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Original poster

Going away solo with baby

59 replies

notunworldlywise · 03/11/2023 12:38

Maybe the SAD is kicking in with the current wet and windy weather but I'll be on mat leave next year with my first baby due in January. Would it be completely bizarre and not doable to go abroad solo for maybe a month with baby when they are around 6 months old. I'm having a hard time with very on-off relationship with baby's father so right now thinking f-it and book an Airbnb somewhere warm to make memories whilst I can not being at work. Obviously this is all very dependent on baby's arrival and how they are but am I completely bonkers or has anyone done anything like this before?

OP posts:
CurlewKate · 03/11/2023 13:13

Absolutely fine and sounds a brilliant idea! Do plenty of research about the place you're staying-make as sure as you can be that it's baby safe in case you have an early crawler/walker. And if you're not thinking of hiring a car, check public transport or walking distance to things like the shops or the beach. But go!! I had some lovely solo trips with mine when they were little. And I wasn't a single parent!

HippeePrincess · 03/11/2023 13:16

It’s no different to looking after a baby at home, I took my two to a popular Spanish island when they were 18 months and 4 by myself for a week. Booked all inclusive so it was a proper break for ms. I’ve also traveled on planes with babies to meet family abroad with no issue from younger than that, and with two at a time, by myself.

Original poster
notunworldlywise · 03/11/2023 13:23

Thanks both, that's very reassuring! I will definitely look into this once baby is here and settled then. It's nice to hear of others positive experiences

OP posts:
CurlewKate · 03/11/2023 13:52

Lanzarote's a good choice-the quieter bits.

CurlewKate · 03/11/2023 13:55

I also flew several times transatlantic (family!) . The only time one of mine was difficult, a lovely lady walked up and down with her while I ate and had a break. Halfway through the flight I realised it was Nanette Newman!

Fran919 · 03/11/2023 14:04

I would in a heartbeat, but I’d go earlier 5 maybe where they sleep a bit more in the day IF you felt comfortable to read on a balcony etc and not weaning abroad, though it’s doable, I’d just steer clear of allergens but that’s me but yes do it. I’ve often thought of taking my 2YO and 4MO away for the week whilst DH works and I’m on mat leave but just booked holidays together instead

Original poster
notunworldlywise · 03/11/2023 16:22

Thanks all. I hadn't even thought about the flying more of the logistics and staying abroad and away from home for such a period of time, so thank you for comments

OP posts:
Nomorelittlebabybum · 04/11/2023 12:59

my son was very ill 11 months and ended up in hospital for a year. I think it’s great you’re travelling but I would check out health care and be around for immunisations etc if you can. Have fun x

Purpleturtle45 · 04/11/2023 14:06

Sounds great. I would do it maybe 5 months before you start to wean them as that would take away some of the hassle if they are just on milk. Easier than when they are a toddler for sure. There should be plenty naps still at that age so hopefully a nice opportunity for relaxing.

PumpkinSpiceSeason · 04/11/2023 14:38

I did local trips away with DS at that age as DP had some major exams to do. Going abroad I went with him and a friend although I don't think having her her not made a difference other than good adult company.

I'd try a few dry runs on nights away and see how you and the little one do. I felt up for it after I had a few times away in London and Portsmouth that build my confidence and practice in packing right (and light).

Also, make sure you consider what you might need to show from the other parent when you go abroad. We had the letter but weren't asked. But I wouldn't risk not having it.

ohpoowhatnow · 04/11/2023 14:58

I took my baby away on my own at 4 months the first time and then 6 months the second time. It's lovely; no different to being at home. Now she's older it's definitely got harder. So I say do it !

TheShellBeach · 04/11/2023 15:00

Definitely do it before you start weaning.

Don't go anywhere too hot or the baby might be unsettled.

IndysMamaRex · 04/11/2023 15:06

Can’t see an issue with it as long as your & baby are happy when the time comes. Wish I could have done something similar when my son was a baby. Preparation is key & get some good travel jacks for travelling with young baby. Have fun! X

WeHaveChocIcesInTheFreezer · 04/11/2023 16:26

Go for it, personally I’d aim for between 4-6 months as should be fully immunised but not weaning quite yet, so feeding will be easier as only milk. Little one won’t be crawling/walking so no worries about baby proofing anywhere. Don’t overthink it and convince yourself out of it, you can make it work and have the best memories.

babyg23 · 04/11/2023 16:31

Hi, not much to add but I've just done this as a single parent with a little baby while on mat leave. Not for a month, but would have if I could have afforded that long. Lots of special memories made. I say go for it, you'll be fine!

Notalldogs23 · 04/11/2023 16:31

I think it's a great idea - I did a few shorter trips when I was on mat leave. If you think the father would be arsey about the passport, you don't need to put him on the birth cert right away - my sons father looked for a DNA test so wasn't on the initial birth cert, so really handy for passports and other official things. He felt he was 'ready' to go on the b.c. when DS was 4.

mommatoone · 04/11/2023 17:03

Its a great idea OP. Ive always been a single mum , so have done this since my DD was 6 months old. Go for it!!

letloz · 04/11/2023 17:38

Wait until they're here until you decide- I loved the idea until they arrived! Staying in one place would be fine, travelling around might be tricky ...

ThisIsntThe80sPat · 04/11/2023 17:41

It's a common thing to do here in Germany as both parents get decent maternity/paternity. I've seen just mums go away and both parents for a month. One couple even went to Thailand, one mum took their baby to Brazil (her home country).
Don't see the issue.

CameleonAreFightingBack · 04/11/2023 17:42

Not an issue as such.
Flying is no issue
Staying in an AirB&B is like being at home.

Indo think that it’s hard to gauge how you will feel and adjust so I wouldn’t book anything until baby is 4~5 months.

Mum5net · 04/11/2023 17:48

@CurlewKate thats a lovely story
OP, I once got stranded at an airport for 8 hrs with a 3 yo and a 4 month baby. It was so chill. Absolutely everyone wanted to muck in and help me. Great idea to start researching and deciding most appropriate timing.

Humbugg · 04/11/2023 17:53

I think it’s a great idea.

however I would only book it once baby is with you and you’ve got the hang on mum -img a bit and as sure you want to go. You’ll also know baby’s temperament etc

crumpet · 04/11/2023 17:55

I took dd to Australia when she was 14 weeks for a month. She was a dream traveller, but might have been more wriggly at 6 months

Itsnotchristmasyet · 04/11/2023 18:39

Why not go away for a long weekend before the baby is due?

It sounds like you need some you time and I think going away before the baby is born may really benefit you.

Then once baby is here you can decide whether you want to go away with them too.

I can imagine taking a young baby away would be very overwhelming, especially if it’s your first. But if you feel up for it then definitely go for it!

I think it will be easier taking a very young baby that sleeps a lot, rather than an older one that needs more attention.

I can imagine the heaven of a private garden in the sun and your baby can be in a crib next to you in the shade whilst you sunbathe. Sounds like a dream!

What would be even better is if you could go with a friend or family member.

Perhaps join some first time mum groups and try and make a friend in a similar situation and you may be able to go together.

Ndhdiwntbsivnwg · 04/11/2023 19:11

I’ve done it. OK not a month, but 3 weeks and I was working remotely. We had the best time, I worked in the early hours and evenings and it was just fab.
BUT! make sure you speak the loval language and have medical insurance sorted, because sh!t can happen

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