Hotels/Travel with 1 week newborn

Delitachan

I may be accompanying hubs on a work conference about 3 hours drive away for 2 days. I'm worried about hotel germs or the baby waking guests (although he's not a screamer - yet). I'm recovering from a C-section but am not going anywhere except the hotel.
Is this even a good idea? Germs, etc? I will be calling the pediatrician, of course, but wondering what you all would do.

folamij

I personally wouldn't have done it. Not because I was worried about other guests in the hotel but because I was still in pain 1 week pp and car rides created agitation for me. Additionally, the first week is rough, and being cooped up in a hotel room doesn't sound like fun to me. Will your hubby be away all day? Will you have any support person at home if you decide to stay back? 

Best of luck in your decision!

slfezz

I agree. I was not up for anything besides walking around the house and mainly resting 1 week PP from my c-section.

If you do still decide to go, I always brought my own PNP for my kids so I knew what they slept on was clean. 

Bellodomani

Yeah, if it was gonna be like 3 weeks pp maybe I'd do it, but the first week has been really hard for me both times, even without dealing with c-section recovery. Plus a 3 hour drive could take like a thousand years if you're breastfeeding. 

mmemartinez

If your body feels fine I don't see the problem here. The first week after my c-section with DS1 I basically nursed in bed and lounged on the sofa - things easily accomplished in a hotel. The car ride would be the hardest part and could definitely take nearly double time with feeding and changes. If it means you will have DH around to help as well when he is free, instead of not around because he's there and you're at home I would think it's better. I would still check with the pedi about germs but that's it.

TinaTho

I personally post hospital (c/s as well) was desperate for my bed... My home... My dogs. That being said, I'm not sure I wouldn't go crazy without my husband. I'd think a hotel stay would be tough, especially if you are on your own for long stretches. But short of having a relative to stay with you at home, I'd likely follow my husband as well.

If worried about germs I'd have your husband Clorox wipe bathroom surfaces and strip the comforter immediately after check in (bring from home). Perhaps also bring some sheets to drape over any couches/chairs you may use.

lalala2004

After spending a presumed 3 nights in the hospital I wouldn't want to turn around and spend 2 nights in a hotel. I'd be more comfortable in my own bed in my own house. But that's just me. I think it would depend on how nice the hotel is as far as germs. Do they wash the actual duvet or just the sheets? Dirtiest place is usually the remote, so I'd wipe it off with Lysol before anyone touches it.

kbrands7

Everything pp have said! If you do go, one additional germ/dirt factory to check is the air vent/air conditioning unit. Even in nicer hotels these seem to be rarely cleaned and it may take a call to maintenance to get it clean. A dirty one can circulate all kinds of nasties in the air. 

nikkinbonnie

If you want to go you should. Your baby will be too young to know the difference, whether you're at home, in a motel room or on the moon! LO is too little to put things in his mouth so germs won't be an issue that way. Just bring something for him to sleep in and his own little blankets and it will be fine. I personally think people are a little too germiphobic. Wash your hands regularly and don't put nasty things in his mouth. 
DH and I stayed in a hotel at two weeks PP and I was a bit worried about crying bothering the other guests but it was fine. 

The one thing I would consider is how far away you are from a doctor. At that age you will probably feel more comfortable knowing you can take him to a doctor if you think something isn't right. 

If it were me I wouldn't want to be away from DH for a few days at that stage so I completely understand why you would want to go! I also had a c section and my advice would be to take it very easy once you are there. Stay in the room all day. Being in a hotel might make you take it easy because at home you'll be tempted to do things around the house or entertain guests. 

Good luck! It will be fine!

Delitachan

Thanks ladies! turns out that he just cancelled the trip. He said it was a once in a lifetime thing, but that he loves us more than anything. Oh well.