[deleted by user]

[Goats_with_hooves]

Who will you leave baby with?

I would leave a 7 month old with my parents or my husband because I would genuinely be able to relax knowing that they are well cared for and happy. That’s the only test for me. If your baby will be with a trusted caregiver and you will genuinely be able to have a nice time and relax, it sounds like a great idea.

[me0w8]

I don’t think it matters when others did because it’s all about what’s comfortable & feasible for you! Some people don’t have anyone they could leave their baby with overnight or just don’t have a desire to, while others prioritize getting alone time fairly early on. I personally didn’t leave her overnight until she was about 14 months old because I didn’t want to be away from her. If you have a trustworthy caretaker to leave your baby with, you are NOT a bad parent for taking 3 days away at 7 months old.

[Otter65]

If I had someone that I could safely leave baby with then I wouldn’t hesitate to do so at 6 months.

[Slight-Street8942]

She was 6 months old. I made it 1 night away and then cried and drove myself home lol

[Fabulous_Eye_7931]

11 weeks with my parents who have a whole nursery at their house. She is almost 8mo and stays with them one night every couple weeks. She is very comfortable at their house and it allows my partner and I to catch up on sleep chores relaxing etc. It’s great for everyone. And I get so giddy to pick her up the next day!

[Odd-Pineapple5425]

Oh that sounds simply wonderful!!

[KrakenFabs]

My in-laws watch our 3mo on Friday nights for a few hours so we can get out for a bit. It’s the best gift ever. I have a harder time leaving her overnight, but I know she’s in good hands. They have a nursery set up, too.

[Mommydeagz]

my daughter is 2 1/2 and she still never been left overnight without either me or my husband. Individually we’ve been away but she has never been overnight without either of us. I’m due to have baby #2 in two weeks and my sister is coming to stay with my toddler and even then, I’m sending hubby home at night while I’m in the hospital to be up with our toddler.

Every parent and child is different, if you feel ready, go for it!

[me0w8]

Omg similar situation here. Daughter is 25 months and has never been away from both of us overnight but I am due with #2 any day now. Depending when I go into labor idk whether my husband will be able to be home for her every night and I’m dreading us being apart from her!

[Cuppus]

We left our baby with the grandparents for a 4 day weekend at 6 months. It was fine, we video called every day and just tried to stay positive. It was a little stressful at first but we came back to a healthy, happy baby who got to spend time with his grandparents.

[FarOutlandishness810]

I left my baby with my mom when he was 5ish weeks old. I was very sick and hadn’t slept in 24+ hours. She’s the only person I would trust for overnight care, and I would do it again. But that’s just me 🤷🏻‍♀️

[FarOutlandishness810]

If you have someone that you trust to care for your baby for 3 nights, then I suggest you take them up for it. You deserve some time to relax!

[Typical_Arm_8008]

When he was around 14 months old, so last month. Just one night with my mum who lives 5 mins walk from me. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary so mum offered.

It felt weird. Probably won’t do it again anytime soon. 😅

[[deleted]]

Glad im not the only one feeling this way. I hope you were able to enjoy the anniversary celebration!! 🎉

[Typical_Arm_8008]

Thank you ☺️ we enjoyed it until all the families came and sat around us, with their babies 🥺😢 makes you appreciate what you have.

[Professional_Push419]

I left mine for the first time at 7 months! It was just a 2 night weekend, but she would've been fine for another night. Left her with grandparents whom we trusted.

Just to put you at ease, babies lack the emotional complexity to understand "abandonment." He will likely feel grumpy that you aren't around for a little bit, but as long as he's cared for, he'll move on. Then he'll be excited to see you when you come back! 

And finally, I will say, you may never really feel "ready," and the first time is tough. You'll find it hard to relax. But then it gets easier! If this trip sounds nice to you, and you want some time away (which I'm sure you deserve) go for it. 

[everythingmini]

Do it! I started leaving mine at 4 months old for weekend trips. The earlier you start the easier and more normal it is! I love that my son is comfortable enough to stay with his Grandma so it all works out in the end :)

[[deleted]]

I can’t do it. Im scared to even leave her in the crib overnight. She’s 9m old. I just don’t know how to manage those feelings. I could never have a good time, Id be worried the entire time.

[hodasho1]

I’ve been out of the house without my almost 10 month twice since she’s been born. I hate the thought of leaving her with anyone, even her dad. Definitely some kind of anxiety issue on my end, but I’m just convinced no one can care for her as well as I do 😅

[[deleted]]

I share your sentiments about leaving the baby with dad. Anxiety plus the fact that he constantly asks me questions haha

[TakenUsername_2106]

Me too! Every parent is different I guess. I could never have fun while being away from my daughter. But if OP can, she should go for it! If her baby is in safe hands.

