Overnight babysitting-their place or your place?

GreenEyedGal

The last time my DH and I were away from him overnight, my MIL & FIL babysat him at their house and they had ALOT of trouble getting him to fall asleep, just as I suspected. They even went out at 11pm and drove around the block to get him drowsy in the carseat. Um, yeah I was not happy about that and I couldn't even enjoy our anniversary weekend because I was worried about my baby boy.

DH and I are thinking of getting away for a 3 day weekend and my mom insists on babysitting him at her place. I am 90% positive he will not sleep well in a pack and play in a new setting, especially since he's never really over there,

Then again, I want my mom to be comfortable so I'm thinking of letting her have her way, especially since he's older. On the other hand, I want to be relaxed knowing that my son is happy in his familiar environment and sleeping soundly in his familiar room/crib.

What do you do? If you have your LO sleep overnight at their house, what tips can you share?

oboechick7

My MIL baby sits DS about once a month, and always over here. DS does not sleep anywhere else, and she doesn't mind coming here. We always have our room really clean and let her stay in there

Sage Mommy

I thought DS would have trouble with overnights somewhere different, but he did really well. How close is your mom? DS stayed with my parents, but I had DS's room ready in case he had a hard time and they needed to run to our house last minute to stay the night instead. We live in the same town though.

erbear

My DD sleeps fine at my ILs but never at my parents.  We usually ask them to come here (both are only an hour away and we have dogs, so it's easier for everyone if they're here) but ILs have a crib and my parents a PNP, and K never sleeps in the PNP.

turtlegirl115

We have only been away from her 3 nights I think. If we need a late night sitter I have them come to our house. The 3x she was away from us she stayed at my aunt's house and other than staying up super late she did fine. The best choice I'm sure would be for LO to be at home but just remember that he won't be scarred for life if he doesn't get a great night's sleep. I know it's hard and that you will worry but really, he'll be fine either way. Go out, relax, and enjoy yourself.

kabarbanel

DS will go to sleep anywhere so he always stays at my parents. How far do you live from your parents? Can they try it once more at their place and if it doesn't work out the first night head to your house the next day?

GreenEyedGal

kabarbanel:

DS will go to sleep anywhere so he always stays at my parents. How far do you live from your parents? Can they try it once more at their place and if it doesn't work out the first night head to your house the next day?

I am thinking about doing a "test run" beforehand, just to see. Our homes are about 45 minutes apart, which isn't too bad but not exactly covenient either.

iteachk

DD always goes to her grandparents' houses to spend the night.  It's a treat for them all & easier on the grandparents.  I figure as long as they are willing to babysit, I want them to be comfortable. 

smilelari

For an overnight stay definitely their place.  It's more convenient for them and he sleeps as well there as he does here with someone less familiar.

ETA:  My parents put the PnP in their room which seems to help

ryry1977

Cedric has only stayed at my MILs overnight.  I let him stay at their house.  But she is really his favorite person after DH and I, so I don't really worry much.  He isn't over at their place much but I don't think he has much of a problem.  He might have to cry himself to sleep a little though (which he never does at home). 

SusieQ1982

My mom has a nursery at her house so he's comfortable there. She has lower end items of course- like a cheap crib and baby monitor etc, but they're all new and safe. He takes his lovey and he's fine.

He doesn't like sleeping in pack n plays but he's fine in a crib.