Standing on a balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower or a chalet in the snow – sounds like a perfect vacation plan, doesn’t it? Couples without kids can turn their dreams into reality and go on vacations whenever possible. But that is never the case with parents with a newborn baby.
Worrying about what could go wrong, securing childcare, and finances – the list of reasons is endless. Oh, and not to forget, the fear of ‘what other people will think’ holds parents back from going on a vacation without kids.
Do you also spend a couple of minutes fantasizing about spending a kids-free vacation? If yes, we feel you!
Going on a trip without your infant can be scary, even if you know they will be in safe hands. But with some planning and preparation, you can shelve the anxiety and enjoy the trip.
Let’s check out what you must do before you leave for vacation without your child.
Have a Breastfeeding Plan of Action
How your infant will eat while you’re away must be your biggest concern before leaving for vacation. Well, pumping your breast milk will give you peace of mind that your infant will have your milk while you’re away.
A healthy freezer stash should be enough to get your baby through your absence. Accidents often happen, so it’s better to stock up on extra milk in case of an emergency.
Feeding cow milk-based formula from Similac or Enfamil is a big no-no because recent studies have linked these products with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Every 1 in 1,000 babies is affected with NEC, and among them, most are premature babies.
NEC is a serious gastrointestinal disease that leads to the death of the intestinal tissue while creating a hole. Infants with NEC are at risk of short bowel syndrome, intestinal stricture, abdominal infection, growth failure, and developmental delays.
This eye-opening discovery has led many parents to sue the makers of these infant formulas.
As reported by TorHoerman Law, Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson & Company are the two baby formula brands mentioned in the lawsuit.
So far, no settlements have been made with either of the two manufacturers. However, the estimated NEC lawsuit payout and settlement amounts are anticipated to be between $5,000 and over $500,000.
Jot Down a Timetable for Your Child’s Caregiver
Who knows a child’s timetable better than their mother? No one, not even an experienced caregiver.
Don’t assume that your child’s grandmother or grandfather knows when to feed them or how many naps they need. Before hitting the road, jot down a rough timetable and hand it to your child’s caregiver. They can refer to it throughout the day and do things accordingly.
Is there anything non-negotiable for your baby? Communicate with your infant’s caregiver upfront so that they don’t make mistakes in your absence.
Leave Behind Important Contact Details and Essentials
Be sure to hand over important contact details to your child’s caregiver, so they know whom to contact in an emergency. Your contact information and your family member’s phone numbers may not be enough.
You must also share your child’s pediatrician’s number so that they can reach out to them in case any issue arises. Bring to their knowledge the allergies your child suffers, if any, and provide them with medications for fever and allergy.
Remember that you aren’t the only one who’ll miss the bedtime cuddles. Your baby will also miss them. Leaving your scent on a soft, cozy blanket will offer them comfort. Sleep with your child’s favorite blanket for a few nights and hand it over to them before leaving it as a transitional object.
Lastly, don’t forget to stock up on toys, wipes, diapers, and other essentials to last until you come back.
Set Your Communication Expectations
Are you hoping for a regular FaceTime, an end-of-the-day dispatch, or do you want hourly photo updates? Let your child’s caregiver know in advance how often you’d want them to contact you. Don’t forget to leave some wiggle areas for their convenience, though. After all, they will be taking care of an infant who can’t even crawl.
The Takeaway
Experiencing baby blues after delivering a child is common. That’s why women who have struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder or birth trauma deserve a break before reaching their breaking point. The good news is that you can go on a couples’ vacation even after having kids without experiencing the parent guilt.
Going on the first vacation without your little one can feel a bit of everything, from twisted anxiety to joyful excitement. But trust us, everything will be alright, and the trip will be a beautiful experience for you and your spouse.
Go ahead, book tickets, and pack your bags, as a small getaway with your partner can refresh and rejuvenate your mind.
