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

I would go for a weekend first and see how everyone gets on.

A few of you have said babies don’t remember or notice but is that really true? Will dad be able to settle her when she’s upset if she does get upset? He’s good with her but he’s never had her for 24hours without my help so it’s hard to assume it’ll all be smooth.

^^ mine was clingy when I got back. He's now 5 and managed to get over it. His dad is an equal parent. So like myself he had to figure it as he goes along.

A clingy baby is down to the parent.

If you don't associate and mix with people enough and other babies. Of course it will be daunting. OP life should not have to be put on hold because dad may not be able to settle the baby. Don't you have family to assist OP if you went away?

Absolutely ridiculous.

@IfIhearmumagaintoday Whats ridiculous?

No there’s no family to assist as I’ve explained

I went on a hen do in Barcelona leaving our 2 year old twins with DH. I think it was about four nights.

Bloody loved it. DH coped fine. I think it did everyone the world of good and DH def had a new appreciation of me when I returned.

A few nights would be a no brainer but a full week is quite intense for one parent on their own with a baby who wakes in the night and no family help. I know people all over the world do it such as single parents etc but they don’t have a choice whereas this is a voluntary decision. Dad would manage as he wouldn’t have a choice but the question is… is this really necessary?

It's obviously up to you and I know many people who have done it and had a great time. But I wouldn't and still wouldn't be keen now DD is almost 4. We don't have an offer of childcare though and I haven't had any invites for holidays without DH, so I probably haven't considered it properly.

I know my DH wouldn't be keen either, it would mess with his routine and he would struggle. He would agree if I insisted but wouldn't be impressed. Nor would I if it was in reverse.

@vitahelp He wasn’t too keen but it’s because it’s so much easier when I’m around, I don’t think anyone wants to have full responsibility when a baby is so young and dependent and needy.

On the other hand, I’ve done it while OH went out of city for a week. It was hard but doable of course.

Yes i got away with DH for 4 nights with DS1 was 6 months old, i was breastfeeding so pumped and dumped on holiday and MIL had a supply of formula and frozen breastmilk. I really needed it and felt recharged after, it's now been 3 years and i think i need another break!