If you’re expecting and have no idea what the babymoon meaning is, you wouldn’t want to miss out on it. Especially when it involves taking a vacation before the baby arrives, you’ll need all the relaxation you can get!
In this guide, we’ll discuss what a babymoon is. We got you covered from its meaning, reasons why expecting couples have one, perks, and many more.
Happy reading!
Defining Babymoon Meaning
According to Healthline, a babymoon is when an expecting couple shares “quality time together before the birth of a new baby.”
It’s quite identical to a honeymoon when you spend lots of time together after getting married, except a babymoon cherishes your remaining moments as just you two before becoming a family of 3. Or 4. Or 5 even! Having a babymoon is not limited to one pregnancy, and it’s definitely ideal to have one to rekindle your bond before things get a lot noisier and messier. But in the best way possible.
Today shares that this term was coined back in the ’90s, wherein it’s a combination of “baby” and “honeymoon.” It’s the monumental time spent between parents and their newborn. So, in other words, a babymoon happens after the baby is born. But over time, the old babymoon meaning changed to be a special and lengthier holiday expecting parents would take to bond with each other.
When Should You Have a Babymoon?
There’s no specific timeline on when to have a babymoon. However, there are certain aspects of each trimester worth taking into consideration.
For instance, the first trimester can be a rough phase for most women. While they may still wrap around the news, their bodies also have to adjust to all these changes it comes. We’re talking morning sickness, grumpiness, fatigue, and many more. While most moms-to-be would opt not to go on a holiday in such a state, it’s a possibility for those who aren’t feeling the symptoms to an extreme.
As for the second trimester, this is known as the golden era of pregnancy. You’ve gone through the worst of your symptoms, and your energy is back up. You’re also starting to show and have gotten used to your pregnancy state. As a result, this period is an ideal time to go on a babymoon, especially somewhere a lot farther if that’s what you and your partner are leaning towards on.
Although the third trimester can get riskier, it’s still possible as long as you consult with your doctor and get their approval. You might feel physically heavier, given your growing belly, which can also slow your pace. However, that doesn’t have to stop you from getting some movement in through a babymoon.
Overall, the best time to have a babymoon is when you feel your best and strongest.
Reasons Why Expecting Couples Have a Babymoon
Check out some of our top reasons why having a babymoon is a must for to-be parents.
1 It’s a way to unwind and reconnect.
There’s a lot of nerves and pressure on top of excitement when expecting a baby. Thus, having a babymoon eases those knots as you disconnect from your usual day-to-day life and embark on activities linked to your vacation. Or even just staying off your phone to be with your partner, catching up and sharing your aspirations as to-be parents.
Along the way, such a holiday can give you mental clarity on what kind of parent you want to be and how you want to support your partner.
2 It’ll be a while for a couple to bond before the baby arrives.
Not to sound negative or hopeless, but it’s the truth. Tour lives get drastically different when your baby arrives. Everything revolves around them to ensure they’re safe and okay, leaving little to no room for you to bond with your partner. And even yourself because babies can be unpredictable. Plus, you make huge adjustments. For example, you’re on late night shift duty as your baby is still getting used to sleeping through the night.
With those things in mind, those are only the possible glimpses of what new parents can encounter. Thus, to-be parents would take advantage of their available time so they don’t have regrets down the road and instill stronger trust and love for each other.
3 It’s a way to celebrate a new chapter of their lives.
Having a baby is a beautiful experience despite the crazy changes it entails. From the physical body of the mother to the daily lives of both to-be parents, they’re worth celebrating, even if they can be nerve-wracking. In turn, a babymoon commemorates the beginning of parenthood alongside bidding farewell to your pre-baby lives.
Perks of Having a Babymoon
Now that you are learning the babymoon meaning, keep reading this section to unlock its benefits.
1 There’s lots of special treatment for the mom-to-be!
While a babymoon is a celebration for both parents, there’s extra pampering on the mom-to-be. After all, she’s doing all the carrying. It can range from full body massages, good food, special gifts, and many more. While there is a lot to consider, it doesn’t hide the fact that there’s more magic for the mom-to-be during this holiday.
2 You call the shots.
Upon uncovering the babymoon meaning and your ideas around it, you and your partner can plan to your heart’s extent. From how long it can be, where you want to have it, to what you want to do, you guys get to decide. It’s meant to be a trip that defines relaxation to you, not having to compare yourself to other couples. At the same time, you get to know more about your partner, which is extra beneficial once the baby arrives.
3 You gain a closer connection with your partner.
Just like a honeymoon, a babymoon sparks your bond with your partner and allows you to truly enjoy their presence. Even more so with a baby on the way, you feel more open and vulnerable to talk to them about excitement and worries about this new chapter.
Outdoor Babymoon Ideas
As we’ve shared the babymoon meaning, it’s time to share some enjoyable ideas about it. Specifically, for those who like going out and about. Ideas include:
- Out-of-town road trip
- Weekend staycation at an Airbnb
- Trip to a different country
- Checking in a private villa
- Getting a couple’s massage together
- Visiting a nearby city you’ve never been to
At-Home Babymoon Ideas
Having your babymoon at home can be the case for various reasons. It can be due to the state of your pregnancy, having a smaller budget, and personal preference. Whatever it is, here’s a list of our thrilling ideas on what to do for your at-home babymoon.
