How to Babymoon Like a Pro
A trip before the baby comes
You’re pregnant! Congratulations! If this is your first pregnancy there is a lot to navigate – your body is changing, and you might be tired or sick. Or maybe those prenatal vitamins are making you feel like a superstar! (But probably not, let’s be real).
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You are also trying to figure out all the pregnancy to-dos. Should I have a gender reveal? Who will throw me a shower? Should I take maternity photos? And what the heck is a babymoon?
Having a baby in this day-and-age is a lot like throwing a wedding, except you are trying to gain weight instead of lose it. In this post I’m going to help you navigate Babymoons so you have one less thing to worry about.
But before we get started, WTF is a babymoon? It’s a vacation you take with your spouse before you have your baby, usually in the second trimester. It's the last hurrah before baby enters your world. A lot like a honeymoon, but minus the alcohol. And the sex (just kidding, sort of.)
1. Where do you want to go?
Ok, so before you Google “best Babymoon destinations,” ask yourself “What destinations are already on my list?” Why am I asking this? Because that Google search will only pull up places where people are targeting keywords for “Babymoon,” and very few of them are actually offering anything special for pregnant people that you can’t get just about anywhere – *ahem* ice cream sundaes and comfortable mattresses. Also, you are the same person you used to be with the same interests. You might have to modify what you can physically do on the babymoon due to the little one growing inside you, but overall you probably already know where you want to go.
Make a list of places you have been wanting to visit or even places you have already been that you love visiting. Check the seasonable weather to make sure it’s not going to be in the middle of monsoon season or 107 degrees everyday. Also, check for the Zika virus. Zika can cause severe birth defects, and pregnant women can pass it to the baby in utero, so make sure to avoid destinations that are affected.
2. What do you Want to do?
Like I mentioned before, you are the same person you were with a few restrictions – no drinking and probably modified physical activity. I’m sure you can add to this list, but you know your body and what you are able to do in this changing time.
Here are a few suggested activities for your babymoon:
Sleep in! Face it, you are probably tired. Make sure your sleeping accommodations are comfortable and you can spend as much time as you want sleeping.
Eat all the yummy foods. Research the area(s) you will be traveling to and bookmark and make reservations at top-rated restaurants (with pregnancy friendly foods of course). I use Yelp to help out with this task. You can make lists of bookmarks that are easy to find when you are traveling.
Take lots of photos. This is a time in your life you will want to remember, so take lots of photos! You can show your child later or make a vacation book for your loved ones as a gift. Maybe even plan your maternity photo shoot and get some professional shots done.
Swim or float. Being in the water is a great way to relax and cool off, it also takes weight off and can relieve back pain.
Get a prenatal massage. Plan ahead for this one and do your research. You want to find a good massage place with people who are trained in prenatal massage. Book this ahead and talk to the masseuse so you can know what to expect.
Do something romantic. This is a chance to spend time with your other half before the focus is shifted to your baby. Go for walks on the beach, plan a fancy dinner, get a couples massage – whatever floats your love boat.
Take a walk or hike. Walking around the area, going for a light hike, sightseeing or checking out shops can be a great way to pass time on your babymoon. You can also check out some baby shops for things to remember the trip by.
3. How will you get ready?
Once you’ve picked out your babymoon destination, it’s time to do some planning. If you are flying somewhere and are visibly pregnant, get a note from your doctor that you’re cleared for takeoff. Some airlines are now requiring this and will not let you on the plane without it. I also recommend bringing a pillow, sleeping mask, earplugs and/or noise-canceling headphones for longer flights so you can get comfortable.
Comfort is key when packing your suitcase for a babymoon. You want to pack all the things that help you get comfortable, but you don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag while you’re pregnant. Start with a carry-on sized bag and see if you can pack everything you need into it. If you are flying, it’s nice to know that everything is with you and there’s no chance of losing your bags. If you have to check a bag, make sure you put all of your essentials and a change of destination-appropriate clothes in your carry-on in case of a lost bag.
If you have difficulty packing light, plan out the days of your trip so you know what activities you are doing each day, make a Post-it note for each day and make a small pile of clothes for each day on top of the Post-it notes. You’ll be surprised at how little you actually need.
Check out this timelapse video of me packing for a 5 day trip to Hawaii.
Here are some pregnancy essentials that I packed for my babymoon in Hawaii:
4. How will you capture the memories?
Your babymoon is a great opportunity to take some maternity photos to archive your pregnancy or have them done professionally. First you want to figure out what type of photos you want. Pinterest is a great place to search for example photos to show your partner or a professional photographer. Check out my Pinterest board for some ideas.
You will also want to bring the clothes and props (if any) on your trip so you get the look you want. I got this dress (comes in many colors, sizes and a few different necklines)
And this flower crown (comes in many color options)
If you plan on taking the photos yourself you can use your smartphone or bring a nicer camera. I suggest bringing a tripod with a remote if you are going to take photos yourself and want to include your spouse. Or plan ahead and schedule a session with a professional photographer in the area of your babymoon.
Take this opportunity to relax and bond with your significant other before your baby arrives. Follow me on Instagram for more fun posts.
