How to plan the best babymoon so you can relax before your baby comes

Taking a vacation before your baby arrives can be a relaxing, adventurous, or romantic way to connect with your partner. Here's how to plan a safe and comfortable babymoon.

What is a babymoon?

A babymoon is basically a last hurrah before your baby comes. The name is a play on honeymoon, but instead of a vacation you take after getting married, a babymoon is a vacation you take before your little one arrives. It's both an homage to your life pre-baby and a way to celebrate the onesie-filled road ahead.

If you're welcoming your first baby with a partner, a babymoon allows you to share some romantic one-on-one time together – something you'll crave when you have a demanding new family member. If this is a subsequent pregnancy, a babymoon offers your family a moment to cherish how far you've come together. It can be a time to bond, relax, have an adventure, tick off an item on your bucket list, or just be free to be on your own luxurious schedule.

Babymoon destinations

Ideas for where to go and what to do are limited only by your imagination – and what your healthcare provider cautions against. Before planning any trip, make sure to get clearance from your doctor, and check with the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC's) travel advice for pregnant womenOpens a new window.

Destinations overseas can be exciting. Tropical beaches, unfamiliar cuisine, centuries-old towns, and historic attractions are alluring. But keep in mind your comfort level on long and perhaps cramped flights, and consider whether you'll have the energy to do everything you'd like.

Locations closer to home can be memorable too. You can even rent a home in a nearby town and act like a tourist in your own backyard.

If a road trip is your thing, consider renting an RV, which offers more room to stretch out and a way to take easy bathroom breaks. With an RV, you can zoom along historic Route 66, venture to national monuments along the East Coast, explore the Pacific Northwest, or visit a string of family and friends anywhere in between.

You might like to do nothing once you get to your destination – all-inclusive resorts are designed for this type of pampering. Or you might feel strong and energetic enough to go museum hopping, sightseeing, hiking, or even kayaking.

Many pregnant women enjoy the weightless feeling of being in water, so consider a lake or beach vacation, or find a hotel with a pool. If you want to be outdoors but not rough it, consider glamping, which marries the basic comforts of a hotel with the most-loved aspects of camping.

If you have wonderful relatives who will pamper you, consider a visit. Or, there's also no shame in a staycation. Sleep in, order from a food-delivery service, and binge-watch your favorite shows.

Babymoon do's and don'ts

Having a safe and comfortable babymoon can take some planning. Here are some do's and don'ts for your trip from moms in the BabyCenter Community.

Do: Plan for the weather where you're going

Pregnancy throws your inner thermostat out of whack, and you may be running hot. Consider whether you'll be comfortable vacationing in a warm-weather climate and how you'll cool off.

"My husband and I went to New York in December. I was still in my first trimester and the hot flashes had just set in, so the cold weather didn't slow me down."

"We went to my stepdad's beach house, and we had to pump up the air-conditioner the whole time. Staying cool while pregnant was a must for me."

Don't: Overdo it

You're growing a person – so don't feel obligated to keep up your pre-pregnancy pace.

"Be careful about visiting a busy city. It's really stressful trying to catch the subways, and all the walking brought on contractions. It was too much for my pregnant body."

"The day after we found out we were pregnant, we left for a trip to Japan to do some sightseeing and visit friends and family. The only problem was that I was so tired I could have taken a nap on the sidewalk."

Do: Make it adventurous, if you're up for it

If you're feeling good and get your provider's okay, a babymoon can be a chance to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

"We went to Cinque Terre in Italy and slowly hiked from town to town. It was great to take a trip that I'd go on even if I wasn't pregnant."

"We went hiking on the Na Pali Coast trail in Hawaii, a three-night, backcountry camping trip through the jungle, arid red cliffsides, mountain goat territory, and a white-sand beach. The adventuring together as a couple, the 'last fling' feel of it, and the physical challenge made the trip amazing. We felt like we were blessing the baby with an adventuresome life."

Don't: Assume a babymoon has to be fancy

A babymoon can be whatever you want it to be! Take the opportunity for a staycation, road trip, or anything else that works for you. 

"My daughter, husband, and I drove to Houston. He's a truck driver and this was our last trip together before having the baby. It was so fun just being with them, watching the scenery, and singing along with the radio."

"I had to take a business trip to a rather unglamorous city late in my pregnancy, so I took my husband along. It didn't matter where we were, just that we were spending time together."

Do: Consider a day trip

A short trip may be just what the doctor ordered. It can be easier and more relaxing, with less travel time and packing involved.

"My husband and I took two short trips to different spots in California, where we live. It was great for the two of us to relax and get away from work, doctors' appointments, childbirth classes, and preparing the nursery."

Do: Think about what you'll eat at your destination

Food can make or break a trip, and when you're pregnant it's especially important to have nutritious meals and snacks that appeal.

"I went to Las Vegas. All-you-can-eat buffets are a pregnant woman's dream come true."

"I was in Brazil in my 24th week, and eating was a problem. I needed to eat smaller meals throughout the day, which wasn't always possible. And some of the food didn't agree with my system."

Don't: Overlook an invitation to be with close family or friends

A babymoon doesn't have to be just you and your partner. Sometimes you want to be loved on by friends or relatives, too.

"I went to my mother's and let her completely spoil me!"

"We visited friends who lived in a small town in the mountains. They treated me like family and pampered me the whole time – it was like having a mother who didn't lecture me about anything!"

When is the best time for a babymoon?

The second trimester tends to be the best time for a getaway. At this point, fatigue and morning sickness have hopefully lifted and your body has some of its energy back. 

If you wait until your third trimester, you can still have a fantastic trip – you just may need to cut back on activities and take things easy. There's also the risk that your baby may come early, which makes the third trimester a less safe time to be away from home. Plus, many airlines and cruise ships only allow travel up to 36 weeks (and some have a shorter cut-off).

No matter when you go, double-check any scheduled prenatal appointments or upcoming prenatal tests. If you miss your window, you may not be able to retake the test.

What to pack for a babymoon

When it comes to packing for a babymoon, think comfort. Items such as practical shoes, a support belt, or compression socks can make a big difference, especially if your babymoon will involve a lot of standing or walking. And don't underestimate the value of bringing a pregnancy pillow if you rely on one for a good night's sleep.

If your babymoon will take place far from home, it's a good idea to bring a copy of your medical records and emergency contact information for everyone on your healthcare team. Also be sure to pack your prenatal vitamins and any medications you take.

Babymoon safety tips

In general, it's safe to travel while pregnant. Get clearance from your doctor first, though, especially for high-risk pregnancies and for international babymoon destinations that may require vaccinations.

When traveling while pregnant, take some extra precautions:

• Listen to your body

• Stay well hydrated

• Watch for signs of dizziness

• Take breaks often to avoid fatigue

• Carry nourishing snacks with you

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• Avoid sitting for long periods – get up frequently to stretch and circulate blood flow

• Consider researching the nearest urgent care center or hospital at your destination in case of an emergency

• Take steps to protect yourself from COVID during pregnancy