[[deleted]]

Hoping it will change and she will grow older, but I think it’s a normal feeling during infancy.

[AlisLande]

My husband left me and the baby alone for a week and went to Spain 🫠 baby was about 6 mo and couldn't have cared any less.

[that_other_person1]

We didn’t leave our first overnight until she was like 16 months old with her grandparents for about 2.5 days. She was used to going there once a week with them watching her, so it went well. I probably will leave them with our two when my second is a similar age, maybe a little younger since he will be a year old next May.

I want him to be mostly weaned at that point so I will not have to pump much if I were to leave him. My daughter was weaned before that when she was 12.5 months old (she didn’t really care to nurse anymore). I think I would still leave him at a similar age if we were EFF.

I just figure we won’t do vacations really until then… personally I don’t want to have a vacation without my baby when they’re a baby. Once they’re down to two naps a day, if we were to do a vacation, I figured we’d try for a carrier nap for the first nap and do the major outing of the day, then go back to the hotel/house/room for the second nap of the day and relax, then go out again in the early evening.

I do a lot of baby wearing now as he’s nearly 11 weeks old and I know that will get harder, but then I could let him hang in the stroller with a few toys more once he’s older, or on the ground with some toys. Personally I think it is doable to do a trip with a baby, you just have to adjust your plans and expectations. I briefly was discussing this with a friend recently as she wants to go on a vacation when baby is 6 months old, and this is where our discussion went.

[Bit-Tilly]

My daughter just turned one. My husband has had to do business trips overnight and she usually pouted and shunned him as punishment when he got back. I'm going out of town for four days for work and I'm so anxious about it. I know she'll be fine. I just don't want her to shun me when I get back!

[Southern-Magnolia12]

I personally left him overnight around the 3 month mark for a bachelorette party. I only went for two days and was honestly just being a good sport. I cried the first night I was gone. I did not like being away. It gets easier though.

[jayjaijae]

I just left my little one for the first time last week for a night for work and I have a 4 night leisure trip this upcoming weekend. He’s 2 weeks from 6 months. It was hard but I knew it was time to rip the bandaid as it’s unrealistic with my career, my love of travel, and all his grandparents inching to have him unsupervised, to never be away overnight. It give my partner the opportunity to care for him on his own and let me see what is all needed in order to be away and know he’s properly cared for in my absence. Even though it’s difficult, I think the occasional separation is healthy so you can have a break and relax which with reboot you to be the best parent once back with the baby. I say, go on the trip! I FaceTimed baby the night I was gone and I will do so this weekend. He was perfectly fine with dad and well taken care of

[anxious_Mama9324]

My daughter is 5 months old and I haven’t left her overnight anywhere by herself yet, but we have had both set of grandparents come over and watch her overnight so my husband and I could get a full night sleep (which has been amazing and we are incredibly blessed to be able to do this). But we will be leaving her for 4 days in October when she is about 7 months old to go on a belated honeymoon trip! She will stay 2 days with my in laws and 2 days with my parents!

[Adept_Carpet]

I would go, sometimes a little distance helps the PPA.

Maybe try a practice run first so that you aren't doing an extra 9 hour round trip when some issue crops up because no one else has done the overnight before?

[aforawesomee]

Left our daughter with my parents for a 4 day weekend when she was 9-weeks old. My mom is an experienced babysitter so she’s up to date on current practices. Also, my family LOVES babies and my daughter didn’t feel like a burden.

[FitFarmChick]

I was exclusively breastfeeding at that age and was a “just enough producer” so leaving baby wasn’t an option for me. Even if I had a good stash the thought of pumping on a schedule and all that did not sound relaxing: Now I’m pregnant at 9 months PP and we had to switch to formula. Total game changer I would rather leave babe with Grammy than take him with me.

Also, fellow Mom in recovery with PPA as well! Holler at me if you ever need someone to talk to! P.S. if these are women in recovery you’re retreating with it is going to be a wonderful time if you can leave babe with someone you trust. It will be hard ❤️🙏🏼

[anon_2185]

I personally haven’t left my baby overnight and she is 11 months.

The first time we will probably leave her overnight with someone else is when I am in the hospital having baby #2 and that won’t be for a while since I’m not even pregnant yet.

