Leaving baby to go on holiday...

[Newbie1999]

More of a WWYD

Opportunity has presented itself for husband and I to have a very cheap City break (Asia - cheap because it will only be my flight we’d need to pay for). However, we have a 4 yo and a 8 month old (will be nearly 1 at the time).

We’re lucky enough to have great parents who we know wouldn’t hesitate to have them for us, but I’m not sure how I’ll feel about leaving the baby so young (it would be 6 nights). However, it will be a long time before the opportunity arises again.

WWYD?!

I'm very pro leaving children and babies overnight with GPs as I think this is great for everyone involved, but even I would find 6 nights too long at that age, sorry.

My DS is 2 and personally I think 2-3 nights would be my absolute limit even now.

Could you go for a shorter period, or maybe take the baby (appreciate this may be not what you had in mind!). If you’re not breastfeeding I would certainly consider going- there is nothing inherently wrong about leaving either child unless you know they would be inconsolable. How about trying a weekend beforehand and seeing if all parties cope ok?

Personally, not a chance I'd leave them for that long. Maybe an overnight at that age, the baby is just so young, I'd be worrying about them.

To be fair though my little girl is 2 and I wouldn't mind leaving her for a couple of nights now but I know she wld mind. Her last overnight with grandparents, she was quite upset at bedtime asking for us and in the middle of the night!

Nope.

I wouldn't do it myself, nor do I have any intention of looking after future grandchildren whilst my children go on holidays. But the only people whose opinions should matter to you are those who are directly involved ie your own family.

I wouldn't leave mine when they were babies for that long, but that doesn't make me a martyr. How judgmental to think that! It's just my choice and my views on how best to parent my babies.

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Absolutely I'd go without a second thought. The children are being left with a trusted grandparent, not abandoned with strangers. You'll be surprised how quickly you slot back in to pre-children habits when you're away with your husband.

Definitely go, the children will be in good hands and you'll have a fabulous time . When mine were small I went on company trips at least once a year with my DH. Grandparents came to stay and looked after them or they stayed with friends when they were a bit older, never had any problems. It's good for them to realise you're a person in your own right, as are they. Mine grew up very independent and responsible and we've always been very close, they certainly didn't suffer for our trips away and enjoyed their own special times with GPs and other cousins.

It really is down to you. I couldn't leave my DS alone for a night and he's 14 months. But that is me. Other people I know have been okay when there DC are 3 months. It's totally down to how you feel.

Yep it'll be fine. xxx

Leaving kids for an adult mini break is SO fun and saved my sanity and marriage. But I think the children have to be old enough to process that you’ll come back, especially if it’s more than 1-2 nights, especially if it is BOTH primary carers who are going. Your younger one can’t understand that yet and won’t be able to fully understand ‘mummy and daddy will be back soon’ etc.

Do what is right for you. Only you and your dp know the answer.
You know how your kids are when with them and how they will be.
Some kids will be fine others not.
I can't leave the dog but I get seperation anxiety and she is the same and won't feed for a few days.

If you think they will be fine then go .

Yes I would go! If you're happy with grandparents looking after them then they will be absolutely fine, it will feel weird and your heart will ache a fair amount and it will be amazing to see them again when you return BUT you will probably also have an amazing time and opportunities like these don't come along that often

I would go.

Providing you know the children will be cared for then I'd 100% go.
We've be going on regular child free breaks since DS was 9 months....he's now 5. It's been hugely beneficial all round.

Sometimes it can be helpful for important reasons for DC to not be completely dependent upon their parents.

I agree with this, definitely.

I would'nt be able to pack quick enough!

My parents left me when I was 6 months with my grandma and went to South America. I do have a few issues..