Would you go on holiday without your baby?

[Decisionstomakenow]

I have the opportunity to go away child free for a week away in the sun. Partner will look after our 8 month old. However, I’m struggling to jump at the chance of going away, as much as I want to. A week is a long time for mother and baby to be apart in my opinion. I do 80% of the caring for her so it’s safe to say we’re quite attached to one another.

Tell me your experiences both good and bad, any regrets etc? Thanks

God no. I'm only going away for one night soon and my youngest is 20 months.

Eight months is too young for that. You'll both struggle with the separation

I've never been away from my 5 year old out of choice either - had a few nights in hospital but that was it. Personally I didn't have children to then go on holidays/weekends away without them

@berksandbeyond I have never left my children overnight either, they are 8 and 4.

I wouldn’t if it was with anyone else, but she must be pretty used to her Dad, assuming you live together?

For me it would depend on how badly I needed the holiday. If I was frayed and felt I’d come back much happier, then yes I would.

… also unless it’s next week you could build up to by having him do more, and then having a night or two away.

I’d totally talk myself into it 😊🕶

@Favouritefruits Is that lack of childcare or cash to go anywhere, or do you just not want to?

You might be underestimating how difficult the separation will be. Try 1 night away before attempting a whole week.
If you have a decent partner there's nothing wrong with leaving your baby for a short time.

I’m off to Glastonbury Wednesday leaving 1 year old with my mum ! Be gone 5 nights - I have a little knot in my stomach about leaving her but i know she will be absolutely fine and tbh I really really need the break away to be a separate person again for a few days!

I’d do it if I was you - will be so good for your mental health and to get a good rest!

equally it’s fine to not go though

I'd test the waters with a couple of days away. I first went away from my DD when she was 16 weeks and although I was excited I ended up going home on day 2 because I missed her too much. She was completely unbothered and it was all about me. When I walked in she was babbling away at my mum with no care in the world.

@Luredbyapomegranate your response really hit me in a nice way, it’s like you read my mind. Truth is I am very drained and exhausted both mentally and emotionally. It’s been a tough year and I think I have some sort of post natal depression, not the the type that doesn’t let you connect with the baby but the type that just makes you feel like you’re on a hamster wheel. I would love to be able to breathe fresh air and see different sights, so fed up of repetitive routine and life at the minute.

Yes if i wasnt breastfeeding and was with her dad then I definitely would.

I would do it, as long as I know she's with someone reliable I would be fine with it. It's only a week.

Yeah, that doesn't make you sound at all like a prick

Definitely with dad! Be good for both of you.

I didn't realise you had to lose yourself having kids.

I think it sounds fine and something lovely for you. I did 3 nights away when mine was 6 months. Dad and baby survived

Yes, I have done it.
Many times.
No regrets.
DC know they are the most important people in my life anyway.
I don't really care what other people do.

A baby the young needs you, to them you are their main comfort, safety and protection

of course you would judge lol

My husband and I went abroad for 3 nights when DS was 3 and DD 3 months.
My parents came to stay and loved having the one on one time and the children were absolutely fine.
They are 21 and 19 now, I don’t think it scarred them 😂
Do it, we had a lovely few days together in the sun with plenty of wine and sleep

For God's sake, you're leaving her with her Dad, not the local child catcher 😂

I've just left my 7 month old for 4 nights and going away again in September. Batteries are recharged and baby was completely content whilst I was gone and straight back on the boob as soon as I got home! Do it!

What? We all still have our own lives and personalities after we have children you know. We don't have to relinquish our whole lives for our children.
Is the same expected of dads? Never go away, never leave your child for even a night?
Being surgically attached to your child 24/7 for their whole childhood does not make you a better parent.

I have lots of friends who have done holidays/festivals/weekends away without their children and they've coped just fine.

They've been with dad or grandparents or aunties and had a lovely time. And the parents are happier and more relaxed for a bit of time away.

I had children solely to go away on holidays without them obviously. What other reason could there be? The breaks are so much more fun if they come between sleepless nights and changing nappies.

Absolutely not. I was still breastfeeding a lot at that age. My baby is 15 months now and I wouldn't leave her for a week. I'd consider a night away but that wo

uld be it. I don't want to be apart from my children. They are young and they need me.