Travel without baby

[Sweetserene]

Hi all,

I'd love to get some thoughts on this:

Soon, I may need to do some travel that will take me away from home for 5-7 days. My baby will be 3 1/2 months at that time, and would spend the whole time with his father, who will be off from work. I'm not so worried about the logistics of taking a trip without the baby, but I'm just not sure how he or I will handle it emotionally. Has anyone ever been away from their 3 month old for days at a time? Was the baby okay? Were you okay?

Thanks for the input!!

[TiredX2]

Hi.  Welcome to MDC.  I didn't want your question to go unanswered, but cant' really give any advice. 

I think, on this forum especially, you will find most parents would attempt to avoid a 5-7 seperation from their young infant.  You mentioned that the baby's father will be taking time off from work to stay home those 5-7 days: would it be possible for him to come with you instead?

Are you nursing?  That should be something you take into account (I'm sure you have).  As for emotionally--- I'm sure you will both miss each other.  I don't think there is reallly anything you can do to "reassure" that young of a baby that a seperation is forever: their minds just dont' work that way.  Each person reacts differently, so things that help one person deal with seperation may or may not help you.  For example, you could take pictures of your baby and a blanket of their's on your trip.  You could try to set up video chat so you can see baby while away. 

Good luck

[Areia]

Hi,

I did that.  I had to take a 2 week business trip 5,000 miles away from my daughter when she was about the same age as your baby.  If your husband has the option to come with you great - but that wasn't an option in our case.

The baby was fine - I was a bit of a mess.  It was very difficult, esp  the trip there and during down time.  I second the photo and skype suggestions.  Skype especially was a life saver for me.  My husband and Mom (who helped him out) were also great about taping lots of their day and sending me the videos.  It was really comforting as well.

I spent a lot of time working - more than I needed to really, but it helped to be completely engrossed in something else.  Also, remembering why I was doing this job and the benefits to DD helped. 

Your baby will not forget you (I promise ) and it will be a wonderful opportunity to have him bond with his father.  I know every household is different, but in ours, I did most of the childcare when DD was an infant so my husband and mom loved having her all to themselves.

Please feel free to PM me if you'd like. 

[emilysmama]

I, too, think it will be fine for the baby.  If you are breastfeeding, then by 3.5 months, breastfeeding will be well established.  I think it is a good opportunity to have the father and child cement a very special bond.  I know that my 7 y.o. dd has my husband wrapped around her little finger because they spent a lot of time together as a young infant when I worked extremely long hours at night.  The child will be fine. 5-7 days is not that long, and your child will pick up where he left off when you return. You, on the other hand, might not be able to concentrate on your work.

[Smithie]

"My baby will be 3 1/2 months at that time, and would spend the whole time with his father, who will be off from work."

Then he'll be fine. This is why it's nice for parents to come in pairs!

Life is not always ideal. My husband had to travel when our kids were babies, and that was not ideal either, but their long-term relationship was not hurt by it. 

[Sweetserene]

Thank you all so much for your responses! The support is so appreciated. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for my husband and the baby to have some quality time together and really bond.