In “Pack With Me,” influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, PS contributing Shopping editor Marisa Petrarca shares what essentials are necessary for a tropical babymoon.
A honeymoon is to romance as a babymoon is to relaxation – assuming you pack accordingly. As a shopping editor and mom-to-be, that slightly ominous mantra shaped my packing process ahead of my recent stay at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos.
I was determined to make the most of the luxury resort’s all-inclusive amenities, (a quick scroll through its offerings speaks for itself), so packing strategically was key. At 28 weeks pregnant, I had to balance less-than-glamorous essentials (hello, anti-nausea relief) with a few fun additions (looking at you,
Ahead, I’m breaking down my top babymoon packing tips to help you prep for your pre-baby getaway, plus a curated shopping list of items I genuinely loved.
Best Packing Tips For a Babymooon
Prioritize Health Essentials
Packing for a tropical babymoon isn’t just about curating the perfect lineup of beach bags and chic sunglasses; it also requires a little extra planning to keep both you and your bump feeling your best. Before my trip, I checked in with OB/GYN and Bird&Be medical advisor Prati Sharma, MD, to make sure I had all the essentials covered.
Of course, she recommended the nonnegotiables (prenatal vitamins, check!), but she also suggested putting together a mini emergency kit with a nausea-relieving B6 supplement, mineral sunscreen, and Tylenol in case any cold symptoms or a fever popped up mid-trip. And let’s just say, I’m so glad I listened because, to my surprise, I ended up needing all of them. The B6 especially came in clutch because, as it turns out, going all in on insanely delicious shrimp tacos, eating your weight in fresh papaya, and powering through iced lattes can really catch up with you.
For international travel, Dr. Sharma also recommended bringing a medical-grade face mask and even considering a Tamiflu prescription, particularly during flu season or if you’re feeling under the weather. “I think it never hurts to talk to your doctor about getting a Tamiflu prescription to quell the symptoms should you, in the worst-case scenario, get sick while overseas and not have quick access to your usual medical professional(s),” she said.
She also advised making a medicine packing list ahead of time. “It might seem obvious, but I always advise pregnant patients traveling, especially at the end of their pregnancy, to make a packing list of medications they routinely take to ensure they pack them all (and enough) for the duration of their trip,” she added. “During pregnancy, we tend to have more OTC and prescribed medications and/or supplements than we do normally, so I have found creating a packing list just for these items can make a world of difference.”
Remember: Comfort Is Key
When it comes to packing clothing for your babymoon, comfort should be a top priority, especially for travel days. Compression socks are a must (more on that shortly), but layering is equally important. “Our body’s temperature regulation can be thrown off during pregnancy,” said Dr. Sharma, so having options is a good idea. Also, don’t forget your favorite maternity pajamas, a confidence-boosting swimsuit (or a few), and plenty of bump-accommodating pieces you actually love wearing.
One of my biggest packing hacks – babymoon or not – is subscribing to a clothing rental service before a trip. Since I only invested in maternity clothes for winter, buying warm-weather maternity outfits for a one-time vacation just didn’t sit right with me. That’s where Nuuly came in. I got to choose from tons of designer pieces, wear them once, and send them back, without draining my bank account on outfits I might not fit into again.
Where to Stay on Your Babymoon
Ultimately, choosing a babymoon destination comes down to personal preference. For my husband and me, that meant escaping a Minnesota winter and heading somewhere with multiple bodies of water, the ultimate antidote to endless snow.
Before our trip, I explored babymoon packages offered by various resorts, many of which are available both internationally and stateside. Some come with thoughtful perks like a maternity pillow for extra comfort, a professional photoshoot, and romantic experiences like a beachfront dinner for two.
While we ended up crafting our own itinerary at the Grand Velas Boutique instead of opting for a package, our resort checked every box for a relaxation-obsessed, constantly-hungry pregnant woman like me. The adults-only, all-inclusive amenities were next-level, including Michelin-star food, a heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a pool bar with virgin Piña Coladas on repeat, and a spa offering a massage specifically for expecting mothers, which was the perfect reset between bites and naps.
Up next, I’m breaking down exactly what to pack for a stress-free babymoon.
Experts Featured in This Article
Prati Sharma, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and medical advisor with Bird&Be.
