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AIBU?

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Original poster

Am I mad to consider this with a newborn?

369 replies

Planningatrip · 06/08/2024 20:09

We’re wondering if it’s going to be feasible to go up to Scotland to see family this Christmas, and make a little weekend out of it perhaps and potter round the Christmas markets. If we did this we would be staying in a hotel/AirBnb for 2 or 3 nights and so would need to drive up in order to fit our pram and travel cot in. It’s a 3 hour drive, so we’d obviously have to stop several times.

Our baby could be anywhere between 5 and 8 weeks old, depending on when she’s born.

Naively I’m thinking this could actually be the easiest age. Yes we’ll be tired, but we’ll be tired wherever we are. Planning on breastfeeding so hopefully shouldn’t have to worry about bottles and the likes.

AIBU to think about it? Do I need a reality check?

OP posts:
friendferment · 06/08/2024 20:16

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SouthLondonMum22 · 06/08/2024 20:16

Depends on the type of birth you’ll have. I’d get somewhere with free cancellation so you don’t miss out financially if you can’t go.

We had a weekend away when DS was 2 weeks old. It was great to get away and I felt good.

whatthehelldowecare · 06/08/2024 20:16

Totally doable provided the birth etc goes to plan. I live in Glasgow and we went on holiday for a week up north when baby was 2.5 weeks old and it was gorgeous

Snacksgalore · 06/08/2024 20:15

Babies under six weeks are only supposed to be in a car seat for 30 mins at a time. You will probably be in cluster feeding terrority where you maybe stuck feedung for 4 hours+ at a time.

I would give it a miss.

Borninabarn32 · 06/08/2024 20:15

5 weeks post partum with my first I still couldn't walk straight from the agony of my emcs. I was very unlucky with healing though. And I'd given up on breastfeeding.

I wouldn't make any solid. Uncancellable plans. But there's nothing wrong with hoping to go. You may have an easy ride and feel bored stuck at home. You'll need a lay flat car seat for such a long journey.

Genuinelyenquiring · 06/08/2024 20:15

Like other people say, it really depends. It could be fine and it could also be the seventh circle of hell. You need to be able to cancel.

Aquamarine1029 · 06/08/2024 20:15

If you feel well and the baby is doing well, I don't see the issue at all. You'll just have to take your time driving up there, and don't fret if things don't go to plan. In my experience, babies that age are very easy to take along, pretty much anywhere.

friendferment · 06/08/2024 20:15

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NoSleepNo · 06/08/2024 20:15

Sounds lovely, not sure what the issue is.

LuckysDadsHat · 06/08/2024 20:15

If you have a C Section would you want to do all that travelling and stuff? Also I had a PPH and still felt like death at 6 weeks due to blood loss.

It could be fine, but at that age you will need to stop every 30 mins to get baby out of the car seat for a while, that makes a 3 hour journey a hell of a lot longer.

Original poster
Planningatrip · 06/08/2024 20:14

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Not over Christmas, it would be the week before

OP posts:
Realist2022 · 06/08/2024 20:14

I drove to France on my own when mine was a similar age. I think it depends to some degree on the circs around the birth and yours and the baby's health but I don't see it would be a problem. 🤷🏻‍♀️

friendferment · 06/08/2024 20:14

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Edenmum2 · 06/08/2024 20:14

It depends on so many things but I certainly wouldn't commit to it.

JC89 · 06/08/2024 20:14

I think it's doable, but can you book accommodation (and anything else you need to book!) that can be cancelled nearer the time if you need to? It will depend a bit on how you are doing and how the baby is but they'll hopefully just sleep even if they don't like the car! You would need to stop on the way but it sounds like you've planned for that!

friendferment · 06/08/2024 20:13

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Sunnyintervalsandshowers · 06/08/2024 20:12

Can you just get a hotel/Airbnb with free cancellation, so you can see how you're getting on when the baby is born? :) sounds nice though - I'm pregnant with my first too - good luck!

Original poster
Planningatrip · 06/08/2024 20:10

bakewellbride · 06/08/2024 20:10

Is it your first baby?

Yes, so I’m probably being extra naive 😂

OP posts:
bakewellbride · 06/08/2024 20:10

Is it your first baby?