'We took baby on holiday and left toddler at home - we didn't want him there'

A couple have divided opinions after choosing to take their baby on holiday

Georgia and Chris Brown, both 30, recently took their four-month-old son, Harry, on - while leaving their two-year-old son, George, at home with his grandmother. The couple explained they wanted some “one-on-one time” with their baby, something they felt wouldn’t be possible with a toddler in tow.

Georgia, a business consultant from southeast London, and Chris, a sales executive, said they gave George a similar experience when he was a baby, taking him on a trip to Sorrento, Italy. They hoped to give Harry the same chance to be the centre of attention.

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“George's first holiday was all about him, and we wanted that experience with Harry,” Georgia told What’s the Jam. “With a toddler, it’s a very different experience because you’re always watching out for them. George is running wild, and Harry’s life very much revolves around what his brother’s doing.”

Chris booked the holiday as a surprise birthday gift for Georgia. She was initially surprised to see that only one child was included in the booking, but understood the reasoning and found it “quite sweet.”

Georgia emphasised that George is very loved and well cared for by his grandmother while they were away. The couple also made sure to FaceTime George daily.

However, after Georgia shared a video of the holiday on TikTok, the couple faced a flood of criticism online, with some accusing them of being “bad parents” and neglecting their toddler. Others suggested financial reasons were behind the decision, which Georgia denied.

“I didn’t expect the reaction,” Georgia said. “People said ‘that poor boy’ and that he’ll remember this forever. But he’s independent and happy. We FaceTimed every day, and he had a great time with his gran.”

Despite the backlash, the couple doesn’t regret their choice. Since the Morocco trip in March, the whole family has been on holidays together to Germany and Ireland.

“It was lovely to have that special time with Harry,” Georgia said. “George was well cared for, went to the zoo, and had fun with family. It was a great balance.”

The online responses have been mixed - some calling the decision selfish or unfair to the older child, while others defended the Browns, emphasising the importance of parents having individual time with each child.

One supporter said, “There’s nothing wrong with what you’ve done if the kids are left with loving family. People just don’t understand how hard parenting is.”

Another commented, “It’s thoughtful to give each child quality time, especially when most holidays are family ones.”

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