Babymoon Packing List for Every Trimester

Start your babymoon packing list with the paperwork. Pack a copy of your health record, your insurance details and a note from your doctor with your due date, then add what keeps you comfortable in transit: compression socks if your doctor suggests them, a refillable water bottle, snacks and loose layers. What else you need depends on your trimester, so the list below starts with the essentials for every trip and then covers each stage.

Key takeaways

Carry a copy of your health record, your insurance details and a doctor's note with your due date on every babymoon.
Most US airlines let you fly until about 36 weeks, but international flights and cruises often stop earlier.
The second trimester, from 14 to 28 weeks, is the easiest time to travel.
Check that your travel insurance covers pregnancy and newborn care before you book.

Documents and Health Essentials

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These go in your carry-on, never in checked luggage.

A copy of your health record. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests taking it with you, along with your health insurance information, if you're travelling far from home.
A note from your doctor with your due date. Some airlines and cruise lines ask for one before they let you board.
Copies of your prescriptions, in case your medication is lost.
Prenatal vitamins and any medication your doctor has approved for nausea, heartburn or headaches.
Travel insurance details. Make sure the policy covers pregnancy and newborn complications overseas. The CDC also suggests considering medical evacuation cover.
Hand sanitiser with at least 60 percent alcohol, for times you're not near a sink.
The address of the nearest hospital to where you're staying, saved on your phone.

Comfort Essentials for the Journey

Sitting for a long time raises the risk of blood clots, and the CDC notes that pregnant women are more likely to get them. Pack for movement and comfort:

Compression socks, if your doctor recommends them. ACOG warns they aren't right for everyone and can do harm if they're too tight.
A refillable water bottle. ACOG suggests water over fizzy drinks on a flight, since gas expands at altitude.
Snacks that travel well, such as crackers, nuts and dried fruit.
A travel pillow for your lower back, and slip-on shoes in case your feet swell.
Loose layers. Planes and hotel rooms are often cold.

Book an aisle seat so you can get up and walk every hour or so. On the plane and in the car, wear the seat belt low on your hip bones, below your belly.

What to Pack in the First Trimester

Nausea and tiredness are the main things to plan for in the early weeks. Pack the snacks that settle your stomach, ginger sweets or tea if they help, and any anti-nausea medication your doctor has cleared. Bring an eye mask and earplugs so you can nap anywhere.

ACOG notes that most common pregnancy emergencies happen in the first and third trimesters, so keep your doctor's number and the local hospital's address easy to find.

What to Pack in the Second Trimester

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ACOG calls 14 to 28 weeks the best time to travel. Your energy is usually back, the morning sickness has eased and you can still get around easily, which is why most babymoons happen now.

Pack a maternity swimsuit, a wide-brim hat and sunscreen. Add a stretchy dress for dinner and comfortable walking shoes. If you're planning a maternity shoot on the trip, pack one outfit that shows your bump.

What to Pack in the Third Trimester

ACOG says travel after 28 weeks may be riskier, because it's harder to move around and the chance of labour starting is higher. Most US airlines let you fly until about 36 weeks, but international cutoffs can be earlier, and the CDC says some cruise lines won't take you after 24 to 28 weeks. Check your airline's policy before you book.

On top of the essentials above, pack a fit-to-fly letter dated close to your departure, a supportive pregnancy belt, and loose clothes that still fit if you swell. Choose somewhere with a short flight and a good hospital nearby. Our guide to babymoon timing explains how to count back from your flight home.

Where to Go on Your Babymoon

Where you stay changes what you need to bring. A resort with good food, shade and a spa means you can leave half the list at home. Our pick of pregnancy-friendly resorts covers places in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Australia.

Avoid destinations with a risk of Zika or malaria. The CDC lists notices for each country on its Travelers' Health site.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for a babymoon?

Start with a copy of your health record, insurance details, a doctor's note with your due date and copies of your prescriptions. Then pack prenatal vitamins, a refillable water bottle, snacks, loose layers, slip-on shoes, a maternity swimsuit and sunscreen. Add compression socks if your doctor recommends them.

Do I need a doctor's note to fly while pregnant?

Some airlines and cruise lines ask for a note from your doctor that states your due date, especially later in pregnancy. Rules differ by carrier, and international flights often have earlier cutoffs than US domestic ones. Check your airline's policy before you book and again before you fly.

When is the best time to go on a babymoon?

ACOG names 14 to 28 weeks, the second trimester, as the best time to travel. Energy usually returns, morning sickness tends to ease and moving around is still easy. After 28 weeks, travel may be riskier, and some airlines and cruise lines restrict pregnant passengers.

Should I wear compression socks on a flight while pregnant?

Only if your doctor recommends them. Long flights raise the risk of blood clots, and compression socks can help, but ACOG notes they aren't suitable for everyone and can increase the risk if they're too tight. Walk the aisle every hour or so either way.