. If you feel you are not up to it then say so, so they can make alternative arrangements. Don’t be guilt tripped into agreeing to something you cannot cope with. Look after yourself.