Most couples look forward to a honeymoon soon after their wedding, but another practice that’s become more common over the years is what’s called a “babymoon,” or a vacation before the birth of a child. Babymoons provide partners with the opportunity to bond one-on-one before their lives change and inevitably become busier and more stressful due to parenthood. At the same time, they can serve as a joyful start to a new chapter in a couple’s story—one that involves building a loving home and raising a happy family.
Though most babymoons are planned to happen before the birth of the first child, there’s no stopping you and your partner from booking vacations for your next pregnancies. A babymoon is as flexible as a honeymoon – you can choose where to go and how long you’ll be away.
You can pull out all the stops by traveling abroad, book a modest trip to the mountains, or simply take time off work together for a staycation as a tourist in your own town. The possibilities are endless, and you and your partner are sure to enjoy the experience as long as you’re thoughtful about your planning.
Below are a few tips for traveling safely and comfortably during your babymoon and having a fun and fulfilling celebration with your partner.
1. Determine the Best Possible Time to Travel
The first thing you should do before you set any babymoon plans in stone is determine when it is safest and most appropriate for you to travel. Most moms choose to go on babymoons during their second trimester or early in the third, when pregnancy symptoms are most manageable.
It’s totally possible to go on a vacation later into your third trimester, your energy levels, fatigue, and appetite may limit your options in terms of activities to do. Also, most airlines won’t let you fly after a certain point.
Regardless of where you go and how long you’ll be gone, you and your partner have to make it a point to not overdo it and exhaust yourselves! Remember, this is a trip to relax and spend time together.
Once you’ve determined an ideal date, choose a location for your babymoon. Don’t forget to consider factors like what the weather will be like and how crowded your destination may be at this time of the year, as these can impact your overall enjoyment of the trip.
2. Make Comfort and Convenience Your Priorities While Packing
When packing for your babymoon, pick clothes that are comfy, easy to put on, and easy to wear for extended periods. Babymoon wardrobe must-haves include stretchy and stylish denim leggings, tops that don’t restrict movement, and sturdy shoes with ample support.
You’ll also want to pack clothes and accessories that are appropriate for the weather and for your chosen babymoon activities, like a coat and thermals for a winter holiday, and boots and cushioned socks for a hiking or camping excursion. Prioritize your comfort and convenience, and try avoid overpacking – a heavy suitcase or backpack may put additional strain on your body.
3. Eat Well and Eat Often
If there’s one thing you and your partner should thoroughly enjoy while you’re on your babymoon, it’s the food that’ll be available to you. Seek out delicious and nourishing meals in the cities or towns you’ll be visiting, and choose foods that will allow you to meet your ideal intake of protein, fluids, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.
Your babymoon schedule may be filled with activities like long car rides and visits to popular tourist destinations. Knowing that, make it a point to take nutritious snacks and keep fluids with you. It’s often best to eat small but frequent portions during the day to keep your energy levels up (and that baby belly from feeling even more full!).
4. Relax and Take Breaks between Exciting Activities
You and your partner may be quite excited about having enough time to do a variety of things while you’re on vacation – especially when you know that free time will be a more limited resource once your family gets bigger.
But a babymoon doesn’t have to be as adventurous or jam-packed with activities as a honeymoon. Save a large portion of your time for low-key and relaxing bonding opportunities like a massage, a trip to the theater, or a romantic drive along a quiet road?
In addition, be sure to bake in plenty of rest and to take lazy-time breaks in between scheduled activities. This will let you refresh yourselves and treasure the day-to-day moments of your relationship.
5. Find Opportunities to Connect and Bond with Loved Ones
Finally, while a babymoon is the perfect chance for you to get some private time with your partner, you don’t have to spend every minute of it alone. In fact, the trip may be even more memorable if friends or family members could join you for part of it.
Nothing beats quality time with loved ones who are all too willing to pamper you and support you in concrete ways during your pregnancy!
If your parents, in-laws, or other family members live in another city, consider planning your babymoon in their area so that you can visit them and share a meal together.
Catch up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while, and enjoy their company while you dine out or sight-see. The opportunity to meet up with them may be just what you need to start this new phase of your life on a celebratory note.
Create Lasting Memories
Whether you’re headed out of town or just a few miles away from your home, with the right preparation, you and your partner can look forward to an unforgettable babymoon experience.
Where are you dreaming of going for your babymoon, and what memories of it will you want to recount to your little one?
Trix is a full time writer who loves fashion and exploring. Whether at the beach or hiking a mountain, you can find her, her pup, and whichever nieces or nephews she can wrangle off on a great adventure!