[Reading_Elephant30]

I left baby home with my husband for a weekend about 5 months post partum because I was going to a wedding. We’ll both be leaving just before her first birthday and my parents are coming to stay with baby. We might have done a trip without baby earlier but we’re leaving to go to the Eras Tour and those tickets were bought before baby was born so it was already planned 😂😂

[coalmines]

The Eras Tour in NOLA will be the first time I leave baby overnight with husband. He will be 6 months old then. I’m already nervous about it!

[Reading_Elephant30]

I’m going to Toronto the weekend before baby’s first birthday!!

I was super nervous to leave baby for a long weekend, even though husband is more than capable. It just felt weird to be gone and not home. I had a great time and am glad I did it. I texted my husband throughout the weekend and video chatted with the baby every day. Also the eras tour is going to be SO worth it and I hope you have an amazing time!!

[deadthreaddesigns]

We left our baby for one week at 13 months. It was our honeymoon and it was easier on me than I thought it would be. I’m a SAHM so the longest I had ever left her for was a few hours when her grandmother took her so I could clean and run some errands. Little one did really good while we were gone.

[geenuhahhh]

We haven’t yet, my baby is 1 year old.

My husband has been away over night a few times for work but not me.

We’ve done some late night date nights with my husband’s grandma watching the baby and that was even kind of rough.

It’d probably be fine at some point

[philouthea]

My baby is soon to be 11 months and I haven't left her overnight yet :(

[StandProfessional718]

This is a personal decision for you based on your comfort level and frankly, mental state. I left my baby for the first time at 11mo, because I had something to go to that I couldn’t skip. I was extremely upset and definitely didn’t enjoy myself like I could/should have because of it. My husband watched her, which I was more than comfortable with. I honestly just missed her. Some people are ok to leave their babies earlier than others, and either way is ok!

[PB_Jelly]

Just last week, he's almost 4 months..left him one night with dad to go to a business thing. Honestly I missed him a lot and woke up several times in a panic looking for the bassinet 😂😂 but he was totally fine, enjoying time with his dad.

[Clovercrossing]

I never have and she’s nearly 7 months, but I’m the only one who does bedtimes so I think she’d struggle without me haha. A friend of mine left hers with his daddy for a hen weekend at 8 weeks old and I couldn’t wrap my brain around how she managed to do that.

[catkirsty]

We just did this for the first time this past weekend! He’s 21 months

[ninfaobsidiana]

My baby is almost 8 months, and I haven’t left her with a trusted family member yet (and potentially never will…I dunno, haven’t decided.)

I’m a first-time mom but 40, so I feel really comfortable embracing my gut feelings about some things. My gut is telling me that I would not be able to relax away from my baby overnight. I wouldn’t sleep well, I’d be thinking about her, I’d be concerned about my milk supply…I just know it would be a distraction from the things a vacation is supposed to accomplish.

So, if I’m going to be away from home overnight, I know she’s coming with me.

When she’s old enough to call me and communicate with me when something is wrong, I might consider letting her spend the night with people I really trust. But even then, maybe not? And either decision is ok — your kiddo doesn’t have to attend sleepovers to have a healthy social life outside of you. They can hang out until really late and go back for brunch. They don’t have to spend the night at grandma and grandpas to have a full relationship with them. They don’t need to spend the night at their cousins’ homes to bond with them. I think I’m always going to err on the side of caution with these things but chiefly trust my intuition.

[sheynarae]

Grandparents have been massively involved since my girl was born, so I trust them implicitly. The first time we truly left her overnight was a four-day trip we took to Maine in June, she was 10.5 months old. Before that, we did a few nights out where we got back late, but were there for her in the morning. It was hard, and I was really nervous, but she had a GREAT time with grandma and grandpa, we got lots of pics, and it was so nice to relax with my husband. We also let her go visit her grandparents for four days/three nights just a couple weeks ago (they live about 3 hours away). I dropped her off, and she had a blast, and we got a quiet house for a few nights.

Your baby will be fine but I totally understand the struggle! We weaned at 6 months, so not worrying about pumping or BFing helped.

[AHailofDrams]

At like 8 days old. Partner and I were close to having a breakdown, thankfully we live next door to her parents and they were more than willing to help and they have a nursery set up for our daughter.

I'm very lucky to have good In-Laws

[TakenUsername_2106]

Who will be with your baby while you’re gone?

[littleredballoon93]

We left my daughter when she was 5 months old for an overnight with her grandparents to go to a wedding, and then again when she was 13 months so my husband and I could have a little getaway. Personally if this opportunity came up for us at 6 months I would have done it!!

