https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:39:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2851417 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:58:40 +0000 anonysquire 2851417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bring her! I had no issues nursing my 2yr old on a plane! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2849365 Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:51:46 +0000 Calibee 2849365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At over a year old, I would leave baby at home and enjoy some adult time. It’s such a short period of time. Baby will be fine. Caretaker will be fine. And some adult time will rejuvenate you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2849229 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 12:21:55 +0000 agold 2849229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a hard time leaving my kids, too. But I wouldn't bring her to the wedding. That sounds miserable. Since she will be 1 by the time of the wedding, I would feel okay about going. I would pump enough to leave sufficient night time bottles and then pump (or not!) while you are away. Enjoy some time with your husband and be thankful you have a sister who will watching your potentially night-crying baby!! Lucky you - I'm quite a bit of time away from an overnight trip sans kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2849011 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:25:25 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2849011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mama Bird: I actually am away from bedtime every evening that I work (so 3/week) and I know she'll be ok with that, but she nurses frequently from as early as MN-morning, plus we usually bedshare from 3 or so till morning, so that is what worries me! I feel like she would be a lot of fun on the trip and fine at the wedding, but I would miss out on a few adult things plus the whole getaway aspect.</p> <p>@periwinklebee: @Foodnerd81: I think I will get a manual in case I want to pump on the go in the bathroom or something.</p> <p>@snowjewelz: you totally vocalized all my back and forth decision making! Leaning towards leaving her for now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848893 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:49:11 +0000 Mama Bird 2848893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've taken DD to my college reunion when she was 10 months, and she slept better than her big brother because she didn't care if she's in a familiar place, long as she could nurse. I'm surprised she did OK with the long drive, because when she was closer to two it turned out she gets car-sick in traffic. She's only just growing out of it now. She looooved the trip though, I think we'd go back a few more times if it wasn't six hours in the car.</p> <p>But I've also missed bedtime a few times back then, and she always slept better if I was not there. So I could have probably gone without her and she'd be fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848886 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:56:21 +0000 Foodnerd81 2848886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsbubbletea: you could buy a cheap manual pump, not open the box, and return it if you don’t need it. That way you have peace of mind in case your old pump breaks- which I highly doubt it would. And I found a manual pump surprisingly helpful for random times- like baby slept much long than usual at night, I could quickly pump a little to relieve the pain and go back to sleep, or for one night away when I didn’t want to bring the big electric pump. </p> <p>For one night away I would definitely want to leave the baby at home. For two, I understand your hesitation, but as long as your sister understands the nights might be tough, I would still want to get away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848885 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:56:01 +0000 periwinklebee 2848885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsbubbletea: bring a manual as a backup. It would be more of a hassle, but would keep you comfortable in case the electric one breaks... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848884 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:54:07 +0000 snowjewelz 2848884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsbubbletea: I wonder if it would be harder for her to be away from home and brother too. Can they both just stay home and auntie/uncle can come over to help out as needed? </p> <p>On the flip side, I think if you bring her, you just have to make sure you and DH are okay with whatever you might miss out on, and that's the trade off for having her with you too. </p> <p>I'm sorry it's such a hard decision! Personally, I would have brought mine so that A) it's easier for grandparents to just deal with 1 kid and B) My DH is super introverted so he'd be more than happy to stay back at the hotel BUT the only minus is if I'm actually out having fun at a wedding I'd want him to be there, someone to dance with, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848883 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:50:55 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2848883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Assuming I stick with original plan and don't decide to bring her (feeling about 60/40 on leaving her/taking her), do you think I might have issues with a 4 year old pump? I have the Ameda pump as my only one at home, I haven't used it much with either child after maternity leave since at work we have Medela Symphonys. I am worried it might poop out if I use it for two full days especially since it's on the older side! I just started using it once or twice weekly since baby girl started going to her nanny earlier, and it seems to work fine for me. There is no way I would buy a new pump at this late in the game...but I also don't want it to break and but a bummer on my trip! