Poll: How old...

SarahKate31 · March 2011

I know this will vary, but a post on another board, plus some personal situations, made me curious about this.

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

KathrynMD · March 2011

I know this will vary, but a post on another board, plus some personal situations, made me curious about this.

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

We did this @ 5 months - it was heavenly!

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

6 months

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

14 months

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

We went to Jamaica when DD was 14 months.

I think pretty much the sooner the better for all this stuff! Especially when they are babies, its so easy just to give them a boob/bottte and get going. If you can restrain yourself from overpacking all the gear, its all pretty easy.

ROXYd199 · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

DS was 7 weeks old. DH and I had our high school reunion so we left DS with my parents for the night. 5 am the next morning I was literally running to their house.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

3 weeks, Our new little family went to the beach for a while during my maternity leave. It was early May so beautiful weather and no crowd. We went to the mountains again for about a week when he was 5 weeks ol. DH had great paternity leave.

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

We have not taken him on a plane yet but he will be 3 1/2 the first time.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

We haven't been out of the country but the state of development would be a major concern.

Cooper81 · March 2011

SarahKate31:

I know this will vary, but a post on another board, plus some personal situations, made me curious about this.

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

10 weeks, he started STTN at 6 weeks, and our parents begged us so we did, it was so nice

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

about 4 months, we never had a reason to before that, but probably would have after 2 months

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

we are going at the end of April, haven't had a reason to before, but I would have done it really anytime after 3 months

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

we haven't yet, but I might right now depending on how long the flight. The specific country and the safety/stablity of the country would definately play into the decsion

ShandaB · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? probably about 5 or 6 months

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We're going on a family vacation with the IL's in October to the OBX and LO will be 3 1/2 months.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? Probably at least a year

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? At least a year to a well developed country.

kelleymark82606 · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

Ummm 10.5mo old and LO still hasn't spent the night anywhere w/o either myself or my H and while I have thought about it recently, it hasn't happened. I cannot imagine it happening anytime soon unless absolutely necessary.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

That happened at 4mo, by myself w/o MH

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

I would now but the first plane trip will prob be around 2

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

I doubt this will happen anytime soon just bc we dont' travel much, but yes I would.

ETA: i fully realize im a bit of a freak about the spending the night thing. The ironic thing is i'm so incredibly laid back about pretty much everything in regards to LO, that is just one thing I'm not. Believe me, I'd welcome the sleep and some alone time with H, but I just can't.

SarahKate31 · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? I'm guessing somewhere around 2-4 months for the first time.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? This is going to happen at <1 month when we go to PA for 2 nights for my sister's wedding.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? Traveling makes me nervous/stressed anyway, so I can't imagine what it will be like with a baby, and we don't travel too much so I'm not sure how often it would come up. But I guess at least 1 year old.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? Same answer as above basically, although preferably older. But the development of the country does concern me a lot.

jnealet · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? She's 2 and still hasn't spent a night away from either DH or me. Embarrassed

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

We went to the OBX when she was 5 months

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

We took her to a wedding in Boston when she was about 5 months old (the weekend before we went to the OBX)

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

We took her to Australia when she was 14 months old. And the development of the country doesn't bother me but the stability would.

mrs. remy · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? still haven't. my parents live an hour away.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? around 11 months

3) Taking LO on an airplane? haven't yet and I dread doing it for some time....he's rambunctious and can't sit still

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? I would potentially do it now if it weren't for the flying concerns....not to a 3rd world country though.

jnealet · March 2011

kelleymark82606:

ETA: i fully realize im a bit of a freak about the spending the night thing. The ironic thing is i'm so incredibly laid back about pretty much everything in regards to LO, that is just one thing I'm not. Believe me, I'd welcome the sleep and some alone time with H, but I just can't.

Emily is 2 and we haven't left her with anyone. Both my parents work and are a little selfish with their weekends and DH's parents live in Australia. MIL has offered to keep her both when we've been over there and she's been over here but DH has nixed it. When we were there, we wanted her to meet everyone (aka showing her off) and last time MIL was over here, she couldn't get Emily to take a nap and DH didn't feel comfortable leaving them alone for an extended period of time.

