The first time I decided to go out without the baby and leave him with a sitter was nerve racking. I was really excited to be going out with my husband for the first time in over 3 months. I was also anxious to leave the baby with someone else.
My husband and I ended up having a great time together and my son had a great time with his godparents.
Everyone needs a break sometimes and it is healthy to go out without the baby occasionally. You will be a better mom if you take care of yourself and your relationships. Balancing your stress levels helps you be a better mother and wife. Know that when you take care of yourself, you are taking better care of those around you that you love.
Make sure the first time you leave your baby with a sitter you are ready to do so. For some moms that may be earlier than other moms and that is okay. Your baby will be ready to be left with a sitter when you are ready and feel good about your decision.
Here are seven steps you can follow to make the first time you leave your baby with a sitter a smooth experience for everyone:
Breastfeeding:
If you are still breastfeeding you may have to teach your baby to drink from a bottle before you will be able to leave him with a sitter for a longer period of time. Invest in a good pump and feed your baby from the bottle. It will be beneficial to have other people feed your baby as well so the baby gets used to others feeding him.
Stay Calm:
If you are anxious or worried, your baby will pick up on those feelings and may also become anxious and worried. Stay calm and happy in front of the baby so he will know that everything is good and the night will be fun.
Say Goodbye Casually:
When the time comes for you to leave, say goodbye happily and calmly. Give your baby his favorite toy or introduce a fun activity for him to do with the sitter, and leave while he is having fun and is distracted. Say goodbye before you leave. Don't sneak away. That could cause your baby to worry that any time you leave his sight you might disappear. Say goodbye but then promptly leave. Don’t linger or dawdle or get too worked up. It will be better for your baby if he sees you leaving as something that just casually and occasionally happens.
The Hand Off:
It may be less stressful for the baby to not physically hand the baby to the sitter before leaving. Put the baby in his jumper, on the floor or pack n play. Quickly say goodbye and then leave. The sitter can then pick the baby up, which will give the sitter a chance to "rescue" the baby and will start their evening on a positive note.
Fed and Well Rested Baby:
Make sure your baby is fed, well rested and comfortable. A baby that is not fed or well rested is a fussy baby. Leaving a fussy baby is going to be more stressful for you, the baby and the sitter.
Familiar Face:
Make sure the sitter is someone, your baby knows and is comfortable being around. If it is a new person, it may be scarier for the baby once you leave. If you hire someone you don’t know make sure you invite them over once or twice before you leave your baby with her the first time.
Prepare the Sitter:
Make a list of emergency contacts, put them in an easily accessible place and make sure the sitter knows where to find them. Show her where the baby’s food, diapers, wipes and anything else she may need is kept. Give the sitter the baby’s schedule and let her know when the baby usually eats and sleeps. Show the sitter the baby’s toys or favorite activities that she can use to keep him happy and distracted. Explain the baby’s bedtime ritual to help make that go as smoothly as possible. Tell her the best ways to comfort the baby if the baby does need to be comforted. Show her the food and drinks that she has access to and can help herself to while you are gone.
With a little planning leaving your baby with a sitter so you have a night out, go to work or even just run errands will go smoothly be a great experience for all involved!
What are your opinions and experiences?