If you’ve recently learned that you’re pregnant, congratulations! However, it probably feels like there are a million things to do right now. In times like these, using a detailed pregnancy checklist can be helpful. One item on that list that you definitely shouldn’t forget is a babymoon!
What’s a babymoon, you ask? In this post, the baby experts at Mustela will answer all your questions about the what, where, and when of a babymoon. Let’s get started!
What Is A Babymoon?
The term “babymoon” was first coined by Sheila Kitzinger, a British pregnancy and childbirth expert. In her 1996 book The Year After Childbirth, Kitzinger recommended using the first few weeks after childbirth to bond with your baby.
A honeymoon is an intimate time right after a wedding, right? Well, the intention was similar for a babymoon. It was meant to be a period of special family bonding immediately after childbirth. Recently, however, the word babymoon has evolved from its original meaning.
In today’s day and age, a babymoon generally refers to a vacation that the expecting couple takes during the pregnancy. It’s a relaxing trip for the parents-to-be, before the arrival of the baby turns life upside down.
A new baby can change a relationship, so taking the time for an intimate babymoon is crucial.
Although often thought of as a couples’ trip, a babymoon doesn’t have to be limited to the expecting couple. If you already have children who are about to get a little brother or sister, it may be nice for all of you to vacation together.
Babymoons are fair game for single parents as well. Either go solo on a pampering retreat or bring a friend or family member.
Whatever your family structure or ideal vision of a babymoon is, go for it! This is a wonderful time to celebrate you and the little life inside of you just the way you want.
Is It Safe To Go On A Babymoon?
You’re probably wondering whether or not it’s safe to go on a babymoon. The answer is yes! Just make sure you choose a safe travel destination and that you pick activities that won’t put your baby at risk.
Picking a safe place to travel is not just a matter of location, but also of how you’re going to get there. Luckily, there’s no need to worry about flying to your babymoon destination.
Although you should always check with your doctor first, flying is generally not considered dangerous for pregnant women early on. In fact, with a normal pregnancy, it’s safe to fly until the 32nd week of gestation.
That said, here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your babymoon.
Research Applicable Travel Policies
While it may not be dangerous for you to travel, you will have to research any travel policies that may affect your trip.
The good news is that most airlines allow you to fly domestically up until your 36th week. For international travel, the cut-off is a bit earlier, ranging from 28 to 35 weeks.
It’s not only airlines that will have safe travel rules for pregnant women. If you choose to go on a cruise, keep in mind that some cruises will not let you travel after 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Before finalizing your babymoon plans, it’s smart to double-check the safety policies of any transportation carriers you plan to use so there are no surprises.
Take Extra Precautions Before You Go
Before you settle on a destination for your babymoon, there are a few things you want to do, especially if you’re keen to spend your special vacation overseas.
Talk To Your Doctor
Before buying any tickets, you’ll want to check in with your doctor and let them know where your wanderlust hopes to take you. Find out if they have any concerns about your proposed trip and if there are any specific precautions you should take.
For instance, you’d probably want to steer clear of places that have Zika or malaria, two mosquito-borne viruses that can be even more dangerous if you’re pregnant.
Get A Prenatal Check And Paperwork
Once your doctor has weighed in on your destination, you’ll want a prenatal check to be sure everything’s A-OK. Request a copy of your complete prenatal records as well so that you have them in case of any emergency while you’re away.
If you’re traveling later in your pregnancy or your bump is big, ask your doctor for a note with your expected due date so you don’t have trouble with the airline thinking you’re too far along to fly.
Research Local Hospitals
Once you get your doctor’s blessing that you’re good to go, it’s time to research the closest hospitals or medical facilities to your intended destination. Take down the numbers and addresses in your phone so they’re handy if needed.
Check Your Health Insurance
It’s also a good idea to double-check your health insurance policy before traveling. Your policy could have limitations regarding coverage out of state or in a foreign country. You want to know ahead of time if coverage is limited for medical visits while on vacation.
One thing to keep in mind: If you do have limited coverage, you can get special travel health insurance for the trip. This will give you the peace of mind you need for your special babymoon.
Prepare A Travel Health Kit
When you’re ready to go on your babymoon abroad, the Centers for Disease Control suggests packing a travel health kit, including prenatal vitamins, hemorrhoid cream, antacids, and anything else you might need, as it can be tricky to find the right things in a foreign country.
