Taking a babymoon is a great way to get some time in with your partner before your lives completely change. While having a baby is an extremely exciting time, there is no denying that a moment of calm amidst the excitement and chaos is welcome. From connecting with your partner on a deeper level as you prepare to become parents, to simply indulging in a massage to help you relax, a babymoon is an experience all expecting parents should take to some degree. Read on for babymoon ideas and tips for planning your ideal vacation (or staycation)!
What is a Babymoon?
Babymoon Meaning
A babymoon is similar to a honeymoon, in that it’s a celebratory vacation where you enjoy quality time together with your partner before the birth of a new baby. This trend has grown in popularity. Because let’s be honest, once a baby arrives, there are often few opportunities to enjoy a getaway. The months following the birth of a new baby are a roller coaster. The point of a babymoon is to enjoy one last hurrah or adventure before giving birth.
Babymoon Timing
The sweet spot for a babymoon is during the second trimester (weeks 14 through 27), when you’re past the queasiness of the first trimester and still comfortable enough before your third trimester. Some travel restrictions may apply later in your pregnancy, so be sure to take them into consideration when planning your babymoon.
Why You Should Take a Babymoon
Because You Can
If you don’t have any children yet, you are free as a bird. You may feel busy, overwhelmed, or like you don’t have time to go on a babymoon, but it is important to take some “me time” while you can. Your life as you know it is about to radically change and you won’t be able to travel on a whim. Take advantage of this freedom! Plus, once you get into your third trimester, it’s best not to travel by airplane. Get it in while you can!
Time Out
Getting away from the daily grind is so good for us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. As you approach this life-changing event, it can be even more important to get away from the drains of life and get some extra rest and relaxation to recharge you for parenting. On a babymoon, you’ll explore new sights, sounds, tastes, and traditions. These fun, spontaneous, and exciting discoveries will take a backseat when your newborn arrives.
Rest and Recharge
Parenting is wonderful but exhausting. Get as much extra rest and relaxation NOW before baby arrives. Many of us get our best sleep on vacation and can come back feeling rejuvenated. Taking a babymoon is a wonderful way to “recharge” many areas of your life…from romance to sleep to adventure. As you enjoy your time away, you’ll come back ready to start your last trimester and welcome your new baby with open arms.
Quality Time with Significant Other
Having a child changes the family dynamic, and the baby becomes the center of attention from the moment you give birth. Additionally, once you have kids your love life will change, particularly those first 3 months postpartum. This can sometimes put a strain on couples. By investing time and space to be together intimately for your babymoon, you’ll walk into parenthood more connected than ever.
Time to Reflect
How will you want to raise your child? How will you nurture this new relationship as well as old relationships? What do you want your legacy to be as a parent? Have you put off thinking about baby’s name? Or whether you’ll co-sleep? Or do you have a dream nursery you want to create? These are all great questions to reflect upon as you are on your babymoon while you have uninterrupted time with your partner. This will help you be intentional and conscious parents.
Babymoon Ideas
Take an International Trip
For most expecting parents it’s perfectly okay to visit another country while pregnant, just be prepared and consult your doctor first to get advice on how to stay healthy. If you’re thinking about an international trip, ask your doctor about how to prepare for long flights and whether it’s safe to travel to certain parts of the world — before making your reservations. Avoid areas with outbreaks of diseases such as Zika, malaria, and COVID-19.
Stay Local
Book a hotel room near your home and be a tourist in your own city. Do you live near a beach town? If so, see if you can get a room with an ocean view. Or, reserve a spot at a local bed and breakfast or resort. Getting a hotel near home might be cheaper than traveling to another area. Staying close to home means you don’t have to worry about airfare, car rental, and other expenses.
Have a Staycation at Home
Even cheaper? Staying at home. The key is to make it special, so instead of taking on your usual chores at home, take steps to make your own room vacation worthy. Toss a chocolate on your pillow, lounge around in your robe, and let your calls go to voicemail. Staycations are a huge money saver, allowing you to prepare financially for your new arrival, yet still enjoy quality time with your partner. This is also a great time to tap into that nesting instinct and prepare your home.
Babymoon Tips
- Time it right so you feel your best
- Make low-stress travel arrangements
- Dial in some downtime for quality moments with your partner
- Make sure there medical help is nearby
- Check your health insurance coverage
- Book the right room for ultimate comfort
- Schedule some spa time to relax
- Research food options ahead of time
- Be realistic about your budget
A babymoon is an excellent time for expecting parents to reconnect and relax before a new baby arrives. So whether you’re able to get away for a few days or longer, check your budget to see what kind of a pre-baby vacation can happen before your due date.
