24 Feb-10 Mar: Traveling without Baby (#8)

Hi all! It’s Alexandra, the editor for the Amsterdam Parent Project. I’m jumping in for this edition to take on a question that hits particularly close to home: what to do when you’re traveling without your baby for the first time. 🍼

I recently took my very first post-baby solo trip, and experienced a huge emotional whirlwind in the days leading up to it. Would she be ok? Would I be ok? Would she miss me? Was I a bad mom for going?

Spoiler – we were all fine. This experience inspired this week’s edition, where we’re sharing practical tips to make your first trip away as smooth as possible.  Here’s to happy future travels. ✈️

👩‍⚕️ Dear Dr. Mom: I’m about to travel for work without my baby for the first time. How can I minimize the impact on her?

Whether you're traveling for work or heading off on a well-deserved break, a little preparation can make all the difference. In this week’s column, we’re sharing practical tips and advice from psychotherapist (and APP cofounder) Dr. Irena Domachowska to ease your mind. Because a happy, confident parent makes for a happy baby—no matter the distance.

“The most important things are how you react to your baby after separation, whether the baby is left with a caring caregiver that they are familiar with, and if they know you’re coming back.”

Dr. Irena Domachowska, Psychotherapist

It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about leaving your little one, but rest assured—babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for! With a little preparation based on our expert tips, you can make this transition as smooth as possible for both of you.

Have a question you want to ask us? Submit it here. All questions will be anonymized and edited for clarity.

APP founder Alex is speaking about parental burnout here next Thursday!

🗓️ What’s happening around town

Looking for something fun to do with your little one? Here's a selection of upcoming activities and events for babies and toddlers.

APP events & programs

East

  • Q&A about Healthy Sleep Habits

    Tue 25 Feb @ 09:30-10:30 — IJburg

    Sleep consultant Katherine covers newborn sleep tips, bedtime routines, and setting limits for toddlers in this expert Q&A.

  • Regenboog verhalen (Rainbow Stories)

    Sat 8 Mar @ 15:30-16:30 (Monthly) — Amstel

    This Dutch storytime for all ages features queer children’s books and authors, led by a member of the queer community 🌈

West

  • Good Dad Club

    Sat 8 Mar @ 10:00 (Monthly) — Vondelpark

    Just show up and hang with other dads (with kids encouraged!) at Groot Melkhuis in Vondelpark, organized by the Good Dad Club and Adapting to Love.

Center

  • Work & Play Co-Working Day

    Tue 4 Mar @ 10:00 (Monthly) — Leidseplein

    Join the Labour Dept at NIO House for co-working with other mamas, with or without your baby.

Want to share an event with our community? Email [email protected] to get in touch.

Until next time,

Alexandra from the Amsterdam Parent Project (APP)