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5 Don’ts to Planning Your Babymoon

You probably took a honeymoon but what about a babymoon? Our Philly mom-to-be shares her tips to help you make the most of this time with your partner.

I was scrolling through Instagram scenes of white sandy beaches, pool side cabanas, and lobster candlelight dinners served on covetous balconies, when I turned to my husband and said “Oh, Baby… Let’s do this!”  As parents expecting our fourth boy, we knew this would be a trip to savor and refresh. Here’s what we learned:

1. DO NOT:  Forget to Check the CDC’s Zika Virus List PRIOR to booking!

It turned out that Zika was not simply confined to the area that I thought it was, but has affected a large part of the Caribbean and even Southern Florida!  Therefore, my Jamaica babymoon plane, resort and transportation reservations were panic-strikingly changed to a Bahamian destination.

2. DO NOT:  Skip out on all-inclusive.

No, you’re not drinking, but I promise, you will make up for it like I did with multiple orders of lobster, endless room service and trips to the multiple snack bars throughout the resort.  Besides, the “virgin” fruity delights served in frosty glasses with fancy garnishes, are just as good. And honestly, on your baby moon, the only answer to the question “Should we order sundaes in bed?” should be “vanilla or chocolate.”

3. DO NOT: Feel bad about doing Adults-Only!

The splashing.  The whining. The crying infant.  It is MORE than ok to opt to leave it behind! I admit that as a mom, I felt a TON of guilt regarding our desires to try an adults-only resort.  But, the verdict? Yes. Yes. Over and over again, Yes. We chose the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and cannot say enough good things about it.  The private Island, impeccable service, amazing garden/patio (with soaking tub!) suites and all around gorgeous grounds made it over-the-top.  The landscaping was beautiful and expansive beaches complete with perfect cabanas and private pools. We did NOT want to leave. It was everything we could have wanted and more.  

4. DO NOT:  Skimp on transportation.  

Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of layovers in general, but I was sure that during my third pregnancy was not the time to take the “3-stop special” from Budget A Airline.  You never know the conditions/food options (!) in other airports along the way. Plus, all of the switching airplanes, baggage changes and terminal locations and poorly timed layovers are just too much stress for an expectant mom to be.  Along with that, check to see exactly how far your accommodations are from the airport. This might not be a great time to explore an island on a two-hour trek thru off-beaten paths to your destination. If your journey is going to be particularly long, look into car service, often provided by resorts such as Sandals.  Oh, and bring snacks!

5. DO NOT: Feel guilty about ONE thing.

This is for you and your expectant partner-to-be; feel no pressure about “staying up late because we won’t be able to” or “sightseeing because we might never come here again.”  Live in the moment and do what you and your partner want to do! If lounging around your hotel room all day and night appeals to you, do it! If you want to take a stroll on the beach and do that!  The point is; enjoy…and feel absolutely NO guilt about it.

Photos courtesy of Sandals Royal Bahamian and Jess Stuebner.

Marketing Account Manager and Contributing Writer

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