Tips for Overnight with Grandmom

I think it's too soon unless it's absolutely necessary. He has no sense of time or where you are when you're not in with him.

Make sure that he has everything that he would have at home (minus his bed), and that grandma knows the bedtime routine completely. Other than that, sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet! Rest easy knowing that grandma did a great job raising you (or your husband), and she will do great with your son! (Otherwise, I assume you would not be sending him!) Trust me, you will appreciate the time alone so much you will probably be begging grandma to take him more frequently! Enjoy!

I don't think it's too soon at all :) Like others have said - it will be harder on you than on him! Just remind yourself that he is with someone who loves him just as much as you do and grandmom will protect him and make sure he feels loved :) What I have done when I sent my little ones to my parents is to type out how we schedule a typical day. It tends to get long winded (which is why I type it) but I give it to my parents ahead of time and they've always said that they're incredibly appreciative for the detail. It isn't about me telling them exactly what they have to do but if they know what my kids expected (i.e. their routine), the kids adjusted better and everyone was happy.

For you, I suggest to really try to enjoy your "time off". I'm a firm believer that time away from our kids makes us better parents. You need time to recharge and as long as your kids are in a safe place, why not enjoy yourself! I also believe that little times away help your kids to be more independent as they get older.

Have fun and good luck!

Even though he is little, tell him what is going on. Explain when you will be leaving, how long you will be gone, and when you will be home. Make sure he has his comfy objects, some familiar toys, and that grandmom does his nightly ritual, etc. I think the first time leaving them is the hardest, and it's also hardest on mom in most cases. I think every mom needs to get away sometimes so if he does have a hard time, don't worry! He will be just fine. That's my advice :) I hope it goes well!

As a mom and a grandma ~
This will probably be harder on you than on him :) At this age they really have no sense of time .... a few hours is the same as a couple days...when he sees you again, it's like "oh yeah, that's who I want!" LOL
Make sure you have anything special he needs (blanket, toy, whatever). I would pack motrin, desitin, any medication he could possibly need with the dosage written down for grandma. Make sure grandma knows what his regular routine is. Make a list of favorite foods, or not so favorite (unless she already knows that stuff). He will be just fine!
My grandson has spent the night here since he was just a few months old (we were the only ones when he was small, but his other grandparents have kept him some since he's a little bigger - he's 3). We've always tried to keep to his regular routine that they have at home, and we knew when he was smaller that it may not always be the easiest night. But in the long run, we've all survived.
Enjoy your time away!
D.

This will most likely be more difficult for you than for him. In addition to the obvious of taking his blankie, toys, or other items he sleeps with at home and telling grandmom his nightly routine, work on being relaxed and confident yourself. If you appear anxious, he will pick up on that and be anxious too.

Don't linger over good byes. I assume he's been at his grandmom's house and knows her. Take him in, quickly get him settled, kiss him goodbye, say "see you later" and leave. If he starts to fuss or cry, ignore it and leave. His grandmom will calm him. He needs to know that this is OK. If you linger you're giving him the message that you're not sure it's OK.

And it will be OK! This is the first of many steps you'll be taking towards your baby's independence. Scary thought, I know.

Good for you for doing the overnighter at the Grandparents' house! My 3 kids did overnights at ages 1 year, 3.5 months (he was a difficult baby, and a terrible sleeper, so this was just for a 12 hour stretch while we slept), and my youngest is going for his first overnight this weekend @ just over 6 months.

It's definitely harder on the moms than the babies. And the grandmas LOVE it!

I agree with the others - make sure he has all his "necessary" bedtime stuff, and make sure grandmom's on board with the bedtime routine. I always overpack for my kids, but that helps ease my mama-guilt. (and I know I shouldn't feel guilty, but I still do!)

Enjoy your time away - even though it's easier said than done!

OK--here's a plan:

For him: pack his special loveys, small toys, books, tub toys, any medicine (Tylenol), teethers, favorite movies, all stuffed animal, pillows, blankets, onesies, clothing, diapers, shoes, stroller, carseat, pacj & play, musical toys, crib mobile, and everything else he owns. LOL Just kidding!

For you: Stop and buy a BIG bottle of wine! Maybe two.....and some strawberries...and chocolate...and some fresh whipped cream.....and bubble bath

Biggest advice: Enjoy your couple time...it is often too few and far between!

I always made sure my girls had something from home like their pillow and or favorite blanket. This way they have something that smells like home and they were more comfortable.

As for you...enjoy a few nights just being a couple. It's probably well deserved =).