A ‘babymoon’ is a relatively recent concept, but one that has been growing in popularity in the last few years. Couples all over the country are packing their bags and heading off for a tropical escape or relaxing retreats before life changes forever with the arrival of a little one. Designed as a final chance to pamper, indulge, and relax before the arrival of a new baby, it is a wonderful opportunity for couples to spend some quality time together and prepare themselves for the new phase of their relationship.
However, traveling when pregnant always throws up more than its fair share of challenges, so it is important to be prepared, do your research, and think carefully about how the trip is going to go. So before booking that cruise deal, take a look at the guide below for help and support in navigating health concerns and travel restrictions on your babymoon.
Talk to Your Doctor First
Your healthcare provider will be the first port of call before planning your babymoon. They will be able to offer specific advice on when it would be wise to travel, where you might want to avoid, and what steps you need to take to make sure everyone is safe. In general, travel during the second trimester is thought to be safe and healthy, and pregnant moms are usually most comfortable during this period too. You will also want to consult your doctor about medications and vaccinations that might be important to have, or worth avoiding, and they will be able to tailor their advice based on where you plan to travel, with guidance on things like hydration, nutrition, and avoiding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if flying long-haul.
Choose the Right Destination
While you might be tempted to opt for something wild and exciting in your last vacation of freedom, comfort and safety are the most important things to take into account, so exotic, far-flung destinations are usually best avoided. You will want to ensure that the healthcare system at your destination is reliable and accessible and that there are no health warnings for diseases like Zika or malaria.
Check Travel Restrictions and Entry Requirements
The health of a soon-to-be-mom and her unborn child are paramount throughout pregnancy, so a hugely important step on any babymoon planning list is to thoroughly research the travel restrictions and entry requirements of your intended destination. Post-COVID-19, many countries have become stricter in their public health requirements for entry, so it is important to know about these in advance, as well as any health alerts or notifications. Some countries provide information, warnings, or restrictions on pregnancy-related travel, so check government websites and the CDC well in advance, as well as close to your departure date.
Pack Essentials for Comfort and Health
You will never think harder about what to pack than when packing for your babymoon. While all the usual travel essentials should go without saying, there are a few other vital elements to a babymoon packing list.
- Comfortable, lightweight, layerable clothes that will keep you warm or cool, depending on how you feel. Comfortable, lightweight, layerable clothes that will keep you warm or cool, depending on how you feel. Don't forget to include items like the Soft Cotton Baby Hooded Towel Bath Towel for your little one, ensuring comfort and warmth after a relaxing swim during your babymoon getaway.
- Compression socks to prevent inflammation and swelling and reduce the risk of DVT on long-haul flights or during long car journeys.
- Vitamins, supplements, and any other medications or medicines your healthcare provider has suggested.
- A travel cushion or a specific pregnancy pillow to help make long journeys more comfortable.
Consider Travel Insurance with Maternity Coverage
Finally, it is worth thinking about getting travel insurance that includes specific maternity coverage, as this is often excluded from ordinary policies. While no one plans for things to go wrong, it is always worth preparing for the worst-case scenario, just in case!
With the guide above you can guarantee that your babymoon is a beautiful adventure and the perfect preparation for your brand-new life. Safe travels!
