The birth of a new baby is a celebratory time filled with drastic life changes and transforms your life together as a couple to a family. With such a huge change approaching, you’re both likely feeling a mixture of emotions – excitement, fear, anticipation, anxiety, and more.
Taking a babymoon is a wonderful way to enjoy time together before the birth of your new baby and bond over your shared anticipation. It’s a way to rest, relax, and bond before the inevitable chaos the birth of your new baby will bring.
The rest of this article will tell you everything you need to know about babymoons, what they are, how to plan one, and the best destinations – both locally and overseas – for a relaxing babymoon.
What Is A Babymoon?
A babymoon is a vacation, or holiday, that expectant parents take before the birth of their baby. The practice of taking a babymoon is most common when parents are expecting their first child but babymoons can also be taken before the birth of a subsequent child.
A babymoon is often to a relaxing destination with nothing too physically taxing for the pregnant mother. After all, who wants to go hiking or scuba diving while eight months pregnant?
A babymoon can be a staycation, a short weekend trip, or a long vacation of a week or even more. The point is for it to be relaxing and fulfilling in a variety of ways, whether you’re a couple eagerly awaiting the birth of your first child or seasoned parents looking to reconnect before the arrival of their newest addition.
When Should You Go On A Babymoon?
A babymoon is, by definition, a vacation taken by an expectant couple. This means it should be taken during pregnancy. However, it is up to the couple when during the pregnancy they should go on a babymoon.
The first trimester is notorious for bringing morning sickness and fatigue, two major obstacles to enjoying a vacation. Trying to enjoy a vacation late into the third trimester might be difficult if not impossible, as by that point, you’ll likely be tired and uncomfortable and unable to enjoy much of anything.
Travel restrictions and risk of early deliveries are also important factors when considering taking a babymoon in your third trimester.
The second trimester is generally seen as the most comfortable period of pregnancy – if you can call pregnancy comfortable what with all the physical and emotional changes that come with growing an entire human being.
In most cases, nausea has mostly abated by the second trimester and there is less fatigue. For most, months 4 – 6 in pregnancy is the ideal window for a babymoon.
Of course, external factors must also be considered when deciding the best time to take a babymoon. Taking a road trip during the roasting heat of summer is rarely safe for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman, so you need to take into account the weather and the season.
Finances and work are also a concern, as vacations need to be planned and saved for.
Are Babymoons Worth It?
Babymoons are seen as a way to relax and spend some quality time with your partner before the demands of parenthood arrive alongside your new bundle of joy.
It may not be nearly as easy to go on a relaxing getaway and spend time as a couple once your baby arrives and you’ll find more demands on your time and disposable income.
While going away as a new family is certainly possible, it’ll take more planning and revolve more around your children than you and your partner. So get in some time together now while it’s still easy to do so.
A babymoon is also a great way to relax, take time to nurture romance in your relationship, and focus on self-care – important skills to learn as new parents.
Is It Safe To Go On A Babymoon?
Women who have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy are generally advised against any strenuous or risky activity, including travelling. But for those with a healthy pregnancy, the question of safety has more to do with your destination and the timing of your trip.
Regardless of how healthy your pregnancy is, always make sure to consult with your obstetrician before planning a babymoon and consider taking any relevant health records with you in case the worst happens and you need medical care while travelling.
Avoid anywhere with virus outbreaks, especially in countries where Covid cases are still high. Mosquito-borne illnesses are especially dangerous for expectant mothers, as Zika virus is known to cause birth defects and developmental delays for your unborn baby.
Malaria is also a huge concern, as contracting malaria during pregnancy has been associated with stillbirth and preterm labor.
Why Babymoons Are Important
Babymoons provide an important opportunity to bond with your partner and enjoy some rest and relaxation before the arrival of your new baby.
Having a strong relationship is especially important as parents, and taking time to nurture your relationship and make time for each other will be important skills to have once the demands of parenthood kick in.
Best Babymoon Destinations
Now that we’ve covered what babymoons are, let’s get to the fun part – finding the perfect destination for your babymoon! The following sections include babymoon ideas for every budget and style.
Affordable Babymoon Destinations
Hepburn Bathhouse ; Spa – Daylesford
Located about 1.5 hours northwest of Melbourne, this historic bathhouse and spa draws directly from its mineral springs and offers packages focused on health and wellness.
If you love wildlife, nothing compares to the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Island. About 13 kilometers off the coast of south Australia, this is one of the best places to see koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, and seals. You can get to this island via a short flight from Adelaide. Enjoy local cuisine while you relax among the wildlife.
