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.

Our answer

First off - take a deep breath. 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, you can make this transition as smooth as possible for both of you.

"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," says psychotherapist Dr. Irena (Miriam) Domachowska.

We asked psychotherapist and APP co-founder Dr. Irena Domachowska how parents can best prepare for time away. She said, “Short-term separations with a sensitive caregiver do not have adverse effects on babies. Basically, 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’ve experienced separation before and know you’re coming back.”

Tips for preparing your baby for separation:

1. Choose a Familiar Caregiver – Make sure baby stays with someone they know and trust, like another family member. A familiar face helps them maintain a sense of security.
2. Ease Them into It – If possible before the trip, practice leaving them with the caretaker for shorter periods of time.
3. Stick to Their Routine – Provide detailed instructions on sleep, feeding, and comfort habits to keep their schedule as consistent as possible.
4. Leave Behind a Comfort Item – A shirt that smells like you or a favorite stuffed animal can be soothing in your absence.
5. Set a Calm Tone – Remember, children pick up on the mood around them. If you appear confident and calm when you’re saying goodbye or reuniting, your baby will feel reassured.

And finally: allow yourself the space to enjoy your travels. Remember, taking time for yourself isn’t just ok – it’s essential. A well-rested, recharged parent is the best gift you can give your baby.