Letter: Woodward trial

Sir: Celia Dodd is wrong (31 October). Eighteen is not old enough. A child under school age should only be left in the charge of a qualified, highly trained professional, or its own mother. Even a mother can very often find it difficult to cope with her own screaming baby. Babies require constant, unremitting attention, 24 hours, day and night. They are demanding, exhausting, draining, emotionally and physically. If a parent feels he or she cannot or does not want to give this, a highly paid, highly trained person should be left in charge to care for what should be the most important, precious and valuable new addition in the home.

ARIELLA LISTER

Hatch End, Middlesex