This can be helpful if you’re traveling domestically as well, especially if you’ll be staying somewhere remote.
Once you’ve done your homework on your destination and made all of the preparations, you can pack your bags and set off for a memorable adventure!
What’s The Best Time To Go On A Babymoon?
Now that you know how to ensure your babymoon is safe, you may be wondering when you should go. Most couples choose to go on their babymoon during the second trimester. There are a few reasons why this is the best time.
First, waiting for the initial 12 weeks to pass ensures that your pregnancy is normal and that your baby is healthy. This is always priority number one. In addition, morning sickness tends to be at its worst during the first trimester, so it’s not the best time for a babymoon.
What about the third trimester? Babymooning late in your pregnancy can be difficult because of your growing baby bump. It might make some activities, like hiking, running, or cycling, less comfortable. Additionally, you might experience cramps, back pain, or aching legs during the third trimester.
Itchy skin can also be an issue for women in their third trimester.
During the second trimester (14-28 weeks), you’re normally out of the woods when it comes to nausea, and you have more energy to enjoy a trip away. This makes it a popular pick when it comes to planning your babymoon.
With all of that said, the ideal time to go on a babymoon is the time that works best for you and your partner. If you have other obligations during the second trimester that prevent you from taking a babymoon, late in the first trimester or early in the third trimester is also OK.
So basically, there are no set rules here! The best time to go on a babymoon is the time that’s easiest for you. After all, a babymoon is supposed to help you relieve stress during your pregnancy.
How Do You Plan A Babymoon?
While babymoons are primarily for rest and relaxation, planning one isn’t guaranteed to be stress-free. Here are some things to think about while planning your babymoon.
Budget
This is the number one concern for most expecting couples. Preparing for a baby is already a financial stretch, so finding the money for a babymoon vacation isn’t easy.
But you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fabulous babymoon! Many resorts now offer special packages specifically for expecting couples. It can also help to look into group buying websites. These sites often have getaway deals at huge discounts.
You might also consider having a staycation babymoon. A staycation is a vacation without the traveling! You can cut costs by staying at a nice hotel in your hometown and treating yourself to all the things you love—exquisite meals, serene spa treatments, and quality time with your partner.
Location
The location of your home will play a huge role in where you plan to go on your babymoon. If you live in a rural area, taking a trip to the closest big city may seem like a great idea for a babymoon. If you’re based in a big city, you probably want to escape the hustle and bustle.
In addition, the place where you live will determine which destinations are practical for a babymoon. For example, if you live in South Florida, escaping to The Bahamas wouldn’t be too much of a hassle. For those based on the west coast, a week in Hawaii is a viable option.
If you’re planning something farther away from home, you might want to engage a travel advisor who can help you think through any issues you might encounter and plan for them. Be careful not to make it too complicated, as then it could be stressful.
Remember, as long as you and your partner have the chance to relax and unwind together, you’ll have an amazing babymoon!
Timeframe
The timing of your second trimester will help you plan your babymoon. If your second trimester is during the winter, for instance, a trip to the beach might not be the best choice. Similarly, there are some destinations that may be too hot and muggy to visit in the summer.
The amount of time you can spend on your babymoon will also help shape your plans. Taking extra time off of work isn’t always easy. You might only have a four-day weekend for your babymoon. This would make traveling to far-off destinations unrealistic.
Figuring out how long you and your partner can travel for is an important step in the babymoon planning process.
Preferences
What kinds of vacations do you and your partner enjoy? This is one of the most important things to consider when planning a babymoon.
If you and your partner are the outdoorsy types, you should go somewhere that allows you to do outdoor activities. Or perhaps you’re a huge foodie and all you want to do on your babymoon is eat.
If so, pick a destination known for its thriving food scene. (We completely support that decision! Just try to avoid these foods and eat plenty of these.)
There are even some hotels that have special babymoon activities! They may include nature walks, prenatal spa treatments, in-room couples’ massages, and cooking or art classes to be enjoyed together.
Whatever your passions may be, plan a babymoon that allows you and your partner to do the things you love.
Additional Babymoon Travel Tips
When it’s time for your babymoon, keep in mind that traveling while pregnant takes extra care. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or boat, there are some additional things to take into consideration for a safe and comfy ride.
