Babysitting - first time out without him!

[ScooterShell]

This weekend is my 30th birthday and my hubby is taking me and a few very close friends out for dinner to a fancy French restaurant. It's not a baby-friendly restaurant (not that they're unfriendly to babies, it's just one of those fancy kinds of places) so we're getting our 4 month old son babysat by a friend. I'm SO nervous!!!

Any tips to make it easier for me, our son and/or the babysitter???

[Feijoa Mum]

Im sure you are leaving your little man in capable hands that you trust fully so have faith in yourself and your judgement.
Do leave numbers and contacts just in case so that you will feel safe in the fact you are contactable and vice versa.
Allow yourself two phone calls home to check in and stick to this or you will end up on the phone all night and your sitter will feel you dont think they are capable.
Leave the babysitter a teeshirt or something of yours so that if your baby becomes upset he will be able to smell you to settle.
It is a bit daunting leaving your baby for the first time but only if you let it. Go and enjoy your night out and yes think about your little man but dont let the worry take over your good time.

[ScooterShell]

Thanks, that helps!

I think having a bit of a strategy (2 phone calls) will help me. She has an 18 month old and I've watched how they interact so yeah, I do trust her.

The Tshirt idea is great! My biggest worry is that he won't settle for her.

Hmmm, relax... we'll try :-)

[Coolabahdee]

Had to spread the love!!! But really needed to say Great Advice All boys!!!!

Michelle, you'll be fine, don't stress to much or you'll rob yourself of a great night out.

Happy Birthday Have fun!!!!!!

[black_rose]

Get your sitter to come at least 30 minutes before you plan to leave so your son doesn't feel like he is being deserted, make it fun for him. Then you will be able to go out and relax too!

[Daffodil Mumma]

Sorry I dont have any advice...Im about to be in the boat this weekend!!!!

Some really great advice there tho...I love the shirt idea and a limit on phone calls and having the sitter come a little early (thats what we are doing)
Our sitter is my MIL (whole other rant there so I wont start!!) and she is coming down here Friday because she lives out of town and she wants to watch the routine we already have in place so she can try to follow it, plus DS will be familiar with her being in the house before we leave.

Still I cant say any of that is really making me feel any better......goodluck with your night out Michelle, I hope you can relax and have a wonderful birthday

[ScooterShell]

Thanks everyone! I'm really looking forward to it much more now. REALLY appreciate the tips!

(Good luck to you too Helen!)