Tips on Leaving Your Baby for the First Time

Choose The Right Baby Sitter

• If you're nervous about leaving your baby for the first time, one of the best things you can do to allay your fears is to choose a baby sitter whom you trust absolutely. Consider letting your partner be the first person to "baby sit" your infant. Even though you might like to take advantage of your first baby-free time to spend quality time with your partner, both you and your baby will probably feel most comfortable if the person watching him is the other adult in your family. If that's not possible, think about asking a family member whom you love and trust. If possible, choose a sitter with whom the baby is familiar, maybe someone who helped care for the baby while you were present.

Choose Your Outing

• For your first outing away from your baby, stay close to home, if possible. You'll feel better if you know you can go home, if necessary. Consider planning a short outing just for the sake of getting away, even if it's as simple as running to the grocery store alone or going out for a quick coffee with a friend. You'll feel more comfortable about leaving your baby, if it means you get to do something enjoyable for yourself that you haven't been able to do much since your baby was born, like exercising or getting your hair done.

Ease the Transition

• Ask your sitter to arrive early, at least 30 minutes before you need to leave. Spend some time with your baby and the sitter, talking with the sitter about your baby's schedule and preferences. Make sure the sitter knows your baby's favorite activities and the best ways to comfort or distract her, if she's upset. Give her your contact information and any additional emergency contact information, and make sure the sitter knows when you want her to call you (for example, if your baby cries for more than 15 minutes). Help her and your baby get engaged in a fun activity. Then, when it's time for you to go, say goodbye to your baby and leave quickly. Don't keep coming back if your baby cries --- she'll be more likely to calm down quickly if you don't prolong your exit.

Plan for the Unexpected

• Leaving your baby for the first time is a big step. Sometimes, you might be ready for that step before he is. If that's the case, be prepared to go back home if your baby really needs you. Make sure your sitter knows how long it's OK for him to cry and at what point you want her to call you to come home. If that happens, don't be discouraged --- the first time is the hardest. Soon enough, your baby will be ready for you to leave for longer periods of time.