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Congratulations, you’re expecting! Whether it’s your first, second, or seventh+ child on the way, experts and moms agree that going on a babymoon is a worthwhile investment of your time, energy, and money – with a range of benefits for you, your partner, and your relationship.
So what is a babymoon? It’s like a honeymoon, but before the Big Day! It’s a special vacation for parents-to-be, whether pregnant, adopting, or using a surrogate, to celebrate the new life they’re about to add to their family. For those who are carrying, it’s a time to reward your body with some rest for all of the hard work it’s been doing. A babymoon is a much-needed opportunity for parents to pause and enjoy this special time together — to (re)connect, dream, inspire each other, and share fears and hopes and intimate moments.
Why should you take a babymoon?
The short answer to this question is self-care. Just as you are probably taking the time to prepare the baby’s nursery, taking time to care for your mind, body, and the relationships that matter most are an essential part of preparing for your little one’s arrival. Plus, happy parents make happy kids.
- To relax and de-stress. “The physical demands of pregnancy are intense,” Amy Cirbus, PhD, counseling psychologist at Talkspace, told lifestyle digital magazine Sunday Edit. “A babymoon provides the time to relax and take a break before the demands turn from carrying the baby to caring for the baby.”
- To respark romance. “Transitioning to parenthood can be stressful, but dedicating a vacation to reconnecting can help you be playful with each other again,” Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, PhD, a couples therapist and professor at Widener University told fitpregnancy.com.
- To “treat yo’ self.” For this small moment of time, let yourself be the “star,” recommends Amri Kibbler, co-founder of HeyMama. “Buy yourself a new bikini. Take pictures of yourself on the beach. Book a spa appointment. Drink a bunch of mocktails and be silly and laugh and enjoy all the things you can right now — let people carry your bags for you and make a fuss over you.”
When is the best time to go on a babymoon?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “The best time to travel is mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks). During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness has improved or gone away completely, and you’re still able to get around easily. After 28 weeks, it may be harder to move around or sit for a long time.”
Always check with your doctor, as well as the airline. Most airlines won’t allow you to fly in your last month of pregnancy, and international flights often have an earlier cutoff for pregnant passengers than domestic flights do.
Best places for a babymoon
A babymoon can range from an international vacation to a staycation to a day trip, depending on what your body and budget allow. Let yourself be guided by whatever brings you peace! And consider these ideas from experts and real moms.
International Destinations
- Japan – Lauren Truong, mom of three boys (one on the way), visited Japan during two of her three pregnancies, the first with one kid and the second with two! “I was able to do pretty much everything that everyone else could do,” Truong told Mom.com. “Except for the onsen (natural hot springs).” They spent their days sightseeing, eating sushi (pregnant women eat sushi throughout their pregnancy in Japan), and even hiked up the famous Fushimi Inari steps in Kyoto – that’s 12,000 steps! “Wherever I go, if there’s something to see or do that I can’t experience at home, I usually do it,” Truong shared. “You never know when you’re going to be back.”
- Greece – If you’re looking to babymoon during the months of May, June, or September, try Greece! The weather is more mild than in the late summer months, and so are the crowds. Melina Thalassinou of travel blog greeking.me recommends Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete for their accessibility and good medical facilities. From gorgeous beaches to history and culture to a world-acclaimed cosmopolitan vibe, Greece has something for everyone.
U.S. Destinations
- Château du Sureau in Oakhurst, California. For those seeking a fairy-tale European vacation without having to fly overseas, or a Yosemite experience without having to pitch a tent, this is your destination. This castle resort is a haven of beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Enjoy fine dining, enchanted gardens, towering pines, and a mama-to-be massage, all within the castle grounds.
- Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona. This all-inclusive resort was created for wellness and tranquility. With natural hot springs (one pool as low as 86 degrees F), a prenatal massage, farm-to-table dining, and other activities created for rejuvenation, this beautiful desert oasis is for the mama-to-be who doesn’t want to have to plan or worry about a thing.
- Nantucket Hotel and Resort, in Massachusetts. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top destination for babymooners, this luxury resort is surrounded by cobblestone streets, pristine beaches, and beautiful sunsets. The resort’s “Babymoon Celebration” package includes a prenatal massage, complimentary breakfast, late checkout, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a baby toy.
Staycation Ideas
- Get a pool pass. Many upscale hotels will offer a day pass to their resort pool. Enjoy poolside mocktails on lounge chairs or under a cabana without committing to an overnight stay! Check out ResortPass.com to find pool, spa, and amenity access near you.
- Garden or seaside picnic. Put on your favorite outfit, pick up your favorite foods and drinks, and drive out to the most beautiful spot near you for a relaxing day with your loved one. Make it a day for deeper connection by picking up a highly rated couples’ card game, such as Couple Reconnect, Let’s Get Deep: Conversation Cards for Couples, or Talk Flirt Date.
- Turn your home into a luxury resort. This will require significant preparation, but for the nesting babymooners, this takes care of two birds with one stone. Pick an area you want to turn into a spa – it could be your bedroom, bathroom, or even your backyard. Go online and search for ideas (“bedroom spa,” “bathroom spa,” etc.). Then use the money you would have used on your vacation to make at least one “spa” update – an indoor olive tree, a beautiful rug, flowy white curtains, fluffy new towels, that Anthropologie candle you’ve been wanting. If you’re able, get your home professionally cleaned. Then take a bath, have your favorite food delivered to you, rent a newly released movie, and enjoy your luxury hotel night at home.
