(content by Branka V)
The arrival of a new baby means life afterwards will never be the same again, which is why so many people are taking the chance for one final getaway before their two becomes a three. These babymoons are becoming increasingly popular, with lots of budding parents taking a brief break even deep into the third trimester.
Preparing to bring a little one into the world requires a huge commitment and you will need to plan your finances appropriately, but that does not mean you should pass up the opportunity for a holiday before the baby arrives.
When you have a child, planning and packing a bag is something you’ll soon have to get used to – even for simple journeys out of the house – but what will you need for your babymoon?
Snacks
You can never be sure when the cravings will hit – or if where you’re going will have your favourite treats – so it’s best to stock up before you set off. Regular snacking can also keep hunger and feelings of sickness at bay, and having them easy to hand makes for a far more pleasant travelling experience.
Sickness tablets
Feelings of nausea and sickness usually clear up by weeks 16-20, but that’s not the case for all mothers and it’s always handy to have some tablets with you as travelling can sometimes leave you feeling a little queasy.
Diary
This is a memorable time in your life, so why not record it for posterity? By keeping a journal of your adventures, what you did and how you were feeling, you’ll have something special to look back on – perhaps with your child who, pretty soon, is going to be with you every step of the way.
Layers
The most important thing is to feel comfortable, and layers are a great way to do that. Your body temperature can fluctuate a lot during pregnancy, so being able to add or take off clothes can help you to manage that, no matter where you’re heading.
Compression socks
Whether it be by car, train, boat or plane, travelling for long periods of time can increase your risk of DVT. To avoid this, pack a pair of compression socks to help the circulation in your legs. If you can, get up and move about regularly, while drinking plenty of water also helps.
Camera
Most smartphones these days have a high-quality camera and while you don’t want to spend your trip glued to your phone, be sure to take a few snaps. You could even get them printed out once you get home and add them to your diary as a visual reminder of your wonderful time away together.
