Even though we love them more than we ever thought we could love anything, babies are a lot of work!
For that reason, many expectant moms and their partners often decide to go on a babymoon trip before their new bundle of joy arrives. But what exactly is a babymoon, and should you take one?
A babymoon trip is comparable to a honeymoon. The difference is that a babymoon isn’t necessarily for newlyweds. Instead, it’s for expectant parents who want one last hurrah before their new baby is born. For most women, the best time to take a babymoon is usually during the second trimester.
In this article, I’ll give you more information on babymoons, when to take them, and how to decide where to go. If you’re on the fence about taking a babymoon, hopefully, this will help you make your decision.
What Is a Babymoon Vacation?
A babymoon is a much-needed celebration for many expectant parents, especially first-time parents. You may also call it a babymoon, a pre-baby vacation, or your last childless hurrah.
New babies require a lot of time, effort, and hard work. There isn’t much free time for people to go on trips and vacations after a baby arrives, so a babymoon gives them a chance to go somewhere nice and have a peaceful, enjoyable, baby-free getaway.
It can also be an opportunity for the mom- and partner-to-be to reconnect and enjoy one another while they can do so without a third little person in the house.
Don’t get me wrong, though; babymoons aren’t exclusively limited to first-time parents. Some people take a pre-baby vacation before each new child they have, and that’s perfectly okay.
Raising a child is more challenging (and more rewarding) than just about anything else, so taking a small break beforehand is understandable, whether you’re on baby number one or baby number four.
Should I Have a Babymoon Weekend, or Longer?
While there are no specific time limits or restrictions on babymoon length, most people take trips that last two to four days. However, deciding whether you want to vacation for a day, weekend, or longer is entirely up to you (Source: Baby Moon Guide).
Let’s examine a few pros and cons of each:
Shorter Babymoon
A shorter babymoon could be a weekend getaway or a quick overnight or two-day trip. There are definitely some advantages to a short trip like this one.
Pros:
- You don’t get as tired, and you’ll usually spend less money.
- Traveling to nearby overnight vacations is less arduous than longer, further away trips.
- There’s not as much planning or work involved.
- If you or your partner are still working, you’ll take less time off work, and it gives you more flexibility in when you can go.
- It’s easier to make childcare or pet sitting arrangements.
- You can get home quicker in case of an emergency.
Cons:
- You don’t get as much time away from home.
- You may have to stay somewhere local or at least nearby to make the most of the trip.
- You won’t get to do or see as much of your vacation location.
- Some hotels/Airbnbs won’t rent to single-night vacationers.
Longer Babymoon
A longer babymoon could include anywhere from three days to a couple of weeks or more. As with everything, there are pros and cons to this kind of trip, as well.
Pros:
- You have more time away from home and can likely travel farther.
- You have more time to experience everything your vacation spot has to offer.
- You have more time to destress and get away from everyday life.
- It’s more likely that you could experience somewhere far away that you’ve never been.
- There may be more options about where you can stay (hotels, Airbnbs, etc.).
Cons:
- Longer trips are more expensive and more tiresome, especially for a pregnant mom.
- There’s more planning and packing involved.
- It may be harder for working moms or their partners to take this much time off work.
- You could be farther away from home in case of an emergency.
- It may be more difficult to arrange childcare and pet sitting arrangements.
When Is the Best Time To Go on a Babymoon?
There’s no “best” time to go on a babymoon. Every pregnant mother is different. However, most prospective parents take their babymoon during the mother-to-be’s second trimester, or between 14 and 28 weeks of pregnancy (Source: University of Utah Health).
There are some very logical reasons for this.
During the first trimester, morning sickness is often a problem for many women. Furthermore, there’s the risk of vaginal bleeding, miscarriage, and just an overall feeling of yuckiness.
Additionally, the third trimester isn’t ideal because there’s the prospect of more vaginal bleeding, leakage, painful Braxton Hicks contractions, and even premature labor (Source: Fox News Health).
Finally, moms-to-be don’t feel like doing as much the closer they get to their delivery date. Vacations, even short ones, usually involve driving, walking, maybe even flying. Most women about to give birth don’t want to do all that.
That’s what makes the second trimester the perfect time to travel.
However, as I mentioned, everyone is different. If you’re in your first trimester, haven’t felt a hint of morning sickness, and have the all-clear from your OBGYN, you may want to schedule your babymoon earlier! Other moms-to-be like to plan theirs in their third trimester to give birth in a special place away from home.
Finally, the season in which you’re traveling may also play a role in when you want to schedule your babymoon. If your second trimester is going to fall right in the middle of winter or the hottest part of summer, you may want to go at a different time.
Where Should I Go on a Babymoon?
You can go anywhere you like on your babymoon. The important thing is that you and your partner are together and enjoying yourselves and each other on the trip.
However, there are a few things you may want to consider before deciding on a destination. Here are some of the most important:
- Will you have to fly, and are you okay with that?
- How much driving will be involved?
- Can you handle the types of activity required to have a good time wherever you’re going?
- Are there any potential health hazards where you’re going? These could include the Zika virus, currently high rates of contagious diseases, etc.
- What’s the weather going to be like where you’re going, and are you going to be comfortable in that weather?
- Are there medical facilities nearby in case of an emergency?
- How long is your trip, and how long will it take you to get there and get back? Will you have ample time to do what you want to do in that location between travel times?
- Are there any restrictions pertaining specifically to pregnancy where you’re going?
- Can you easily return home if something comes up and you need to get back?
Those questions are essential to planning a good babymoon destination. However, there are a few other non-essential questions you might consider, as well.
- Does the place you’re going to offer any babymoon packages or discounts for expectant parents?
- Does the place you’re going have enough things that would interest both you and your partner?
- Are there pregnancy-friendly activities where you’re going, or is it better known for other things, such as vigorous outdoor activities, frequent drinking and partying, etc.?
- Are the accommodations comfortable for a pregnant woman?
If you seriously consider these questions and any more you think are relevant, you should easily be able to find the perfect babymoon spot for you and your partner.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article has taught you a little more about what a babymoon is and if it’s right for you. Additionally, I hope it’s provided you with some insight on the things you should consider when choosing the right time and destination for your prospective babymoon.
