Reply to How soon did you let your child have overnight visits?

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Reply to "How soon did you let your child have overnight visits?"

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[quote=Anonymous]I think a lot depends on whether your are breastfeeding and how comfortable you are with the person who will care for the child while you are away.

I left my firstborn at my house with my mom for three nights at three months old to attend a wedding out of town.  I also left a freezer full of breast milk and pumped while I was away.  I was still hormonal from breastfeeding, so the thought of leaving her overnight made me sad until I got caught up in wedding festivities, but I knew it would be a mistake to bring her on the trip and it was important to my husband to have me there with him.  I also knew the baby would be fine because she was accustomed to having some feedings from a bottle and because she had already spent considerable time with my mom, who stayed with us for the first month after the baby arrived.  I also knew my mom would follow my parenting style.

I then left her overnight at my MIL's house for two nights for another wedding when she was eight months old.  I wasn't quite as comfortable with my MIL as I was with my mom, because I hadn't seen her in action with the baby for any length of time.  But I told myself that she did a great job with my husband and I knew the baby would be okay because she was used to being away from me at that point while I worked.

OP, maybe you could compromise and have your MIL spend a night with the baby at your house in familiar surroundings while you and DH go off somewhere.  She could even do a practice night beforehand with you at home making sure all is well.  Also, keep in mind that the separation will be harder for you than for your baby, especially if you are BFing.  Studies have shown that young babies do just fine away from the primary caregiver as long as their basic needs for snuggling, milk, etc. are being met.  The distress at being away from the primary caregiver comes later. [/quote]

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