Our First Trip Without Baby

Our First Trip Without Baby
📍 Barbados

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This July, we took our first real vacation without Brennan, a long weekend in Barbados with dear friends. It was sunny, restorative, and full of laughter, but also bittersweet in all the expected ways. It marked a milestone for us as parents: the first time we packed our bags and left Brennan in someone else’s care. She was with my parents, who were beyond thrilled to step in. While she was happily splashing in the pool or visiting the local aquarium, I was sipping rum punch and learning to relax again. Here are a few things I learned along the way, in case you’re planning your first baby-free getaway too:

Start small, emotionally and logistically.

We chose a short trip (just four nights) to ease ourselves into the experience, both for Brennan and for us. Knowing she was with people she knew and loved made the leap feel far less daunting. If you’re nervous, try starting with a weekend away close to home, you can always extend the next time.

Prep like you’d prep a substitute teacher.

I left a printed schedule, emergency contacts, and Brennan’s favorite go-to snacks and bedtime books. Of course, my mom did her own thing (as grandmothers do), but having a simple guide helped us all feel more confident in the handoff. It’s not about micromanaging, it’s about making everyone’s life easier.

Reconnect with your partner.

Having uninterrupted conversations, lingering over dinner, and waking up when we wanted to (not when Brennan decided it was time) reminded us how important it is to nurture our relationship. Parenthood can feel like a team sport, but this trip gave us a few days to simply be together again.

Come home gently.

We arrived back in time for one slow day at home before jumping back into our routine. That little buffer helped all three of us recalibrate, and it gave Brennan time to reconnect without an abrupt transition. Bonus: we came home rested and ready to dive back into our family rhythm.

Leaving Brennan behind was a big step, and honestly, one we’ll treasure. Not just because the trip itself was beautiful (though it was), but because it gave us perspective, rest, and renewed energy as parents. And seeing how happy she was with my parents? That was the sweetest reward of all. Here’s to making space for both motherhood and selfhood, one milestone at a time.

Love from Barbados,
Katie

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