FieryIrishAngel · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? DD started spending the night at my Mom's house when she was a few months old and I was fine with it. It was hard the first time or two and I missed her, but I knew she was being well cared for. She STTN early and I wasn't breastfeeding - if either of those factors were different, my experience may have been different.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

I would have been fine with it at the same age - a few months.

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

Same as above.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

Same as above. I wouldn't travel to an underdeveloped country, so she wouldn't either.

daisyterp · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

Left DD w/ my parents for the night just after she turned 2. I bf'd and was too lazy to pump for more than just a night out. The good thing about waiting was that she was fully aware and OK w/ us leaving her, could tell others what she needed, etc.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We went to the beach for the weekend when she was about ~3 months. She slept in the stroller bassinet- so easy.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? 5 months for DD, DS @ 4 months. I find it easy to travel w/ them before they get mobile.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? DD came to the Bahamas w/ us @ 10 months.

KRMac · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?We did this at 6 months. I wouldn't have a problem doing it earlier (or waiting) but this is when we had an event to attend. 2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? I took DS to visit my family for the weekend when he was about 2 months old, about a 4 hour car trip. 3) Taking LO on an airplane? I took DS on an airplane at 5 months. It was pretty easy...I think it would be harder now with a more mobile baby. 4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?I would do this at anytime now.

BillysGrl27 · March 2011

This is based on how I feel now...who knows how much it will change when he arrives!!!

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

3 or so months. DH and I have 2 weddings in DC for my very close friends in the fall that will each require one night away from LO.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

Taking him on family vacation to NC in August. He will be 2 months!

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

Probably at least 6 months.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

I would probably have to wait until all of their vaccines were complete and YES, the development of the country would definitely matter.

SnoopyLuv · March 2011

SarahKate31:

I know this will vary, but a post on another board, plus some personal situations, made me curious about this.

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

It's going to be quite some time. Probably close to a year.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We just did this 2 weeks ago. I think around 3 months was the perfect time as we had a routine down and didn't need as much "stuff" for her as the NB period.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? 3 months or so.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? At least a few years old. 1) I'd like her vaccinations to be close to complete 2) I would like her to be able to walk for long periods 3) No diapers.

And yes development is a big deal. I would be concerned with drinking water and food, especially on a tiny tummy that can only eat certain things. We'd go to England tomorrow but THailand would need to wait until grade school

mommytoj · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? DD is almost 10 months now and has never spent a night away. We are leaving her with my mom when she will be about 15 months and I'm freaking out over that already. I breastfeed and she just started sleeping the whole night a week or so ago (so who knows if that will last)

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? we went to western MD for a long weekend when she was 3 months

3) Taking LO on an airplane? haven't yet, but I wouldn't have a problem with it

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? as long as I'm with her I wouldnt think about the age as much

2have2hold · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? I honestly have no clue. I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those paranoid parents

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? Hmm, maybe a few months?

3) Taking LO on an airplane? A few months(?)

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? - I would be okay travelling with an infant abroad, even to a not so developed country. I'm a little bit of a hypocrite though, because even though I'm feeling like I could travel with LO to Africa, I still get moments of "what if there's a medical emergency". And I freak out that they won't be able to give her the best care. But helloooo, I was born and raised there and I'm perfectly healthy and survived the poor medical system, so my LO will be fine. Right? riiggght?? - as you can tell, I go back and forth with this issue.

Matildasun · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? Not until she is fully weaned.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? When Ada was 4 weeks old we went to West Virginia for Christmas. It was hard to adjust from trying to get there as quickly as possible to having to stop for the baby. We stayed in a hotel and it went very well.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? Ada was three months old when I took her on a plane all by myself.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? We have not done this yet, but I would have been comfortable with it fairly early.

DaniDuran · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

We have not done it yet. LO has spent every single night at home, but if my parents lived closer, I could do it now!

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

If it were up to me, it'd be now, but DH is a little more strict.

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

At least three months, so we are good now!

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

He is going overseas in July, at seven months. We travel all the time and he will too. I think "development" of the country is less of a concern than our familiarity with it. We are going to Brazil and I know we could have access to top health care services if needed, but I would wait to go to India for instance. Not because it is a developing country but because I just don't know enough people there in case of an emergency. I know you can have access to very good doctors and hospitals in India, but I would not know where to go, that's all.

