Shore/Beach Trip with a 4 week old?

[LZP]

So, we haven't gotten there yet, but I am wondering if I am nuts to even consider this...?! We usually get a free week at my DH's aunt's house at the beach the week after Labor Day (US). The atmosphere is so nice and relaxing since it's still warm, and there are no crowds! We have to at least let them know we're interested in the week and can always say "nevermind" as it comes time, but I'd like to have it reserved if it's possible.

We're expecting our first in August, so in theory she'd be at least 3.5-4 weeks old that week. Lets pretend that everything will work out how it "should," and we have an easy time BFing, CDing and generally getting along with a new baby. oh, and I will also feel like a rock star and be totally well and recovered...

my thoughts are, I can not sleep at home, or I can not sleep at the beach.

other considerations: we plan to use a co-sleeper at home, and could easily bring that with us as her bed/nap place. We plan to EBF, so I wouldnt need to pack formula, bottles, etc. Just clothes, dipes and detergent along with the other things we usually bring.

We have a washer and dryer there. there is a good hospital close by, G-d forbid something happened. we know the house well, and are comfortable there.

obviously, we wont know until she comes if she'll be high needs or really calm and easy-going, and that would definitely play a part.. but again, let's pretend.

Could we bring her to the beach for an hour or two and have her under the umbrella or in one of those little beach tent things if it's not too windy and/or hot?
Is this ridiculous to even consider, or do you think it's doable? Thoughts? Am I already a bad mom for considering this?

[bender]

I was planning on going camping with a 4 week old, but I had a lot of issues with milk supply, so we cancelled it because camping isn't conducive to pumping. I also felt kinda crappy, even 4 weeks out. For me, I was more comfortable at home, with my familiar things.

But you'll have a house, probably your own room, and all the conveniences of home. It sounds like it wouldn't be too stressful; I'd probably make plans to do it now, but be flexible if you need more rest after the baby comes.

[Nicole730]

If it's just a relaxing vacation with your own space, and you know you're comfortable there in general, it should be fine. Is there going to be anyone else there? Waking up multiple times a night and disturbing someone other than your DH might end up bothering you and them.

[woodchick]

Speaking for myself- I would totally go! You've been before so you know what it is like and could probably make packing lists beforehand. I assume you're driving so you could always leave early if you weren't having a good time. You won't need tons of toys or stuff- diapers, co-sleeper, carrier...

The beach should be fine, just stay in the shade and drink lots of water (you, not babe)

[mkksmom]

Will it just be your guys?

I think you'd be fine to head out to the beach for an hour or 2 in the late afternoon/early evening. We did it with a 7 week old and she enjoyed the fresh air as much as we did.

The car trip could be a pain or it could be easy. I think I'd say you're interested as long as it's just you guys and wait and see.

[LZP]

Originally Posted by Nicole730

If it's just a relaxing vacation with your own space, and you know you're comfortable there in general, it should be fine. Is there going to be anyone else there? Waking up multiple times a night and disturbing someone other than your DH might end up bothering you and them.

We'll be the only ones in the house that week. And if someone did come down, it's "our" week, so they'd know what they were getting into!


Sorry your camping trip didnt work out bender, if it ends up that I do have to pump in the beginning, we'd probably bag the trip too...

thanks for the replies ladies, pretty much what I was thinking too. now to convince DH!!

ETA: yes, we're driving, but it's only about 2 hours average with a nice clean rest area about 1 hour in. we head down on a Monday afternoon and leave on a Friday morning. usually no traffic in the direction we're headed.

[annethcz]

I took my oldest child camping when he was a month old- it was a great trip! By that time, I felt more confident in my parenting, and our nursing patterns had been established.

[TSomm]

I made it for a week long ski trip in CO with a 6 week old high needs baby. We BF, CD'ed, etc. It was hard, but if you have help you'll be fine.

[Just1More]

I'd absolutely go, even if my baby WAS fussy or things were tough in the beginning. There's nothing like a vacation to clear your mind and prepare you to getting back to "life".

I took a 1500 mile road trip in 7 days with a very, very fussy 4 week old. It was long and tough, but home was, too. It was nice to see people, and share our baby. Totally worth it.

[noobmom]

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I like to hunker down and just chill at home for a good month after I have a baby. I just wouldn't be in the mood to pack, clean, etc. in preparation for a trip. Also, to me it wouldn't be much of a trip as a baby sleeps A LOT at that age and you'll be in the house most of the time. But, I fully admit I'm a homebody and I like being at home.

Oh, I should also mention that my first hated the car and screamed bloody murder the entire time I drove until he was about 9 months old. If it was at night (dark) he cried even more. So, not every baby falls asleep in the car.

[SilverFish]

i would definitely go, barring any major problems! what will you do if the baby is late though? is it possible to go the following week, just to give yourself a little extra time?

otherwise, it sounds lovely.

[jsh7809]

It sounds lovely to me, although I totally understand your concerns. DD is 4.5 weeks right now and I could definitely take her for a week at the beach - but we would have to bring a LOT of stuff, and it would probably not be very relaxing. However, I am getting to a place where a change of pace/ location/ going out sounds nice... it's always tiring but it always makes me feel better to get out and go somewhere.
My main concern would actually be the elements. I keep thinking of taking DD for a drive to the beach (less than an hour away) but since we live near the rough NorCal coast, it is freezing and very windy there. I don't have many warm clothes for her since she is a spring baby and she hates getting dressed, so it sounds like a lot of work to me...
Again, I really have trouble getting my butt in gear to get us out of the house most days, but I keep making commitments that involve going out, and every time I end up thinking, "this is really tiring but it also makes me feel more human, and puts the intensity of caring for a newborn into a kind of perspective." So I'd recommend it!

[nola79]

I would absolutely go! You'll be in a house, so it'll be just like at home, but at the beach.