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848882 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:47:09 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2848882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: My parents were going to watch them both and would be eager to, but I decided since my older son is so needy with grandma (she literally plays with him almost the entire time they are together), it would be better to divide them up! So baby girl will stay with her auntie and uncle separately. Another thing that I am second guessing and doubting after how well last weekend's outing went! Maybe she would do better with her brother? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848879 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:44:21 +0000 snowjewelz 2848879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsbubbletea: Ugh, I know! Really tugs at the heart strings. I never had to make a choice, but I feel like I could have left my 1st kiddo b/c she wasn't nursing at that age anymore but with this one, I would feel terrible leaving her even at almost 2. You sister will be watching BOTH?! Kuddos to her! I think my parents and my sister would have to sleep over to deal with the both of them, lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848878 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:44:12 +0000 nana87 2848878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Don't feel bad about not wanting to leave her. I wasn't away from my oldest overnight until she was 20 months, and lo2 was about 15m--and those were for work trips where I had to go (and I was still nursing both times; w lo1 I tried to wean w the trip so didn't pump, but then she wanted to nurse immediately when I came home; with lo2 I pumped and brought the milk home). We have a wedding we were invited to out of town in November and I might not go bc we can't figure out a sitter either in our home city to watch them overnight or in the city where we're going, and our kids will be 4.5 and 21m; I still hate the idea of both of us being away from them! Not lo1 as much--she has "sleepovers" now with grandparents occasionally and loves them, although the only time we've both been away from her for more than that was just when lo2 was born and we were at the hospital. But lo2 is still such a baby even though she's not.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848877 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:40:21 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2848877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: I agree with all that! It's actually two nights, three full days, because its a 5 hour plane ride so we wouldn't make it to the wedding with enough leeway just one night stay (I looked into it!). </p> <p>@snowjewelz: Good points for sure. I am more worried about missing out on the dinner and drinks the first night, and that kind of stuff! We would probably baby wear and enjoy the wedding for as long as she would tolerate. I was thinking that my husband could stay back at the hotel with her the first night but that seems kind of sad! Especially because I know we could use this time together out and about as a couple. </p> <p>We just went to a work party last weekend and missed bedtime, and the kids did amazing with my parents! I wish this wedding was just a little easier to get to it and we could spend only one full night away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848875 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:34:46 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2848875@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: @Mrsbells: That is kind of how I am feeling! Definitely how I felt with my older son at this age, I would never have considered leaving him!</p> <p>@periwinklebee: Wow so interesting! I have a feeling she drinks a lot of milk from 12-6 as well... </p> <p>@Becky: I am not too worried about my supply, I have a feeling its so established and she is such an eager nurser that it will get right back up. </p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Both very good points. I will definitely leave tons of expressed milk, but she isn't too into bottles. She was doing pretty good for a while but now she barely takes one 3 oz bottle when I am gone for work from 2pm-MN, and some days I leave her at 1130AM-MN and she doesnt take much more. Basically, pumped milk won't be a comfort for her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848868 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:02:02 +0000 Mrsbells 2848868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsbubbletea: For a wedding I would take along a 1year old. Thr only time I left my children before age 2 was for work trips were I couldnt bring them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848867 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:59:32 +0000 SweetiePie 2848867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: all of this! I’m team “leave baby” all the way. It’s so good for me/DH when we get some time away from the kids. The worst part is honestly the anxiety and guilt leading up to it. But then once we’re gone, and we see/hear that everything is fine, we are so glad we did it.<br /> And yeah, at this stage one night won’t kill your supply.<br /> HAVE FUN! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848863 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:44:41 +0000 peachykeen 2848863@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD2 is 14m and still nursing 2-3 times a day. I would just pump to feel comfortable and not worry about it otherwise - my supply adjusts pretty well at this point and one night won't hurt your supply (I tried to wean for 2 days when she was 11 months and still have plenty of milk). That said, if you'd feel more comfortable having her with you, I say go for it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848862 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:35:40 +0000 snowjewelz 2848862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I say don't feel bad either way. Do what YOU are comfortable with; everyone has different comfort levels and their babies are different.