Kaybee44 · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? I would have been comfortable right from the beginning but it never happened until I was having Cecilia

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We did this when Brendon was 10 months old and we went on vacation

3) Taking LO on an airplane? I'm never comfortable with this but then I have a fear of airplanes and heights

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? see above

Megcheer2 · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? She's almost 11 months old and I am still not comfortable with this. ILs have been bugging me for months and I always tell them no. My parents don't bug me about it, but are very willing to do it if I need them to. DH would have let it happen a long time ago if it were up to him.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? She was about 2 months old and I took her to stay at my parents house for one night. They live about an hour and a half away.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? It makes me nervous at any point because DH has bad issues with elevation and gets really bad headaches when the plane takes off and lands. I don't know if this is something DD has inherited or not and I'm afraid to find out because I really don't want to be the mom with the crazy crying kid on a plane. But we'll probably do it in the next couple of years.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? We don't regularly travel out of the country, but I could see us taking her on a cruise in a few years or to a resort in the Caribbean or something. The development of a country would bother me, but we just aren't the kind of people to travel abroad really.

nutmegger · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? I'd be comfortable with it now, we just haven't had the opportunity. My parents don't live nearby and IL's house is a disaster and there's no place for her to sleep, so we wouldn't consider having DD stay with them.

I went on my first business trip when DD was 5 months, but DH was home with her. He hasn't spent a night away from her in her almost 17 months.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We did this at 8 months., while I've been on 4 business trips.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? Haven't had the opportunity yet.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? I would be fine with this now. I've spent extended periods of time in Thailand and El Salvador, so I don't have a problem with developing countries. The only thing that would hold me back would be the vaccinations-- I'd have to do research on that (and I'm not anti-vax), and not sure about the anti-malaria meds- I've taken them 4 summers in a row and they suck.

ThePastor'sWife · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

DS is 9 months old, and we still haven't done this... it's not that I wouldn't be comfortable w/ it, or that the grandparents haven't offered (my mom and MIL have both mentioned taking him for an overnight many times before), it's just that the need has never arisen, and w/ working all week, I like spending my weekends w/ him!

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

We took DS to the beach for our annual two-week-long family beach trip earlyyyyy - we left on his five week birthday. Other than the fact that he went through the six week growth spurt while we were on vacation (aka the growth spurt from hell - that was hands down our worst one yet!), it was really no big deal. It was 3 hours each way, and we stopped once on the way down to change his diaper and feed him (I was still BFing, so we had to stop) and did the same on the way home, and he slept the rest of the time. That "slug" stage that NBs exist in during those early weeks is perfect for traveling if you're up to it!

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

We've not yet done an airplane w/ him, but again, I'd have been fine w/ it early on.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

Same as above - I'd have been fine w/ it early on. We're actually headed to Canada in a few weeks to visit my SIL, so that will be DS's first official out-of-the-country trip. I would say that the development of the country would play a role, but only b/c it would play a role in MY decision to go there myself, so of course I would consider it for DS.

anonsouthernbell · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

M is 19 months old and he hasn't yet nor would I feel comfortable w/the idea...probably in a few years

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

Still hasn't happened and only bc my son just recently started tolerating the car. Had he not screamed bloody murder or started getting upset shortly after getting in his car seat we would have BTDT.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? I flew w/him by myself when he was 2 months old and we have since flown together several times.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? I don't have a problem w/the development of the country but would be more concerned w/the stability. We have also been holding off as we have delayed his vaxes and I want him to be up-to-date before going abroad. (Europe has a lot of cases of measles (or is it mumps?) for instance).

anonsouthernbell · March 2011

Megcheer2:
3) Taking LO on an airplane? It makes me nervous at any point because DH has bad issues with elevation and gets really bad headaches when the plane takes off and lands. I don't know if this is something DD has inherited or not and I'm afraid to find out because I really don't want to be the mom with the crazy crying kid on a plane. But we'll probably do it in the next couple of years.

