So there’s a bun in the oven and you’re elated but a part of you feels like you need a break. You need a babymoon! This post will answer your most pressing questions- what is a babymoon? Do you really need it? How do you plan for it especially when it feels like an unbudgeted expense?
What the heck is a babymoon?
A babymoon is a vacation you take with your spouse before your baby arrives. I also like to call it “a honeymoon with a bump”.
If you’ve been desiring a getaway, a babymoon is a perfect time to just do it!
Let’s face it, your whole life changes in interesting ways once your baby arrives. It’s a perfect “excuse” to go on a vacation. Well, who doesn’t love vacations anyway?
I’m on a Budget
Baby what? It’s not for me- I’m on a budget
Even if you are on a budget, with upcoming baby expenses and medical bills, you can still have a babymoon.
You don’t have to break a bank before having a babymoon. I will show you how in the subsequent paragraphs but first, let’s talk about why you should go on a such a trip.
1. It’s a good investment
…in yourself and in your marriage. You won’t always be pregnant but you will always be a Mama when your baby arrives.
2. You deserve it!
You’ve been trying to get pregnant… even if you didn’t try, you are! So there’s a beautiful gift growing inside you and that’s every reason to get away and celebrate. Hurray!
3. It’s a great time to bond with your partner
Being a parent is work! A lot of hard work. How are you better parents if you do not bond with your spouse? Babymoon allows you to bond with your spouse. You get to spend quality, uninterrupted time together as a couple doing amazing things you love.
4. Build beautiful memories
You are able to build precious memories to last a lifetime. Those memories never go away. In fact, I can bet your kids will grow up to hear stories or see pictures of the babymoon. How they kicked and all the awesome things that happened when mama and papa were on a babymoon.
5. Take a break
Who doesn’t need a break? Pregnancy comes with it’s own issues even if you have an easy breezy one. Babymoon is a perfect time to unwind and just be pampered before baby arrives. So take a break from being a mom (if you already have a child or children), an employee (if you are a working mom) and wife (having to take care of and manage the home).
6. It’s a great time to play girlfriend.
Remember the time before you got married?
When you couldn’t just have enough of each other?
When you could not just wait to get married? Times change don’t they? Life happens! Well, babymoon allows you to play girlfriend to your spouse. Imagine the exciting times you’ve had and relive those moments. You can talk about those perfect moments and practically live it out again.
7. Rejuvenate
The parenting journey is not an easy one. Before the third trimester exhaustion kicks in; before the night feeds starts, before postpartum sex, relax, rejuvenate and store up for the journey ahead. You would need all the energy you can get.
8. It may be a while before you travel again
Traveling after baby is possible but takes a lot of effort especially when it’s your first. You may not feel like going anywhere for a while. So you’d rather save up that energy or rest rather than pack your bags for a trip.
9. It’s a good time for big and small decisions
Have you thought about how a new addition will change your family, life and marriage? Babymoon is such a good time to talk about all the new changes that will be happening in the next couple of months and how to best prepare for it as parents.
10. Explore
Babymoon is great time to explore new places, food or even try old things in a new way.
11. Romance
If the romance in your marriage has been on the back burner, do have a babymoon to bring back some fire. Think of all the exciting pregnancy sex positions you haven’t tried, a romantic dinner or a spa treat.
I believe you are definitely looking forward to having a babymoon by now?
How to plan for your babymoon
When should you take a babymoon?
The second trimester is the best time to travel for a babymoon. It is also known as the honeymoon trimester. So babymoon in the honeymoon trimester (ha, that rhymes!).
Usually, energy levels are awesome in this month; well compared to the first and third trimester. Plus the first trimester queasiness would have declined or stopped completely if you’re lucky. This allows you to do some exploring and basically everything you enjoy without being so exhausted. Always check with your doctor before you travel.
How long should a babymoon be?
A babymoon should be as long as you want it to be- whatever your time and budget allows. It could last a day to a week or even more. It all depends on you!
Where can I go for a babymoon?
Decide on how you would want to utilize your time during the babymoon and pick a venue which offers that.
Consider adventure, nature, beach or relaxation. Some places are usually able to give you two or more of exactly what you want. I chose a beach venue with relaxation, romance and adventure in mind. But how we ended up having a staycation and visiting a local craft store is a story for another day.
I have a baby/kids already
If you have a child already or children, get someone to babysit so you can have your babymoon trip or staycation.
If you do stay at home, send the kid(s) away. Remember to UNPLUG from electronics so you can be fully present. Some things to do whilst babymooning are: try a new restaurant, cook together or simply do some fun activity together. Board games are great, a sex date or a movie marathon! Unless you’re cooking together, it’s best you order in.
A babymoon can be planned on a budget with these ideas.
Sometimes, booking a nearby hotel is not just convenient, but truly relaxing because of the short travel time involved.
For international travels, remember to:
- Check the the airline’s policy concerning air travel during pregnancy
- Check for availability and proximity of a medical facility
- If the staff of the available medical facility speak English
- Always check the menu of the hotel you’re booking bearing in mind your food aversions and cravings
- Remember to relax, DO NOT over indulge else you will be exhausted; but do whatever makes you feel pampered!
When making reservations online, remember to read reviews and compare prices.
Babymoons are special! Enjoy it for the birth of each child if you can help it.
Have you been on a babymoon before? Would love to hear your experience.
Where would you love to go for your babymoon? Please share your thoughts.
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I took a mini babymoon when I was pregnant with my daughter and it was a nice time. I was 4 months pregnant at the time and that was better for me. The further along I got, the less I wanted to be bothered (if you know what I mean.)
Hi Angel,
I understand, perfectly. If you hadn’t taken a babymoon when you did, you probably wouldn’t have. It’s awesome that you had such a nice time!
This is really insightful…. Being a guy and reading this makes me wanna get every other guy here to at least get a sense of reason as to why and how they can appreciate their pregnant wives. For me I view it more of a way to give your wife a treat and say thank you for doing the greater part of the work during the pregnancy.
Yaaaaay, I have male readers ??! That’s sounds like team work! I couldn’t agree with you more Emma.
I’m sure your wife would love and appreciate a babymoon!
Yes to ALL of your reasons! We did a babymoon before each of my two kiddos were born and loved it. Time away together after having a baby is rare.
That’s true Sonja!
Rare but definitely not impossible…
We had a baby moon in Myrtle Beach with our first baby. I loved it so much and wish we did it with our second!
Hey Tricia,
Sometimes life gets in the way so we’re not able to do all the things we’d love to. But I’m happy you had it for your first baby. Thanks for sharing your experience.
We had a baby moon before my first and it was such great memories. Great time! I highly recommend for everyone if possible.
Hi Lenee,
I’m glad you were able to go on a babymoon. I’m sure the memories makes it so worthwhile!
I couldn’t agree more with your reasons! It is so important!
Yes it is Meghan and Melissa ?♥️.
We booked a cruise when I was expecting my first baby. It was so nice to have some time away to relax. We also went on a cruise when he was 6 months old and it was a whole new experience.
Wow! That’s so nice to hear Mellie. Going on a cruise is actually on my bucket list!
Ahh, this is so good! I wish that I had done this. You have great reasons why, and I think if people can they definitely should.
Oh yes! But it’s okay that you couldn’t take one Sara. I’m sure you’ll probably have another opportunity to. I’d encourage every couple to; it’s possible even on a tight budget.
That’s a great idea! Seriously, we get so excited about the baby’s arrival that we forget about what’s to follow – at least a year of extremely little time for yourself and your spouse.
Exactly Eliza! Having a baby takes the focus off you as a couple that’s why a babymoon is so important.