Do you think it is okay to leave your 6 month old baby for a week 4 a holiday ?

Question

Me and my partner feel we need a break as he is a very demanding baby but im starting to feel gulity about leaving him as its only a couple of days before we fly and im afaird he will forget us

I dont mean 4 weeks i meant for 1 week and babies do cry for no reason

Answer 1

I don't think it's okay, no. But what is more important is what *you* think.

Feeling guilty about something you are *considering* doing is a sign that you don't want to do it. You need to listen to your *own* instincts.

As for what can happen with your child... No, he won't forget you. But when he doesn't see you for a couple of days, he will (instinctively) believe that you have died. He will mourn for you. Then, when you reappear, he may be angry. It will harm your relationship with him, although you can work to repair the damage.

Personally, I would arrange to take him on vacation with me. But, again, only you can decide what is best for you.

Answer 2

My wife and I have been thinking about the same thing and she isn't even born yet!!! the reason is that people keep on suggesting its a good idea to do that so you can recover your strength.

Problem is that my wife is saying she is sure she wont be able to leave the baby even for a day until she is older so I suppose it depends on how you feel. If you are sure you will welcome being apart for that short amount of time and will be able to rest and relax while apart then I am sure its a good idea because everyone seems to think so (and not just the Grannies who are jumping at the chance to look after our baby).

If however you couldn't possibly be apart and will worry and stress if you are then there's no point as you wont recover strength. This doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong though and your baby will definitely not forget you, I am sure of that. It's just your maternal instincts kicking in which is entirely natural. Just try and relax while away seeing as you are already going and get the most out of it while you can- it will help in the long run.

Answer 3

Taking a vacation now and then is one of the healthiest things you can do for a relationship. Your baby will definitely not forget you. And if you and your partner come back refreshed and well rested then you will be that much better off as a parent to your child when you return.

Taking a break is not being a bad parent, and feeling guilty is perfectly normal. Just make sure you have someone extremely trustworthy to leave the baby with. And talk to your baby on the phone a few times while you are gone. Obviously the baby won't do much talking, but he will certainly recognize your voice.

Relax, enjoy your vacation, and don't feel bad!

Answer 4

He won't forget you. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting a bit of time away. A week is a bit long though. Is he staying with grandparents? A bit of time apart from him will probably make you a better parent as you will be more relaxed and rested. It is hard to do a good job when you have a demanding baby all the time. I think you will miss him though. Being a parent is a full time job and you don't get time off. it might make you realise how much you love him and you will appreciate him so much more when you get back. Hopefully this demanding is only a phase and you will be able to take him away on holiday with you next time.

Answer 5

It honestly depends on how well your baby copes without you. If your baby is babysat by someone else on a reguar basis and is fine, then not such a huge deal. I'd say this is probably your last chance. Any older and that child won't let you go anywhere, including the bathroom.

If you feel that you and your partner will be better as parents after you've had a break, then do it. A baby needs a happy stable mummy and daddy so it could be good for all involved.

Answer 6

I wouldn't go personally. Your baby will not forget you after a few days. Your baby knew you from the time he was born.

But I have this to add. If you are getting away from a 6 month old because he is too demanding (as all babies are at that stage) how are you going to handle real issues with him when he gets older? Are you going to run off on vacation every time he questions your authority? I hope you have high frequent flier miles! Your baby is looking at you to help him in his first few years of life. He is totally dependant on you! This is his first time on Earth! He doesn't know about anything and it is up to you as his mother to teach him. He can only communicate by crying now and he wants you to make it better. What does that teach him by running off on vacation because he is demanding?! There is nothing wrong with taking a few hours or so to regain yourself. But it was how you asked the question that made me feel sad for your son.

Answer 7

My cousin got married last march when my baby was 9 months old. As she lives in Zambia there was never any question of us taking the girls due to the malaria risk. I went for ten days and left my husband at home with three girls 5 and under. It was BLISS! I would do it again, and no, none of them forgot me. However I would also add my mote that this baby is supposed to be the most precious thing in your life and whilst time out is essential, I cannot believe that the baby is too demanding. Babies only demand what they need, you need to use this opportunity away to address your parenting, work/life balance, relationship etc. It is not the babies fault if you are finding it hard to cope.

Answer 8

Babies are a full time job, and at 6 months old, maybe a weekend with Grandma would be ok, When young people need a break they seem to want all the perks, you should have thought about it before having a child. You owe that child the next 18 yrs , your wants and needs will be put on the back burner.

Answer 9

Dont feel guilty. Being a new mum can be very difficult, but it can also be th best experiece ever.
Your son will not forget you. He might act a little strangly with u wen u return, or he may be normal. But seriously don't stress about it. As long as he is being looked after by someone you trust (ur mum??) it's cool. Plus u will prob call everyday 2 check up.
NJoy ur Holiday, n dont listen 2 them people sendin nasty messages - We all need a break now an again - Or else we can go MAD!!!

Answer 10

I think 4 weeks is a bit much as this young stage in life he needs consistency and it will be unsettling for him to get to know another carer and then have u.. strangers come back and take him again. If your stressed out then that can make ur bub stressed but a few hours is really all u should need to relax. and only every so often. talk to you community health nurse if u think there may be an underlying cause for ur baby's demanding nature. And remem,ber they dont do it to get at u, there is just no other way to communicate with u.. lol

Answer 11

if u need a break, do it, it is only for few days anyway and it can help your mind a lot, as far u leave him with a woman (never a man) that is a mother herself and you can trust her.
A little break is great when we need it, it will be beneficially for the baby later. Better even , if possible, to always have someone else, to help u out to look after the baby, so you won't get stressed out. Good luck and enjoy ur vacation!