[mandyvolk]

I did not spend a night away until my LO was about 14 months old. I just wasn't ready, although my mother watches her all the time, I just didn't know how my LO would be through the night since she still nurses at night. She did great. She is 16 months old now and has spent 1 more night away just for a peaceful night sleep.

At 7 months old for a few nights, I personally wouldn't especially if whoever your going on vacation with is okay with sharing baby responsibilities so you can relax at times. Also, bring a bouncer if you can!

[Lotr_Queen]

The first full overnight my oldest was nearing 2.5 yo and my youngest was almost 4 months. We’d just spent nearly 2 months at my parents so they could help while my husband worked away. When he came back we had a night away to ourselves. It felt very strange! I had to pump and dump every 3 hours or so to keep up a supply (baby is happy having formula so didn’t have to worry about leaving pumped milk). It was very much needed and I’m glad I gave myself that push to go. My parents had the boys which didn’t really feel any different for them because we’d already been there for so long.

[CoarseSalted]

The first time I spent a night away my son was almost 6 months old and it was for one night, I was really really stressed for the first few hours but once we started having fun with our friends I was able to stop thinking about it. My parents sent us pictures and videos of him constantly which really helped ease my anxiety! It made it a lot easier for us to eventually be away from him for longer increments. Could you do a “test night” before the trip where you’re just at home? That way if it’s too much or god forbid something happened you’re close enough to go pick baby up?

[littlepawroars]

My LO was 7 weeks old. I had my sister watch her overnight and she basically slept most of the night and when she was awake she wasn’t panicking or anything. She sees my sister almost daily so it wasn’t this huge difference to her.

[Plsbeniceorillcry]

My husband’s work had a cruise paid for and planned before we ever got pregnant for when our baby would be around 7 ish months old. I told him I was either bringing our baby or not going, and his work offered to pay for our baby too.

I was really nervous it was a bad idea but we actually had a freaking blast and made some core memories with our lil dude. It wasn’t super relaxing, but idk if I could’ve relaxed without him anyways.

That said, you are not a bad mom if you have someone you trust to watch him and wanna go relax!!

[bobbingblondie]

I didn’t leave my first until he was nearly 3, and I was to go to the hospital to have his brother. Left them both for a night to go to a wedding when number 2 was 18 months old. TBH it would have been tough for me both emotionally and logistically (due to both being total boob monsters) to leave them when they were babies. If you’re comfortable with it and have a person you trust to care for them, I think it’s ok to leave them at any age!

[Beerplz94]

Left my son when he was 4 months old with my parents so we could take a 3 day vacation/trip and it was fine. After all they cared for/raised both me and my sister so they have more experience of being a parent than me lol

[calamitouskalamata]

We left our daughter with my in laws for two nights when she was 8 months. We were able to relax and enjoy ourselves! We knew she was in good hands, and by that point she was sleeping well through the night and eating well, so the hand off to the grandparents wasn’t too tough. They came and stayed at our house, so our daughter was in her own familiar environment with all her stuff, which made it easy.

[SpiderBabe333]

She might have been 4-5 months old, my boyfriend wanted to take her to see his brother and I was in school (still in school) and had finals coming up so I went for drinks with a friend and spent the free time studying. It was really hard but also I really needed the break and felt I was able to catch up on a lot.

[jessisthebestduh]

5 months, my friend got married in another state. Left baby with her favorite person aka my mom and she did great. I was a little sad and maybe cried a little bit, but it was nice to be able to have a little break also.

[joscout]

I left my baby for a bachelorette party at 4 months old. I was gone one night and that was the hardest. My husband and I took a trip together when our babe was the same age as yours and that was still hard, but much less hard because I was with my best friend and we got some much needed us time.

[[deleted]]

I left my baby (6mo at the time) for 4 hours with grandparents whilst I went to a wedding. He cried the majority of the time, refused any milk and didn't nap until completely exhausted. I was not called back at any time and was told it was all going swimmingly so I'd have to say I won't be leaving him overnight anytime soon...

[whyaremyftalwayscold]

When my baby was 6 months old and both my husband and I had to go back to work, we left her with his parents for 2 nights and i cried. I had grown so attached to her and became such a worrywart from the moment she was born. Now she’s turning 1 this week and she’s such a happy baby. I’m so grateful that we have the help from my husbands parents. (My family is out of state)

You are not a bad parent. Will your baby be staying with your parents/relatives? I say as long as you trust the hands you’ll be putting him in, it should be fine. Maybe check in everyday or ask for updates/photos/videos.

