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I’ll be the first to admit that before I was in the baby stage, I thought babymoons were kinda try-hard. I figured it was just another excuse to get attention and post your bump on social media with a different backdrop. And then I got knocked up and realized — holy shit — a babymoon should be a legal requirement for anyone about to give birth (or adopt!) a human. Obviously, there’s a lot to consider when planning your trip — from where to go to what to bring — but once you figure out the details and perfect your babymoon packing list, it’ll all be worth it to elevate your swollen ankles someplace scenic.
And tbh, after recently getting back from my second babymoon with my best friend (instead of my husband, oops), I feel it’s my duty to urge other moms-to-be to carve out a little time for themselves ahead of the big D-Day (you know, delivery day?). Whether it’s a staycation with your best friends or a romantic trip with your partner, getting some R&R before your body is ripped open and your boobs start leaking everywhere is the literal least you deserve.
If you’re planning your babymoon and need some inspo, we’ve got you covered. From flight tips to our tried-and-true packing list, we’ll set you up for success so you can enjoy some mocktails in peace before your name officially changes to “mom.”
What to Consider When Planning Your Babymoon
Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, this is the perfect opportunity to milk (heh) your pre-baby status for all it’s worth — think spa days, endless room service, and pretending you’re Nicole Kidman at a hauntingly chic resort — so don’t fuck it up.
When I planned my recent babymoon to Nobu Los Cabos with my best friend, I didn’t just want relaxation — I wanted the kind of trip where no one expected me to shave my legs, plan the day, or, you know, move. But before you can channel peak pampered vibes, there are a few logistics to nail down to ensure your trip is actually stress-free.
First, timing is everything. The sweet spot for a babymoon is usually the second trimester — when you’ve (hopefully) left the morning sickness behind and haven’t yet reached the stage where your ankles are starting to look like cantaloupes. If you plan to fly, check your airline’s policy for pregnant travelers (some require a doctor’s note past a certain point). When on board, it’s a good idea to throw on some compression socks and move around the cabin every hour to help reduce the risk of blood clots. Oh, and speaking of doctors, check in with yours to make sure everything’s good to go, especially if you’re heading somewhere that requires vaccines or has a risk of Zika or other illnesses.
IMHO, this isn’t a trip where you’re gonna want to bounce around from city to city and hike all over the place. Think about the type of scenery you want. Then, factor in the activities (if any) you actually feel up to doing. For example, while I highly considered Paris, all the walking and none of the wine made me rethink if now was the time, ya feel?
Wherever you decide, give your resort/Airbnb/whatever a heads-up that you’re pregnant; you’d be surprised how accommodating they can be, from providing extra pillows to customizing spa treatments (freebies, fam. We’re talking about freebies). A little advance notice can go a long way to ensure your trip is as comfortable, enjoyable, and luxe as possible.
And while my trip was everything I dreamed it would be, packing the right stuff made all the difference. Because let’s be real: there’s nothing relaxing about waddling around a resort without your pregnancy essentials (or trying to find some belly balm at the gift shop). In addition to all your maternity dresses and sensible shoes, here’s what you need to throw in your suitcase to get the most out of your pre-infant escape:
The best ginger candies if morning sickness is still a thing:
Compression socks for those swollen cankles:
My go-to travel cup that’s easy to carry + leak-free:
A blood pressure cuff because *everyone* should be tracking daily after 20 weeks:
My favorite hat of all time that’ll make you look like a not-so-insufferable mommy blogger:
This genius tote bag so you won’t smoosh your hat in your carry-on:
Some pregnancy-safe face masks if splurging at the spa is out of budget:
A blow dryer brush because, for once, you might actually have time to do your hair:
The viral belly balm to keep your bump hella moisturized:
A pregnancy wedge because bringing your giant pillow is a little…much…for the plane:
Yes, you need a pregnancy swimsuit, and yes, this one is the most flattering I’ve found online:
Some sensible heels you can adjust depending on how flipper-y your feet are:
The most comfortable pregnancy outfit you’ll ever wear:
Absorbent underwear in case you’re at the “accidentally peeing yourself whenever you laugh, cough, or sneeze” phase:
The end-all-be-all maternity shapewear if you want that perfect bump shape for all your babymoon pics:
