Quote from V1:
"As the child in question was sat next to the mother (and was being looked after by another woman) - the risk of child abuse was so small as to be completely negligible.
The chances of an accident from which the child would be injured was also exceedingly small - and if there had been such an accident the chances of a Judge convicting someone of not looking after that child after the parent had accepted their offer of help, is again incredibly small.
Factored together I think the Captain in this situation make a poor assessment of the possible risks.
Too often the "unintended consequences of well mean legislation" bugs our lives and it can only be balanced by good professional judgement."
Agreed.
It brings to mind the saying:
"Rules were made for the guidance of wise men and the blind obedience of fools".
How often as a captain have I had First Officers pointing out trivial things when they have overlooked the big picture.