</p> <p>If you bring her, you def will "miss out" on some of the fun as your other friends aren't planning to bring their kids. I'm thinking you'd either have to bow out pretty early for bed time, or you/DH will babywear her the whole time, which allows you to stay but restrict you really dancing around? </p> <p>And if you don't, I'd take great comfort that your sister will be watching her. I have a stage 5 clinger that still nurses (she is almost 2), and honestly when I'm not home she does so much better. Yes, your sister may have to hold her more or rock her more, but I do think they will both be fine. Maybe you can keep up the gentle sleep training and your sister can continue it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848858 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:13:47 +0000 periwinklebee 2848858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I recently left my LO for the first time overnight, he is a few months younger than your daughter. He's great about falling asleep in his crib (but joins me in bed around midnight), and I was guessing that he maybe took at most a couple of ounces overnight. Since we co-sleep, I just barely wake up on occasion to help him switch sides. Turns out based on what I pumped and what he demanded, he takes around 14 ounces between midnight and 5 am (and this is in addition to eating a lot during the day, no wonder he's 90th percentile) :shocked: It ended up being not so fun for my husband, as LO took awhile to go back down after the bottles, but LO also got sick (croup) the next day, so it's possible that was playing a role in his difficulty sleeping. Based on this experience, I don't think I'd leave him with anyone but DH overnight until I know he's sleeping through the night, as my relatives would be unhappy if they were woken up throughout the night. But if your sister is game for it, I think your DD will be fine (and she may eat much less than my LO overnight!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848851 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:00:26 +0000 jennlin821 2848851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) A night away without a baby, with your husband &amp; friends is going to be very refreshing for you. I highly recommend it for your mental health. </p> <p>2) Baby will be fine with a babysitter. She may even sleep through the night, knowing that you are not around. If she wakes up, your sister will feed her and snuggle her and put her back down. </p> <p>3) Bring whatever pump is the easiest. If you are not saving the milk, then just pump as you normally would and dump it. One day away will not affect your supply, so either pump the normal amount or just enough to feel relief. </p> <p>4) If you are really struggling with leaving the baby, bring her AND your sister. Then you can have fun, but sister can leave with baby whenever is necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848846 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 07:42:38 +0000 skinnycow 2848846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter also slept better when I wasn't around to nurse. I had to travel for work right when she turned one (she just stayed home with DH) and she was totally fine.</p> <p>That being said - if you want to take her, do it! You gotta do what's comfortable for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848826 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 04:19:11 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2848826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You shouldn’t feel bad wanting to take her and they shouldn’t feel bad wanting to leave their babies at homes. Since you have the option since the wedding is baby/ kid friendly do what’s best for your comfort and your baby girl that nurses. I’m assuming a bottle of breast milk is not a decent substitute. I didn’t nurse as long as you, but I pumped quite a bit in the beginning and LO would take a bottle with no problem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848825 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 04:11:55 +0000 Becky 2848825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have had a lot of overnight stays without our kids due to travel for work and a yearly trip we take. I find my kids always sleep better when I’m not around! When we were just nursing for comfort I didn’t have much of an issue getting my supply up after I returned (I wouldn’t get a ton pumping, but DD didn’t notice the difference when I got back). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848820 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 01:21:03 +0000 Kemma 2848820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally, I wasn’t ready to leave any of my babies overnight until much closer to two (or even three!) so I say bring her along! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/traveling-with-out-an-older-infant-that-still-nurses#post-2848818 Tue, 02 Oct 2018 23:55:51 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2848818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a wedding out of state to go to the week after baby girl turns 1. I am having some major late night thoughts about bringing her, it’s really stressing me out! She still nurses a lot through the night (working on her falling asleep on her own but using a gradual gentle method and it’s very slow going). I would love to say that she’ll be sleeping through the night and figured out the falling asleep on her own thing but I just am not that optimistic about it! </p> <p>I know that she’ll survive and even if she cries the whole time my sister will survive watching her just fine. But I feel so guilty and unsure about it right now! </p> <p>It’s a super casual wedding and kids are allowed. I feel even more silly because my two other friends who are attending have way younger babies and aren’t batting an eye about leaving them behind. They are the only reason I considered not bringing her, at first I was excited to bring my kids to meet/hang out with friends from college who all live in different states! </p> <p>I guess I am open to pep talks, encouragement about bringing her, encouragement about following through with not bringing her, whatever! Tips about pumping for comfort and to keep up supply when away from baby without intending to bring milk home are welcome too! </p>