If you nurse her during take off and landing she should be okay. Well it helps w/their ears anyway...

anonsouthernbell · March 2011

mrs. remy :
3) Taking LO on an airplane? haven't yet and I dread doing it for some time....he's rambunctious and can't sit still

You might be pleasantly surprised. I have flown a bunch of times w/my very energetic son. I will be honest that I was very worried once he started walking that flying would be difficult but we were pleasantly surprised. Some tips (at least these worked for me):

1) put his seat rear facing - that way if he kicks the seat it is his own and not the person's in front of him

2) bring some toys that are either new or he hasn't seen in awhile

3) fun books, crayons/coloring

4) snacks - nothing like trying to entertain a hungry toddler

5) arrive to the airport early and let him have plenty of time to run around

6) if you can schedule flights during naptime or push his nap back until it is flight time

7) we haven't had to resort to this but you could also bring a DVD player, etc.

jcsntms06 · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? We did this when A was 7 months old.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We have yet to do an over night trips out of town with DD, but we have a trip planned in June. She will be 20 months old.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? We took DD on her first plane ride when she was a year old. She was so wonderful. I on the other hand was a nervous wreck. But we survived.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? We are still deciding when to do this. We really want to visit friends in Germany, so either early next year or when she's older. We haven't decided yet.

weezie825 · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you?

I would be comfortable allowing this, but it isn't practical in our circumstances. My parents live with us (house with in-law apartment). DH's parents live too far away. If we go to Grandma's we normally all stay over.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night?

We went to Williamsburg in November, DD was 8 months old. She tolerated the trip well, but we took way too much stuff!

3) Taking LO on an airplane?

I would love too, but it just hasn't happened yet. Once she had most of her early vaccines, I would have been okay to fly with her.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)?

I wouldn't have a problem with this per se, but I'm not sure how beneficial it would be to travel internationally with a child DD's age. If DH and I had the chance to travel we would likely want to leave DD at home.

Mrs.Wtobe · March 2011

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? DD was 13 months when she stayed with DH's mom for the night so we could attend a wedding. DD has stayed with her a few more times here and there but only when absolutely necessary. DS is 2 1/2 months old and has yet to stay with anyone overnight.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? DD was 6 weeks old when we went on our vacation to the beach. DS will be 8 months old unless we get down to the beach for a long weekend before September.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? Neither of them have been on a plane yet as there has never been a need to.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? We plan on taking the kids on a cruise when they are about 2-4 years old.

mdmommy07 · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? I think LO1 was around 4 months.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? LO1 was 5 months, we drove up to Boston.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? 8 months for LO1, 2 months for LO2

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? We have not been out of the country with them yet.

daisybaby09 · March 2011

How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? I dont know. He is 16 months and has not yet. I travel for work. I am away from him 5-10 nights a month as it is. I do not want to be away from him when I am home.

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We brought him to see my family at around 6 mos. I did it by myself at 7 mos.

3) Taking LO on an airplane? We did at 12 mos would have earlier but it was more the logistics of when we got wherever we were going that I waited then the plane ride. (ie we did not have relatives to visit or anything we needed to do) Going on another plane ride next month(: Should be more challanging.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? The situation has not come up. I would be more comfortable once he talks more and can verbalize his needs.

tmm140 · March 2011

SarahKate31:

1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? I might by this summer...which would make my LO 3-5 months. Depends on the situation...

2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? We are going to PA in Dec. by then our LO will be 9 months

3) Taking LO on an airplane? not for a couple years...we don't have family outside of a car ride and if anything we are **maybe** planning a trip to Disney when he is 2 or 3.

4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? probably never...DH and I don't vacation out of the country...but I guess I shouldn't say never

KissyFishyLips · April 2011

SarahKate31:
I know this will vary, but a post on another board, plus some personal situations, made me curious about this.
How old would LO need to be for you to be comfortable...
1) Having LO spend a night with a grandparent or other person very close to you? - I'd do this now (DD is 3-1/2 months), although I don't think we'll actually need to until summer or fall.
2) Taking LO on a car trip for at least one night? - We took her for a 2-night stay at 2 months old (@ my parents' house 3-1/2 hours away) and for a 9-night stay at the same place at 3 months old. She did much better in the car the 2nd time. She did well on both trips as far as sleeping and overall mood.
3) Taking LO on an airplane? - I'd do this now, although I don't know when we'll get the opportunity.
4) Taking LO on a trip out of the country? Does the development of the country concern you (say England vs. somewhere in the Caribbean)? - Not sure...