Travelling with OUT Baby

one thing you'd have to think about is if you will be breastfeeding him at 11 months still. if so, then will he take formula and will you be able to pump while you are away so that you can continue to feed him when you return. he might have some tough nights for your husband, but he will not be traumatized. he'll just be extra excited when you get home! at 22 months he is basically almost 2 years old and he will most likely be in his own bed and also not breastfeeding(unless you plan to do both that long...not sure, you didn't mention that)but either way, it would be easier for you and for him the older he is. but if you decide to leave when he is 11 months, he will be fine. he'll never remember it later in life. it just might be hard for the sleeping and feeding issue. good luck in whatever you decide.

Because you are breastfeeding and co-sleeping, now would probably be worse. If you plan to still be breastfeeding at 22 months, you might be worried about your milk supply while away. Is it impossible for your child to accompany you? Extended overnights away from your child arent recommended until 3 years old, according to Attachment Parenting International. Im not sure if you are an AP family, but the breastfeeding and co-sleeping made me think its possible.

Hi A.,

I think it's commendable that you're interested in going with your youth group to El Salvador. I'm sure you would have a good time, but you might feel guilty and lonely the whole time you were away. More important, I believe that your baby needs you too much at this age to leave him. It would be traumatic for him because you are so close and you have been his caregiver. God forbid, anything happened to you away from home.

In Cambodia, women hand off babies constantly to other women so the babies are used to the ways of different people. My family unit was insecure, but I grew up with a large number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and others, who were interested in me.

Hi A.,

I just got back from 5 days away from my 16 month old, and while I was away she was totally fine, but now that I'm home, there's hell to pay! It has been much harder (on her) than when I left when she was truly an infant rather than a toddler. It was harder on me to leave when she was a baby and a little more tricky for her dad to get her to sleep.

I agree, though, that in either case, it will only be a few days adjustment to get back to normal, and if it is an important opportunity for you, go without worrying too much. I think it's really important for a child (and the parents) to know that his/her father can take just as good care as his/her mother.

To be honest...neither. I have twins who are three and each year I have taken a 10 day trip without them. I was so panicky and nervous about them and each year the report back is that other than asking about me a few times it was out of sight out of mind...which is a good thing and this does seem like an unbelievable opportunity...it will be good for both of you.

I respectfully disagree with some of the PP...I do think it can be traumatic for deeply attached babies to not have their mama available for long periods of time -- I'm not suggesting therapy down the road, but I think definately traumatic in the moment. I would postpone the trip. THe way an 11 month baby nurses & the way a 22 month toddler nurses is very, very different. Even if you're still nursing next year, your body will be able to accomodate breaks better without having issues with engorgement (this can still be a problem even if you're pumping), etc. If you know that you'll be going next year, you can g-r-a-d-u-a-l-l-y prepare over many months - getting your son used to his own bed or used to sleeping mostly with Daddy, taking expressed breastmilk from a cup, and so on. You can take a few shorter trips in the months beforehand so that Daddy can see how it is too :) At 22 months hell be more able to understand what happening, too.

I think it would very tough on both you & your baby (& probably Daddy too) to take the trip this year. Wait if you can & then enjoy!

It's always way more traumatic for the mother than it is for the child. I think it will be easier for your child at 11 months vs. 22 months. However, the word "traumatic" is a bit strong for what your son will experience at either age. He won't remember either times you were away for a week later in life. Again, it's more about you than him. The real question is what was mentioned by another poster. Will your son take formula from a bottle? No matter how much milk you have stored...it's never enough and you want to make sure he will take the formula back-up just in case.
Also, because you co-sleep, the nights may be a bit tough for the first few nights...but most likely more so for your husband! ;-) Good luck in whatever you decide to do!