Local Road Trip
Wherever you live, there’s bound to be a simple holiday destination within an hour or two’s drive that could make a quick and easy location for a babymoon. From Melbourne you could drive to Sorrento, Phillip Island or Torquay for a quick and easy beach getaway.
Brisbane has the Gold Coast, Adelaide has Glenelg and from Sydney you could head to Palm Beach or even Newcastle. Just have a think about where you live and where you could potentially get to for just a couple of hours of driving.
If finances are an issue and/or you just feel more comfortable at home in your own space, then a staycation might be right for you. A staycation can either be at home or at a hotel or vacation rental in your town.
Just remember that you want to focus on relaxing and spending quality time with your partner, so separating the demands of day-to-day life (like cleaning and work) from vacation will be easier for some rather than others.
A good way to enjoy your staycation is to have the house cleaned – either professionally or by your partner and/or other family members – and unplug from your phone and social media for a while.
Don’t forget to order in your favourite foods or maybe have a night out at a nearby restaurant.
Luxury Babymoon Destinations
Hailed as an unforgettable destination for island relaxation, Lizard Island Resort is a wonderful option for those who can afford it. It is located on the northernmost island of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy couple’s massages, swimming, spa treatments, gourmet food, boat tours, nature walks, and more.
Swim in the protected lagoon and relax along the beach with a luxury beach getaway to the Cook Islands. Snorkeling is among one of the most popular activities, provided you have the energy. There are a number of hotels and resorts in the Cook Islands to choose from.
Pumphouse Point – Lake St. Clair
Perched over the tranquil waters of Tasmania’s Lake St. Clair is a converted 1940s-era pumphouse. It features relaxing, luxury accommodations, well-stocked gourmet food, and unparalleled scenic beauty.
Best Tropical Babymoon Destinations
This village in Far North Queensland is a tropical paradise within the Great Barrier Reef and offers unrivaled resorts, day spas, and restaurants. This destination is also known for its shopping. Choose from its long list of hotels and resorts.
Unwind in this tropical paradise in this New South Wales beach town. With a laid-back vibe and plenty to do, you can relax by the water before grabbing some local cuisine at some of the best award-winning restaurants in east Australia.
Australia’s largest national park includes lush rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and 20,000-year-old rock art galleries. Enjoy leisurely nature walks and witness the majesty of migratory birds, some of which can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.
Best International Babymoon Destinations
Paris, France
Synonymous with luxury and romance, Paris is among one of the most desirable travel locations in the world. With plenty of shopping, cultural experiences, and world-class accommodations, we can see why Paris is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Certainly a wonderful place to enjoy some unforgettable alone time with your partner!
Hawaii, USA
Lounge on the beach and enjoy a luxurious island paradise in Hawaii, USA. Enjoy sunny beaches, tropical local cuisine, and unparalleled natural beauty as you explore this beautiful island chain.
The Bahamas
Sunny beaches and warm sands await you at the Bahamas, a destination coveted by families and couples alike. With world-class spas and resorts, there are plenty of relaxing accommodations to choose from.
Babymoon Activities – What to do on a Babymoon
While every couple is different and there are no set rules when it comes to a babymoon (provided the activities are safe, legal, and approved by the expectant woman’s doctor), relaxation is usually the goal. The following are some popular babymoon activities.
- Go swimming – this low-impact sport not only takes the pressure off your aching joints during pregnancy, but also helps with swelling and discomfort from the heat. Just make sure to steer clear of hot tubs, which are dangerous during pregnancy.
- Walk a nature trail – leisurely walking provides light exercise as you take in the scenic beauty of your destination. Exercise during pregnancy is encouraged in most cases and has a myriad of health benefits, including boosting your mood, relieving pain, and improving circulation. Even if your babymoon is a staycation, there are likely a number of parks and gardens you can choose from.
- Decorating the baby’s room – this activity is ideal for a staycation and provides a great way for you and your partner to bond over preparing for your upcoming arrival.
- Babyproof your house – while this activity may not sound conventionally relaxing or romantic, babyproofing is one of those things that will be far more difficult to complete after baby’s arrival.
- Visit a museum or art gallery – this activity is both relaxing and thought-provoking. Even better, you don’t necessarily have to leave your home city to do it.
- Check out a new restaurant – provided that morning sickness is well behind you, reserve a table for two at a restaurant you and your partner have been dying to try. Just make sure to stick to menu options that are safe for pregnancy.
If you’re thinking about going on a babymoon, start planning now! After all, your pregnancy only lasts 9 months, so if you keep putting off booking your babymoon you might run out of time!
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