Since the arrival of baby, your life has changed: bye bye getaways just the two of you or small unexpected trips for a weekend. Yes, Baby must first find its bearings and grow. But when can you babysit? We take stock with Jill Bird, our super Nanny.
From what age can we leave Baby for a weekend?
Many parents are taken by a form of guilt at the idea of leaving their infant for several days. They find it difficult to pass the course of a first separation with Baby and this is all the more the case when it is their first child. If the parents are not ready for this first separation and they feel stress or anxiety, it will be the same for Baby, this real little detector of positive and negative emotions, even well before be born. There is not really an age indicated for having your baby looked after for a whole weekend or for a few days of vacation. An infant has attachment and security needs that only his referents can meet. In addition, if he is still breastfed, you will need to plan to express your milk before you leave to feed baby while you are away…. After the baby is 6-7 months old, it is possible to entrust him to leave for a day or two. If you want to leave it on for a longer period, don’t skip the steps! Entrust him first for a day then a little longer the next time, gradually increase the duration of his stays, gradually get him used to being separated from you.
Who can babysit for a weekend or more?
Impossible to entrust an infant to a stranger and leave it the first time, especially if you have to be away for several days. Baby will feel more confident with people he already knows. Ask the grandparents if they are available or ask a friend or someone close to you who sees your child often.
Afterwards, when the child is much older, around about 3 years old, entrusting your child to a babysitter is a possible solution, but not without taking several precautions: does she know how to attach a car seat in a car ? What time does she put the children to bed? Make sure she’s not only kind to children, but has all the skills necessary to take care of them. Do not hesitate to ask him questions to test his knowledge, security question for your little one.
What shouldn’t you do when you leave your baby for the weekend?
It is unthinkable to leave baby alone, with a third person, without telling him that you are leaving. A few days before your departure, tell him in simple words that he will stay with Grandpa and Grandma for several days and that you will not be there during his stay but that you will come back soon to pick him up. Give him hints about the activities they are going to do together that he particularly enjoys (for example: “With Grandma, you will make cookies and you will go to the merry-go-round”). When it’s time to drop off your child with his grandparents on D-Day, don’t prolong, even if he comes to cry, the moment of goodbye: take your child in your arms to say goodbye to him. a hug, kiss it and go. When the child begins to have the notion of time, around 4 years old, warn him of your departure well in advance. In addition, he will feel more reassured if you give him details of his various occupations and hobbies during his stay without you. It is possible to leave him a scarf, a scarf or a sweater with your perfume that he can smell while you are away.
What are the recommendations to make when leaving your baby for a whole weekend?
Welcoming Baby like a little pasha depends on few things. Each Baby needs that we respect his own little routines that reassure him and give him confidence, preferences in terms of food and activities… Before entrusting your baby, even for a few days, prepare a little “mode of employment” intended for the person who will keep it. The easiest way is to do it in writing so that you don’t forget anything without overwhelming the person with information about your child that can end up being distressing. To pass the hand serenely and dodge without stress, you can tell him:
- Your contact details and how to reach you quickly in an emergency.
- Pediatrician’s contact details.
- Your baby’s favorite foods. You can also specify which are your child’s favorite small dishes and, conversely, if he hates one or more foods.
- The different food allergies or baby respiratory allergies.
- Your little one’s sleep ritual. Sacred, we keep the same habits as at home and we put Baby to bed at the same time, even during the holidays.
- A typical baby day. Describe what he likes to do, his games, his quiet moments…
- Your little magic tricks (rhymes, funny noises) to calm him down in the event of a “crisis”.
Read also:
- 5 good reasons to go on an “all inclusive” family vacation
- The separation process between baby and mother