Have you ever found yourself in a situation where an acquaintance of a relative wanted to carry your baby? New parents will often feel more uncomfortable passing on their baby to someone, someone else knows, more so than the baby. But you're not at fault. Who can blame you for worrying if other people can handle your baby or not? And who can blame you for feeling worried when your baby and known-stranger isn't in your line of sight anymore.

I've had the misfortune of being in that situation. And as a new parent, I've decided to come up with a couple of excuses as opposed to the outright NO. Here they are:

1. I'm trying to put her to sleep.

Not many people will insist on carrying the baby if sleep is the objective.

2. She just had her milk, let her calm down first

Also add on: if you don't hold her right, she'll spit-up on your shoulder. That should deter them.

3. Perhaps later? I've got to go

Classic deflective strategy. Say that once, then ignore.

4. She's a little cranky now, can you wait?

Do you really want to carry a crying cranky baby? The answer is no.

5. I've got to change her diaper now, unless you want to do it?

This works, all the time. Except, you probably have to change the diaper now.

6. I don't want to stimulate her too much now. It's time for her to sleep. 

Similar to no.1 - but with some justification, though, you probably don't need to justify.

7. She's asleep now. Perhaps when she wakes up?

Which monster wants to wake a sleeping baby? No one.

8. And if you're not taking a walk in Polite Park that day, just say this:

Sorry, I'm not very closed to you and I'm not comfortable with that.

I've yet to say this to anyone. Hopefully, I never will.

[Image via Up All Night]