Help - First Overnight Stay at Inlaws!

[OCMom]

My husband and I are going out of town for one night and I'm worried about my 18 month old's first overnight stay by himself at my inlaw's house. We have never stayed overnight with him, and he is also going through separation anxiety issues, (as typical for his age) so I'm expecting the worst.

Here are my main concerns:
1) They have only watched him for a few hours at a time, and he doesn't usually nap well there
2) They don't have a full size crib, only a pack n' play which my son has never used, and the room will be unfamiliar since it's a guest room

I will of course bring his regular pajamas, security blanket buddy, favorite toys and favorite foods for the next morning.

Any suggestions on how to make this more comfortable for him (and me)?

Thanks :)

[MommaC]

Do you have any time to at least get him used to the Pack N Play? It sounds like you're doing everything you can. It may be hard, but you'll have to cross this bridge sometime.... As hard as it may be on you if he's sad, don't let him see how it's affecting YOUR emotions. You need to appear like all is puppies and unicorns. This is fine and it's fun. You trust these weirdos to care for him, and you know he'll be just fine. Be happy. Don't draw out the good-bye forevermore. All business, all cheerful, hugs and kisses and goody-bye. When you get in the car and down the street is when you can let it go, but if he sees you a mess, he'll DEFINITELY be a mess. Be strong. You can do it. It will get easier. :)

[djasinski]

I think an important component is letting him know that you will be back in the morning- that you are not really saying goodbye but more like good nite. Also, I agree with MommaC- keep your emotions control so he doesn't get scared.

[OCMom]

Thanks for the replies. I agree with you both about not letting myself get emotional in front of him. Might be hard since I don't necessarily like the way my inlaws take care of him in general (don't change diapers regularly or wash his face/hands often - eek!)

MommaC - as for the pack n' play, my son hated being in one for more than 5 minutes so he never had to sleep in one before (he has always played in our "empty" living room and slept in his own full size crib). But, maybe it's worth trying a nap at the inlaws house sometime before the overnight visit.

I'm probably just worrying too much, but that's life as a mom, right? :)