Leaving Your Baby: Tips to Feel Comfortable & Prepared

It's hard for new parents to think about leaving their babies for the first time. When you leave your baby for the first time, whether that's at daycare, with a relative or with a friend there is always a certain amount of worry that comes with leaving your baby for the first time. Most all parents feel a level of worry or concern when they leave their baby for the first time. Mainly because they have spent so much time building a bond between parent and child, that it's hard to leave that bond behind.

My husband and I started with a small trip with both of us leaving for a mini-weekend trip away from the baby. The baby was staying with my parents, who, at the time, were most likely the only ones I would trust with the baby. We took this trip when our baby was only a couple months old, but just needed a break. We needed time together, and needed to be able to have conversations without worry about what the baby needed. This trip was the best thing we did. Although we felt strange, we made it through. We had a great time, we reconnected, and the baby was fine. Our trip was just what the doctor ordered.

Once the maternity or paternity leave is gone, you have to face the fact that you may have to take your baby to daycare. Parents by nature, typically don't like to be away from their children, but it's necessary for some couples for financial reasons. I was one of those mother's that had to leave her first baby at daycare. I was terrified. Although I did all the interviewing, and researching, and background checking, I still felt bad the first time I had to leave my baby at daycare. I still do, but I can say that the feelings start to diminish, and at some point you have to trust your decision. My advice on daycare is, stick with your gut. If your gut feeling is that you can't trust your daycare provider, than find someone else. You have to make the right decision for your baby. If you feel as though you have the wrong people, don't settle. Find someone else that can take care of your baby. They are your future.

After a year, I was scheduled a week long trip away from my baby. This broke my heart. How could I possibly be gone from my baby for a week! I feel as though I have a very special bond with my little girl, and the fact that I couldn't see her laugh, smile, walk, or be there to comfort her for that time seemed like too much to bear. I decided it would be good for her to spend time with her daddy. I knew he would take care of her, but wanted to make sure he would stick to her schedule and patterns with eating and sleeping.

The following tips are ideas to use for anyone that is watching your baby while you are gone. If you follow some or all of these guidelines, you will feel peace of mind and won't worry as much.

Leave a Schedule

Babies love patterns. They have patterns since birth of when they eat, when they sleep, and even when they poop. Even good daycare providers have your babies on a schedule to ensure they get the proper sleep and play time. When you are leaving, leave a schedule for your care provider. Leave them schedule of how long they typical sleep in the morning, what time they go to bed, etc. The more detail you can give, the better.

Leave Instructions on Food

As babies grown in their first year they go through different stages of eating. Early on, they have bottles. Newborns eat every 2-3 hours, where babies that are 4 or 5 months eat every 3-4 hours. Babies around 6 months start to eat baby food, and babies around a year start to eat table food. You can see how babies eat differently, in different stages of their first year. It's important to leave a menu of what your baby will need to eat, along with how much. If they eat baby food make sure you have that baby food on-hand. If they are drinking formula, leave instructions of how to mix the formula or use breast milk that you have in the fridge.

Make Sure You Have the Supplies
Make sure when you leave you have all the food, diapers, baby wipes, or other necessities that your baby requires, for the time you are gone. By having these supplies, you won't have to worry about them getting used to things they don't typically get served, and your care provider feels better knowing they don't have to run out and buy something. Don't forget to leave a car seat and stroller for safe and convenient travel.

Make Sure You Have Baby Clean Baby Clothes
Before you leave, wash a load of your baby's clothing. Wash their bibs, their pajamas, their onesies and the outfits they will need for the time you are gone. Then add a few extra pieces in case they make a mess. Plan out each outfit, so your care provider doesn't have to worry about how to dress your baby.

Leave Emergency Contact Numbers
None of us like to think that something bad could happen when we are gone, but if something was to happen wouldn't it be better to have emergency numbers ready to handle the situation? Make a list of phone numbers for your baby's doctor, hospital, parents, and friends or family that needs to be contacted in case there is an emergency.

By following these tips, you should be able to let your mind rest in the fact that you're baby will be fine. They may not be cared for in the exact way that you would, but they will be fine. Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder.