Tips for a weekend away without your baby

TIPS FOR A WEEKEND AWAY WITHOUT YOUR LITTLE ONE
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When my little girl was only a few month old, Patrick and I decided to head away for a baby-free night at @thenewt. Yes, I cried on my journey there (“what if she notices we have gone and misses us?”) but on reflection I think it was one of the best things we could have done as new parents. Why? Because it reminded us to be “us” again. And when we got back, I can pretty much guarantee we were better parents as a result.⠀
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Here’s my tips on how to have a stress free baby free trip away.⠀
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💓 you’re likely going to be leaving your little one with a nanny or a member of your family, so make sure whoever it is, You feel entirely comfortable leaving them with the baby! You need to trust them so you can relax!⠀
💓 Create a list of important information such as emergency contacts, feeding instructions, sleep schedules, and suggested activities to give to them.⠀
💓 Before you leave, establish guidelines for checking in with whoever is looking after the baby. For example, say you’re likely to want to video call once a day. ⠀
💓 DO consider coming home before bedtime. On the day we return, I always try to get back by 4 p.m. so we can hang out with the children before bed. I love that reunion!⠀
💓 It’s OK to say “Yes.” Being separated from your child is a difficult, often guilt-ridden, experience. Remind yourself that it’s completely acceptable to take a break once in awhile — and that time away can actually help you become a better parent.⠀
💓 Be present. While it’s tempting to obsess about what your baby might be doing at any given moment, resist the urge. Instead, use this time to focus on recharging — be it via work, play, or a little bit of both. You and baby will both appreciate the result.⠀
💓 Call in the morning. While your schedule changes when you’re traveling, your baby’s will stay relatively the same. Calling during the 5 p.m. cranky hour or at bath time isn’t going to make either of you feel better ⠀
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Are you considering a break away from your little one and how are you feeling about it?