- Bring plenty of water so you and baby stay well-hydrated on the trip.
- If traveling by plane, book an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around (or visit the restroom) with ease. Sitting for too long can increase your risk for blood clots related to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for extra comfort.
- Keep flights or car rides short, as pregnancy discomforts like backaches, swollen feet, and nausea can be made worse by longer travel times.
- If you’re traveling by boat, be sure to pack some pregnancy-safe medicine for seasickness.
- Wash your hands often to avoid picking up any germs. If you don’t have access to water, use disinfectant wipes.
8 Amazing Babymoon Ideas
You probably already have a thousand great ideas for your babymoon. But just in case you need some extra inspiration, here are 8 ideas for an amazing babymoon.
Escape To The Mountains
Few things in life are as relaxing as watching a gorgeous mountain sunset from the porch of a log cabin. A trip to the mountains can be especially nice in the fall, as the brilliant autumn colors find their way onto the treetops.
Hiking through the forest by day and curling up next to the fireplace by night is a wonderful way to spend a babymoon.
Go To The Beach
Who doesn’t love listening to the soft sounds of the ocean while soaking up the sun? (Just make sure to follow these tips for sunbathing while pregnant.) Imagine lying next to your sweetie on the beach, with a virgin piña colada in one hand and your favorite book in the other.
Sounds amazing, right? We thought so. If you do find yourself babymooning seaside, be sure to pack your sunscreen. You’ll want a mineral formula of SPF 30+ and a big floppy hat.
Take A Lake House Vacation
There’s something special about waking up to the silence and tranquility of a beautiful lake. Leaving all of your worries behind just seems a little easier.
Taking a lake house babymoon is perfect if you and your partner love the outdoors. Swimming, hiking, fishing, cycling, boating—lake house babymoons have it all.
Visit A National Park
Your babymoon might be a great time to check out Yellowstone National Park or even the Grand Canyon. Check the weather first (you don’t want to go when it’s too hot or cold, as this will make you and baby uncomfortable).
If the weather’s right, this could be a wonderful way to spend time communing with some of nature’s most beautiful feats.
Take A Cruise
How does island hopping around the Caribbean sound? Spending a babymoon at sea could be a lot of fun. You’ll not only see some beautiful destinations, but cruise ships have tons of activities and endless food to enjoy.
As we mentioned earlier, make sure you check with your doctor and review the cruise line’s policy as to pregnancy before booking. Then set sail for some relaxing time away!
Rent An RV
Is the open road calling your name? You could rent an RV and throw it into drive for your babymoon. An RV can mean comfort, freedom, and easy bathroom breaks along the way.
This option is all about planning, so think about the region you want to visit and what you want to see.
Will you hug the coast or set off across the country? Or will you zig-zag to visit friends and family? You could even make a commemorative tee or onesie at the end with all of the babymoon stops you made on the big road trip!
Head To The Big City
Art, theater, museums, live music, world-class restaurants — if these are the things you’re interested in, you might want to have a big city babymoon! For some people, the excitement of the big city is far more appealing than the peace and quiet of the countryside.
If exploring art and culture is your cup of tea, a big city is the destination for you.
Indulge In A Luxury Hotel Babymoon
Treat yourself! There’s nothing like being pampered with massages, facial treatments at the spa, and room service. If you’re looking to enter a state of deep relaxation during your babymoon, finding a nice hotel or resort is the way to go.
Even better, find a luxury hotel in a cute walking town so you can get out and stretch your legs a little bit. After poking around galleries and boutiques, take time to relax in your room and pamper your skin with Mustela Stretch Marks Set.
And, if you’re not able to visit a luxury hotel, you can always make your own home into one! All it takes are some fluffy towels and robes, scented candles, and a nice, warm bath. Cook a favorite meal together or get takeout, and don’t skimp on the dessert you’ve been craving.
Adventure Awaits!
With so many fantastic babymoon options, you’re sure to find something that suits your and your partner’s tastes. Just follow the tips we’ve provided here and you’ll be on the perfect babymoon before you know it!
And don’t forget to pack your Mustela products to keep you comfortable throughout the whole trip. For everyday protection, bring along our SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion or Sunscreen Stick. And for soothing your skin after a relaxing bath, try our nourishing Stretch Marks Oil.
With Mustela in your carry-on, you’ll be ready to set off for your special babymoon adventure!