Last Updated on March 6, 2025
The solo trip trend is popular among women worldwide. According to Statista, a 2023 survey showed that female travelers loved exploring the world alone because of freedom and flexibility. Nearly 81% of the respondents considered it ideal to get away from responsibilities and everyday grind.
While nothing sounds more exciting than solo travel for a woman, things may be different if you have a baby at home. Planning a guilt-free solo trip as a new mom can seem like a big challenge. However, it is also an excellent way to recharge and rediscover who you are beyond your role as a mother.
Motherhood is surely a wonderful experience but can be overwhelming. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean ignoring your duties; it means focusing on your happiness to be a better parent to your baby. A solo trip is an opportunity to achieve that goal. So, let’s explore how you can plan this trip without feeling guilty.
Be Mentally Ready
Mom guilt is real, and you cannot escape it no matter how hard you try. According to Fast Company, 78% of mothers experience it for not being able to give enough time to their kids. Surprisingly, even stay-at-home mothers may encounter these feelings. You can imagine how painful it may seem when you decide to embark on a holiday without your little one.
Getting mentally ready for a solo trip as a new mom can help you overcome guilt. It’s about accepting that taking time for yourself is necessary. Start by recognizing that you deserve a break, and it will help you and your family.
Accept this and communicate openly with your loved ones about your needs and feelings. This new outlook will help you feel more positive and less guilty about taking some much-needed me-time.
Schedule a Short Trip
As a new mom, the thought of being away from your newborn for a long time may sound scary. However, you can get the best of both worlds by scheduling a short holiday.
A weekend trip is a fantastic way to commence your solo adventure as a new mom. This shorter time frame can help make the experience cheerful and more feasible for you and your family.
Choose a nearby destination to reduce travel time and stress. A quick getaway allows you to ease into solo travel without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. It provides a taste of independence, yet offers peace of mind that you are just a few hours away. It’s also easier to arrange childcare or support for a shorter period, making it a guilt-free and realistic choice.
Have a Realistic Feeding Plan
Having a feeding plan ready is necessary if you’re breastfeeding. It can help reduce some of the guilt and strain that comes with leaving your baby. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 infants in the US are exclusively breastfed during the first six months. Also, the number of breastfeeding moms increased from 73% to 84% from 2004 to 2021.
As a breastfeeding mom, you may express and store milk so your baby has a regular supply while you’re away. You might also consider introducing formula or expressed milk to your baby before your trip.
However, those opting for formula must steer clear of cow-milk-based variants like Enfamil and Similac. TorHoerman Law notes that these brands are facing lawsuits due to infants given these formulas getting necrotizing enterocolitis.
According to the latest NEC lawsuit update, 648 NEC lawsuits are pending in multidistrict litigation in the state of Illinois. The number shows how serious the concern is. It is best to skip these products and look for safer alternatives like expressed breastmilk or donor milk. Also, discuss feeding schedules and specific requirements with your partner or caregiver.
Seek Support
You deserve a break as much as anyone else does. In fact, new moms go through a challenging phase physically and mentally, so they should not feel guilty about going solo. Reach out for support and share your concerns with your partner, family, or friends. They will surely lend a hand.
A dependable support system can set you up to take time for yourself. Your partner or caregiver can assist with childcare and provide emotional support. They may even remind you that you can take a break without any worry.
You might also want to join a community of moms who have taken solo trips. Someone who has done it can offer guidance and reassurance. Having a supportive group behind you can help to make your solo adventure more exciting and empowering.
Prepare for Emergencies
Preparing for emergencies is a wise approach to planning a stress-free solo trip as a new mom. According to Child Care Aware of America, emergency preparation is a must for parents as infants have unique needs.
For example, you don’t want your newborn to be uncomfortable due to a sudden change in weather. What if the caregiver falls short of supplies when you are away? What if a disaster strikes (although that’s very unlikely)?
Preparing an emergency supply kit for your baby before leaving is a good idea. Additionally, java a list of emergency contacts, like your pediatrician and a trusted family member or friend who can assist if needed. Leave clear instructions regarding your baby’s schedule and any medical needs.
Also, arrange a backup childcare option in case something goes wrong. You must have a strategy in place for unexpected circumstances that could arise while you’re away. Preparation can help relieve anxiety and make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I not lose myself as a new mom?
Being a new mom can sometimes make women feel like they’ve lost their identity. However, you must not let it happen. Focus on yourself and set aside time for your hobbies. Stay in touch with friends and engage in activities that interest you outside of parenting. Even small acts of self-care can help you be who you are beyond motherhood.
How can a new mom take time off?
Taking time for yourself as a new mom is easier than you imagine, provided you are willing to make a conscious effort. Consider setting aside short breaks, such as enjoying coffee or taking a stroll outside. You might ask your partner or a friend to look after the baby while you de-stress.
Can you travel without your baby for a few days?
Yes, you can do it with some planning and support. Taking a few days away from your baby can help you to recharge. It’s manageable if you have someone who can handle your responsibility while you are away. Leave your caregiver with detailed instructions, keep in touch with updates, and enjoy your time off.
Planning a guilt-free solo trip as a new mom is about investing in self-care. Taking time for yourself is favorable, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. When you care for yourself, you become a better parent in the long run. So, go ahead and plan that solo trip – it’s rightfully yours!