- A homemade candle-lit dinner at home
- Brainstorming baby names
- Cuddle and lots of physical touch with your partner
- Decorating your baby’s nursery
- Watching your favorite movies
- Go baby-related shopping
Tips for Having a Safe and Memorable Babymoon
Since you’ve gained a clearer understanding on the babymoon meaning, it’s crucial to thread through the process lightly. After all, you or your partner is carrying the baby, and the lesser the stress, the better. And with that, browse through our tips on how to have a remarkable babymoon for both of you.
1 Consult with your doctor first.
Before letting your excitement about discovering the babymoon meaning overtake you, it’s key to tell your doctor about it. From there, they can share what your current state is like (e.g., low-risk or high-risk pregnancy) and eventually give you the green light.
While the latter is not required, it’s recommended as it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Plus, they can influence your choices on when and where to take a babymoon. Mainly in your best interest to ensure the safety of the baby.
Consulting with them should extend until the babymoon itself if you have any concerns or queries.
2 Discuss and plan with your partner.
After consulting with your doctor, you can finally get to the fun part! Sitting down and talking about your aspired babymoon with your partner takes quite some time as certain factors must be considered. Those factors include:
- Duration: It can range from a weekend trip to a whole week.
- Budget: This is important! This factor determines how much you’re willing to spend financially during your trip. Setting one ahead of time avoids any overspending or unnecessary purchases.
- Location: How far do you want to go? Some opt for somewhere near while others can be more adventurous and go further, like going abroad. Another way to view this is whether the couple wants to go somewhere tropical, surrounded by nature, or within the city.
- Type of lodging: Would a hotel, Airbnb, or private villa suffice?
- Types of activities: Are you a fan of physical ones or ones that focus on relaxation? Or maybe both?
- Paternity and maternity leaves: Some couples would choose going on a babymoon during this time, which is towards the 3rd trimester.
Your babymoon is uniquely your own, so it’s a great time to ponder and then put into action.
3 Research on pregnancy-safe locations.
You can consider a few things when looking up ideal babymoon locations, even if you have some choices in mind. For one, it’s key to filter out places that are prone to diseases and viruses that can affect your health, which can then affect the baby’s. Two, decide you’re someone who wants to go far or near your home.
Other than that, you have to consider what the kind of travel would entail to get to your desired location. If through an airplane, choose short flights and destinations that aren’t so far. The less time on air, the better in comfort, considering you’ll be seated the whole time. If it so happens that your flight is abroad, getting travel insurance is recommended for the just-in-case scenarios.
If you’re only traveling within the country, it helps to familiarize yourself with the nearby healthcare centers there if things suddenly arise.
4 Be extra careful with yourself.
In other words, take it easy on yourself. Don’t overexert your body when bringing your luggage around and eventually unpacking. The latter should be your partner’s job. Speak kindly to yourself when your body isn’t as quick and sharp as it used to be. And prioritize relaxation among all things! Your babymoon is the time to rest and recover before the baby arrives, so be gentle and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your partner.
5 Embark on pregnancy-friendly activities.
Such activities give your mind and body a much-needed break and prevent straining it. Examples include reading a book in a quiet space (e.g., patio, balcony, or living room), sunbathing with an umbrella, going for a light walk, morning yoga, trying new food, and watching a performance that’s known in the place you’re staying at.
6 Have intimate pregnancy sex!
What else can we say about this? It’s safe to have sex during this time, even if your belly changes. It’s all about the pace you go at and the type of sex positions you do. In terms of pace, it’s best to keep it slow and gentle. As for sex positions, spooning, missionary, doggy, and cowgirl (and reverse) are preferred.
7 Have deep, meaningful talks.
Perhaps within the hustle and bustle of your daily lives, having the time to talk and vent to your partner has been rare. Hence, having a babymoon allows you to slow down and enjoy each other’s presence. It also paves the way to being honest and vulnerable, especially when discussing about the baby and how it’ll change everything.
In fact, this is the best time to share your delights and worries about impending parenthood so you two can reassure each other and plan ways to bond with each other once the baby arrives. After all, effective communication goes a long way, and it can extend further in your relationship after this special holiday.
8 Document the experience.
Pregnancy is fleeting, alongside the babymoon. Hence, take this time to capture your moments of yourself in this state. Whether candid or a full photoshoot, immortalizing these moments gives you something amazing to look back on. You can even have your baby see them when they get older,
Aside from the photos, vlogging is also a fun way to capture the little moments around you. Even giving a message to your baby can be a heartfelt gift for them as the years pass.
9 Live in the moment.
While documenting everything is great, finding the balance between it and being in the moment is important. Not everything has to be captured, and you’ll naturally feel it. In turn, treasure each moment of your babymoon. From the slow mornings to the yummy food and exciting activities you do, take it all in. As well as taking in each moment as a way to bond a lot more with your partner.
10 Have fun!
There are so many things to consider and remember during a babymoon, which can bring some stress and worries along the way. Hence, it’s important to find joy in the moments leading up to the babymoon and the babymoon itself. Make the planning stage fun by having your favorite pizza on the table. Pack your bags with happy music in the background. Take a good, long nap while having your much-needed massage.
Fun looks different for everyone, and it’s also a choice you make as you go along with your babymoon. Hence, we hope you choose to view things more positively and cherish these special moments before your baby is born.
Takeaway
And that wraps up our guide on babymoon meaning 101! We hope this guide indulged your interest in this potential idea if and when you’re expecting a baby. Given the many benefits and ideas surrounding it, it’ll be a fantastic time to bond with your partner before your entire lives and routines transform. Just make sure to follow our helpful and informative tips along the way and stay in contact with your doctor as well if changes arise.
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