7 Tips on leaving your baby for the first time

Leaving your baby for the first time can be a daunting experience for many and you could experience parent separation anxiety, but at some stage you may need to bite the bullet.

Check out these tips to help make leaving your baby a whole lot easier.
 

7 Tips on leaving your baby for the first time

 

1. Do a trial run

If you’re planning a night out, get used to being away from your baby during the day for a small amount of time first.

Try leaving them with your partner or parents while you meet a friend for a quick coffee or go shopping.

When you head out for the evening, leave your baby with someone who is familiar to them and has babysat them before, even if it was for a short time.

Your baby will be comforted by a face they recognise, and you'll have peace of mind that you have someone you trust in charge whilst you're not there.
 

2. Start small

If you can, keep your first outing short and local. That way you’re not far from home if you’re needed.

It will also give you piece of mind knowing that you can either walk or drive a short distance to be back with your baby.
 

3. Don’t feel guilty

It’s a natural reaction to feel guilty when you leave your baby for the first time (and even after that), but remember you need time out for yourself and a chance to recharge your batteries too.

It’s also good for your baby to bond with other people and get used to the idea of others taking care of them.
 

4. Hide your anxiety

Babies are naturally programmed to pick up on every emotion because of their survival instinct.

If you or your partner is anxious about heading off, your baby will detect it and that will increase their anxiousness too.

The result is they’ll find it harder to settle and make it more difficult for you to want to leave. Try to stay calm.
 

5. Leave instructions

Leaving the person who is babysitting everything they need (from expressed milk to toys) means you’re not fretting whether your baby is lacking something whilst you're out.

Write a list for them if you need to and include everything from the amount of milk your baby drinks to the restaurant phone number if it makes you feel more at ease.

Give yourself the opportunity to stop checking your phone by saying you’ll call home at a certain time.
 

6. Try to detach

It’s hard when you’re out to not think about your baby. But you really must try. Babies are much stronger than you think and will adjust to you being away.

The more you do it, the more natural it’ll become.
 

7. Not quite ready?

Remember you can always say no if you're really not quite ready to leave your baby.

Perhaps postpone the outing and mark a date in your diary for a few weeks' time and try again.

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Image source: deliacreates.com