Going on Vacation Without Baby

While the idea of spending time together without kids is exciting, it can be scary to leave your little one behind. Plan carefully so you know your baby is well-cared for in your absence, which will allow you to enjoy your time away. A list of tasks is an effective way to ensure you don't forget anything before leaving.

  1. Preparation

    • Starting your preparation in the weeks leading up to your departure gives you plenty of time to ensure every item your baby might need is in his overnight bag. Keep a running list that you can add to as you think of items that need to be packed. Clothes, diapers, wipes, socks, shoes, bath essentials, baby food, formula, refrigerated breast milk, bottles and pacifiers are must-haves. Write down pertinent information for your baby's sitter, including her eating schedule and special tips for making her happy and secure. Include a list of contact numbers including your hotel, cell phone, the doctor's number, the dentist's number and emergency numbers. Leave a signed permission sheet allowing your baby's caregiver to seek medical care for her, if necessary. You might also consider having the caregiver stay at your home so everything your baby needs is close by.

    Benefits

    • Time away from your baby gives you the opportunity to focus on your relationship with your partner, which keeps the foundation of your family solid and strong, according to Advantage Behavioral Health Care. Without your baby, you'll be free to make new memories, learn something new about each other and try new experiences that increase your bond. A break is also an effective way to refresh and head back to parenthood rested and relaxed.

    Drawbacks

    • Some babies just might not be ready for too much time away from mom and dad. Babies don't have an accurate sense of time, notes Early Childhood News, and your absence can feel forever to a little one. While you're away, your baby might be moody, fussy, clingy or withdrawn and while he might bounce back once you return home, it can take some time for babies to rebuild trust and bonding. This depends on your baby's temperament and age, but a close relative who your baby is comfortable with can ease the transition and keep him happy while you're gone. If your little one can handle it, call home a couple times just to let him hear your voice. If the first phone call sends him spiraling into despair, it might be better to just get an update from your baby's caregiver.

    Tips

    • If your baby has extreme separation anxiety, it might be better to wait on a vacation until she's older. If you sleep with her or are breastfeeding, leaving your baby with someone else for a few days can be particularly hard on her, notes pediatrician William Sears at AskDrSears.com. If you decide to go, consider a short vacation of only a night or two. That way, you aren't gone so long that your baby is miserable for days and it gives you the opportunity to see how your baby does. If your baby is happy when you get back, planning a longer trip down the road might be your next step.

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    • Going on Vacation Without Baby
      While the idea of spending time together without kids is exciting, it can be scary to leave your little one behind. Plan carefully so you know your baby is well-cared for in your absence, which will allow you to enjoy your time away. A list of tasks