Having a baby and becoming a parent for the first time is truly magical. (Well, besides the sleepless nights, excessive laundry, aching feet, etc.)You’re so excited to meet your little one and watch them on their journey of firsts.
Still, we don’t want to forget that the end of pregnancy is also a time of lasts: the last time it’s just you and your partner before you’re officially parents together! This can be a bittersweet feeling to process — which is why we’re HUGE advocates for taking a babymoon.
If you’re reading this and thinking WTF is a babymoon; buckle up. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be dying to plan your own. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about planning a babymoon and why you should have one in the first place.
What Is a Babymoon?
A babymoon is the ULTIMATE pre-baby vacation. It’s the last chance for parents-to-be to enjoy some quality time together before their bundle of joy arrives and requires their 24/7 attention. Think of it like a mini-honeymoon. Except instead of celebrating the start of your marriage, you’re celebrating the start of your journey into parenthood together (and your last moments as DINKs – Dual Income, No Kids. It’s a thing.)
Now, you might be tempted to think you can get away with planning a trip after your little one has arrived. After all, pregnancy is crazy — you’re busy baby-proofing your home, planning a gender reveal, and navigating an endless slew of pregnancy symptoms. Believe it or not, it’s only going to get crazier from here on out.
Once your little nugget has been born, vacations are going to be far and few between – you’ll be too occupied changing diapers, feeding, and trying to catch a few minutes of shuteye to even think about a vacation. Trust us when we say you should take advantage of this time and enjoy a romantic and relaxing getaway before baby is here.
Where Should I Go for My Babymoon?
So, now that you’ve decided on having one, where should you go for your babymoon? The options are as endless as your imagination – you can jet off to a tropical paradise for some sun and sandy beaches or head to a cozy cabin in the mountains for some R&R.
Some popular babymoon destinations include Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Mexico, but don’t feel limited to those places. It all depends on your preferences and travel style.
You might consider a romantic city getaway, booking a cabin under the Northern Lights, or even a relaxing spa retreat. Definitely spend some time thinking about what destination and what type of trip will be most relaxing and fulfilling for you before you make your final decision.
You also might have to take into account the time of year you’re traveling when planning your destination. For example, Hawaii might be nice year-round, but Ireland will be a lot more cold and gray in the winter months than in spring to fall.
Once you find out you’re pregnant, the clock is ticking. You’ve got under nine months to make it count. Choose a destination that’s going to be nice during whatever time of year you’ll be traveling there — and don’t forget to figure out how preggo you’ll be at that time.
Other Things To Consider When Planning a Babymoon
Like your honeymoon, planning a babymoon takes a bit of work, so the earlier you start planning, the better. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of destinations and chosen a travel month, think about your itinerary, accommodations, and all the details you might not consider if you weren’t preggo.
For instance, if you’re thinking about heading to Europe, will you be comfortable on a long trans-Atlantic flight? A mega belly might make the journey a lot more difficult than it was pre-pregnancy! Make sure to talk to your doc; pregnant women are often advised not to travel after 36 weeks.
Are you super adventurous and planning on crossing off a country that requires extra vaccines to enter? You might not be able to get those vaccines while pregnant. Definitely do your research and talk to your doctor before committing to a travel plan, especially if you’ll be going in the third trimester.
Of course, there’s one other thing you’ll have to consider when planning your babymoon: Your outfits!
What To Pack for a Babymoon
We’ll be the first to admit that packing strategically is, well, not exactly our forte. There are far too many cute outfits to wear. Like, what if this vacation is the time you finally want to wear that jumpsuit that’s been collecting dust in your closet for six months?
Maybe your checked bag is big enough that you don’t have to worry about limiting yourself, but just in case, we’ve got you covered with a guide to all of your babymoon essentials right here.
A Swimsuit
If your destination is beachy and tropical, you’ll need a maternity swimsuit. Even if it ISN’T beachy and tropical, there’s still the hotel pool, and you’ll still need a swimsuit.
You might think a stylish swimmy is out of the question once your belly starts to pop, but we’re pleased to inform you that it’s actually quite the opposite. There are a TON of cute maternity swimsuit options out there that will both support your growing belly and flatter your figure.
Looking for a stylish one-piece? Look no further than the chic Azore One Piece. The one-strap offers a touch of glamor, and the ruching shows off your bump in the most incredible way. Double-layered fabric and the Recycled Nylon/Spandex blend keep you comfy if you want to swim laps or finish your newest beach read.
If a bikini’s more your speed, we’d recommend the lovely two-tone Mallorca Bikini. The high waist gives off a 1960s vibe, while the strappy shoulders bring it to the present. Pair it with a hotel robe and indulge in your fav poolside snacks.
Whatever your style, you’ve got options, babe — just be sure to look for suits in a high-quality fabric for that extra support you need right now.
Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
No beach vacay is complete without the most important item: SPF. However, sunscreens often contain questionable or potentially toxic ingredients.
That’s why we developed Sunny Mama, a soft-as-velvet pregnancy-safe sunscreen you can apply every 90 minutes without worrying about potential side effects.
This sunscreen features a broad-spectrum mineral formula and is lightweight enough for sensitive or hormonal skin yet still powerful enough to block 99% of UV rays. Plus, antioxidant-rich botanical extracts will give your skin the boost of hydration it craves in a hot and sunny destination.
A Maternity Gown
If there’s one thing we’re going to do on a destination vacation, it’s document the occasion. That calls for the Riviera Dress, AKA the Insta-worthy maternity dress of your dreams.
This caftan gown looks as good at a black-tie event as it does at a romantic oceanside dinner with your partner (and trust us, once you try it on, you’ll be wearing it to as many occasions as you can).
The dress comes in both black and gold and offers a silhouette as striking as it is comfortable, with a flattering empire waist and an easily removable sash. Even if you only plan to dress up one night of your trip, you need this gown in your suitcase. Someday you’ll look back on your babymoon photos and swoon over those special memories and how dang GOOD you looked in them.
Comfortable Sleepwear
Pregnancy is no joke. It can simultaneously wear you down and make sleep nearly impossible. One of the benefits of taking a babymoon is having the chance to fully unwind and soak in some much-needed relaxation before everything hits the fan again. This is why you can’t forget to pack your coziest pregnancy sleepwear.
Let us introduce you to the Ultra Soft Jersey PJ Set, the pajamas that need to be in your suitcase RTFN. The stretchy, buttery-soft jersey material is made to be worn during the first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and fourth trimester… You get the picture.
Once you get used to these PJs, you’ll never want to take them off. And if there’s ever a time when it’s okay to wear PJs all day, it’s vacation.
Fly Me to the Moon
Aside from allowing you to unwind with your partner before your life is taken over by your newborn, a babymoon also serves another benefit: It allows expecting parents to bond and connect with each other in a way that might be difficult once the baby arrives. It’s a time to reflect on the huge life change that’s about to occur and to discuss any last-minute concerns or questions you might have about parenting together.
It’s a time to create special memories before your life becomes a nonstop rollercoaster of dirty diapers and pulling a stroller up flights of stairs. Getting to meet your little one is one of the most special feelings in the world, but there might come a day when you miss the intimacy of hanging out with your partner.
Don’t hesitate to take advantage of that time. Life is one grand adventure, so book a ticket to a faraway getaway or an upscale hotel near you for an unforgettable trip.
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