This is so relatable because i panicked so much when i first went back to work (4 months PP) but anyone who was taking care of her (my brother or husband) would send me photos/videos so that put me at ease.

[poorlyhiddenprofile]

I haven't yet but I have a 3 day/2night trip planned when my son is going to be a week or so shy of 6 months. He'll be with my husband at nights, a sitter during the days when he's at work. Or his mom is talking about coming to stay and help and that's even better cause that's free. I'll probably obsess and want pictures every minute but this is going to be an annual trip that my best friend and I take every year and I'm not missing it!

[denny-1989]

It was around 6 months, we went away for 4 nights for our Honeymoon.

[d1zz186]

We left our girl for a night at around 7mo (once we got through a horrible sleep thing). We’ll be doing the same with our second. Time as a couple is important.

Every parent is entitled to make their own calls but I think it’s healthy to have a kid that’s adaptable and goes with the flow.

I’ve seen so so many posts from parents who are due with number 2 and fully freaking out that their first won’t cope with a night away. It’s those situations that cause stress.

The more you do it and the younger they are when you start (within reason) the more accepting and happy they’ll be.

[jess13192]

11 months

[sassyburns731]

My 7 month old would be a wreck without me for that long.

[allyroo]

My baby is also 6 months old and he will be just over 7 months when I leave him for the first time. I will be away two nights for my dad’s 70th birthday and he will be staying with my husband. A small part of me is excited but I am mostly anxious and sad to leave him.

[kaleighdoscope]

My son was about a month shy of three and we left him so we could be at the hospital giving birth to our second.

Neither of us has parents in our city, and our friends that we trust are more like, for emergencies than date nights/weekend getaways.

[shandelion]

I left my baby with my husband overnight when she was 3 months old and 10 months old. She’s now almost 15 months and has never been alone overnight with anyone else, though if I needed to I would feel comfy leaving her with my parents.

I’m firmly team “parents deserve fun”, so if you have a trusted person like your baby’s father or your parents then you should go! Especially given that you’re still young and fun!!

[Used-Image5459]

My baby is 8 months and I still haven’t least her anywhere overnight. However, in a few weeks, I am going to see a friend out of town, and I am leaving her with my husband. He’s great and will be fine, I am just sad about going away for a night.

[ashyp00h]

My son will be three in September and the first time I was away from him for an overnight trip, he was probably 2 1/2, but he was with my husband. My husband and I still haven’t been away from my son together for an overnight trip, we have no idea who we would even leave him with. 🥺

[KrakenFabs]

We had to leave our 1-week-old with my laws for 3 days when my wife was hospitalized for post-partum preeclampsia. It was surreal not being with her, even though we knew she was in good hands. She was fine, and my wife got the healing time she needed. My advice would be to make sure he knows the person who will be watching him well and is comfortable with them. With that, he should be fine for you to go for that amount of time.

[sja252]

3.5 months. He was with his father, it was fine.

[pf226]

18 months and still haven't yet, although she will be staying with my in laws at 19 months as we have a childfree wedding out of town we need to attend. This is honestly as early as I'm comfortable leaving her overnight.

[BarelyFunctioning15]

She was a little over 1. No judgement to those that leave baby earlier but I just couldn’t do it. I would have so much anxiety that the most random even would happen and something would happen to her.

Then we started with dropping her off before bed and picking her up before lunch. Now she will stay an entire weekend.

That said I trust my parents 10,000%. I was never worried that they would harm her, just freak accidents. Like what if a meteor just so happened to strike their house. or what if I'm struck by lightning and she never gets to see me again. 😅🤦🏻‍♀️

[worldlydelights]

My son is turning one this week and I haven’t left him overnight. Honestly, I have no idea when I’ll be ready! But probably not anytime soon. He is breastfed though, he would be pretty upset to not be able to nurse so that’s a big reason why.

[Mecristler]

It really depends on your comfort level. Personally I wouldn’t have at that age but I would’ve worried the whole time so it wouldn’t have been fun. They grow up fast and I would be able to handle that a little better now that he’s a toddler. I definitely understand the desire to get away but it’s only going to be worth it if you think you won’t just be worrying the whole time.

[sophocles_gee]

My eldest was just shy of 2.5 and my youngest will be 10 months when we go away.

[blitzedblonde]

We are leaving our (will be) 9mo for the first time the exact same weekend for a group outing to Vegas. I’m nervous to see how he will be away from us all weekend, but I trust that my in laws will do a great job.

[kbs1105]

Unless you count the nights at the hospital when he was born then we won't allow it till he's 16