Can 8-month old daughter stay with father?

Hi.

My bro-in-law married his gf because she got pregnant and she left their house to elope with him.

There were conflict of personalities with the parents-in-law and after 1yr of cohabitation with my parents-in-law, my sis-in-law left with their child without prior notice while my bro-in-law was out looking for employment.

He is unfortunately still unemployed now. She worked in a hospital as voluntary nurse before leaving.

I know that children 7 years and below is awarded to the mom, but aren't there any exceptions? The infant had pneumonia and german measles, and usually returns with diaper rashes after vacationing with the mom's family home. They even had her swim even when the medicines for german measles and pneumonia is on-going.

My mom-in-law feels she does not take good care of their child and was given the cold treatment, the reason why she left. My question is, if the mom is not taking enough good care of her child, can the husband take the child in his custody?

if the mother will not agree, then he will have to file a case for custody. the marital preference is a very powerful one. you have to prove the child is constantly in danger. not sure how these measles will be considered by the court, but definitely rashes aren't going to cut it.