Going away solo with baby

[notunworldlywise]

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?

I spent 10 months (baby 2 months to a year) in an Asian country by myself and it was the best time ever! Asia is really great with kids, there is a community spirit and everyone mucks in to help and support a new mom. DC learnt to walk on the beach! Nannies are also affordable to hire so I was going out a lot and doing a lot of hobbies!

The only challenge was coming back to live in the UK as I felt very isolated and lonely when I got back.

If travelling a lot if your ambition I'd look into baby led weaning and breastfeeding as they will make your life so much easier! Breastfeeding means that no matter how much the plane is delayed (inevitable) you won't run out of milk / bottles / a way to sooth the baby. You won't need to worry about steralising bottles while there or the quality of the water. BLW means no pureeing, just give baby a bit of what your having, it's easy and stress free.

I took my 2 year old away for a week on my own and it was nice, we did have friends and family come and visit though on a couple of days.

I'd say when he was a baby I had a lot on my plate in terms of just getting used to having a baby and managing with lack of sleep so that felt like an adventure in itself (the daily struggle to survive haha) and really appreciated the friends I made on mat leave so think I would miss that company and friendship in those early vulnerable days. But everyone is different.

I did it with mine and it was hard but very do-able. Key things are pack REALLY light as the baby will need loads anyway. If you go somewhere warm you'll only need light clothes as you can wash and dry them easily. Research supplies of nappies before you go as they're bulky. Do not forget travel insurance!

Top tips for packing:

• You can probably buy most things there so don't worry if you forget something
• Off-road buggies are better for beaches. Make sure it folds and has a decent basket
• Rash suits are great as they are sunroof and wash and dry easily.

Have a fabulous time!

@Lifetooshort23 just take your husband? We took 3 to central America and there were loads of digital nomads because of their new visas.

I did it ! I took my 10 month old to Lanzarote and we both loved it

it was a struggle with pram and luggage but I did it and lots of lovely people helped me in the airport up and down stairs ect
we had a had a lovely time, going to the beach, sitting in nice seafronts restaurants, have an ice cream and just chilling out in the apartment. There were times I had fleeting feelings of sadness, because her Dad had left me, but the holiday more than mode up for it and I woukd do it again. Xx have fun xxxx

Also I found that there was plenty of nappies wipes and baby items in supermarkets so there was no need for me to pack too much

@notunworldlywise agree wait until the baby is a few months old then book. Babies under 2 travel free so make the most... & a 6 months old is much easier to manage on a plane than a 18 month old nobody told me damn it.

My husband is… working?!

I'm so glad you had a brilliant time! You're inspiring me to feel brave about my holiday coming up to dubai x

Please do go and don’t hesitate, you will be absolutely fine -the local supermarkets had things like baby wipes and nappies for when I ran out. Dubai will be the same. Go and enjoy yourself with your baby x