It is never easy to take that first trip away from your baby. Parents often feel conflicted, wanting a night of calm and quiet on the one hand yet fearful and guilty about traveling. Here are some tips to make that first trip easier on everyone.
Make Your First Trip Short
Sometimes, your first trip is dictated by circumstances you can't control, such as work or emergencies. If at all possible, try to make that first trip a short overnighter. That will make it easier for both the parents and the baby to cope. It will also give your babysitter a chance to see how things will go, without coping with several days of a cranky baby.
Realize You Do Need a Break
Caring for a baby can be a bit of a whirlwind, and it can be hard to even realize you do need a break. It doesn't make you a bad parent to want a night with more than four hours straight of sleep, and it's good for a marriage to get even a brief respite to reconnect in an adults-only setting.
This may be hard to believe, but you will be a better parent for it. You will feel refreshed and better prepared to cope with caring for your baby when you return.
Pick a Relaxing Getaway
Life is hectic enough with a baby at home, so don't pick a high-voltage getaway. Look for something relaxing and rejuvenating, with optional activities at the destination. Bring a book and actually enjoy some time reading in a quiet hotel room or by the pool. Go to the movies. Do things that require little effort
Prep Your Caregiver
People often joke about the nervous new mom, but don't be afraid to stress to the caregiver the importance of, at the very least, following the baby's current routine. The last thing you want is to get one night of rest, followed by two sleepless weeks with a baby off-schedule.
A good way to help the caregiver or babysitter be prepared is to write up a schedule to cover every meal, activity and, especially, sleep time. Let the sitter know how your baby typically goes to sleep (if you don't rock your baby to sleep every night, you may not want a new habit established). Also, be sure the caregiver knows all the basic up-to-date safety information, such as sleeping on the back and never placing a baby on a bed to sleep.
Use your judgment, but you will probably not feel comfortable about leaving your baby with someone who doesn't take what you say on these issues seriously. Find someone who does, and you will feel much more comfortable.
Be Prepared Yourself
If you are breastfeeding, you will need to pump while you're away. Even a couple days of missing nursings can mess up a mother's supply. Even if you can't store your milk properly, pump anyway. It really isn't difficult to pump while traveling.
Stay in Touch
Don't feel awkward or embarassed about calling to check on your baby. That's what nervous new parents are supposed to do. You don't want it to dominate your time away. Ask to talk to your baby, just to know he or she will hear your voice.
But if it will give you a little peace of mind to know baby is doing OK, call every few hours to hear that news. And most of all, enjoy this precious time.
