This Viral Pregnancy Pillow Saved My Sleep on My Babymoon — Plus 12 Other Items to Pack
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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, Nuuly!).
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Prenatal Vitamins
Olly The Essential Prenatal Gummy Multivitamin ($12, originally $15)
Don't forget to pack your prenatals! A vacation doesn't mean a break from them, but I actually look forward to taking these Olly ones since they taste like candy, so no complaints here. I counted out exactly how many I needed for the trip and tossed them into a more travel-friendly baggie, but if you prefer a no-fuss option, pre-packaged prenatals like the bird&be The Prenatal Essentials ($45) make it even easier.
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Bug Spray
California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Spray ($12)
Turns out, I didn't need bug spray in Cabo and was honestly surprised that I didn't come across a single mosquito at the resort. (That goes to show how little I know about seasonal insect activity.) Nonetheless, before my trip, I added this travel-size repellent to my Amazon cart because it's a natural alternative to DEET-heavy options and easy to pack. That said, if you're headed somewhere where mosquito-borne illnesses are a concern, you may want to opt for something stronger for extra protection.
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Nipple Butter
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter ($15)
For the sake of my dignity, I'm not going to go into too much detail here about why this organic, buttery balm made it into my vanity, but I will say that I'm damn glad I brought it. It helped quell the dryness and subsequent itchiness I was feeling, and according to tons of reviewers and TikTokers, it's also a postpartum essential. Safe to say, picking it up in my first trimester was a solid call.
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Compression Socks
Charmking Compression Socks ($18, originally $21)
I let Amazon's bestsellers decide which compression socks to buy, and I'm so glad I did. These have thousands of five-star ratings and hold the number one spot among Amazon's options, so I added them to my cart before my trip and wore a pair on the flight to Cabo — then another on the way back. Since long travel hours can make pregnancy swelling worse, compression socks are a must for keeping circulation in check. I love that they come in a bulk pack because I've been wearing them nonstop since and haven't had any swelling whatsoever.
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Travel-Size Belly Oil
Bio-Oil Travel Skincare Bundle ($20)
I've been loyal to my Mutha Body Oil ($104) throughout my pregnancy so far, but wanted something more travel-friendly to fly with for my babymoon. This set came in clutch. Not only did it include a belly oil, but also a dry skin gel that I reached for just as often. (My skin always gets extra dry while traveling, and pregnancy has only made the flakiness worse.)
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Mineral Sunscreen
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 PA+++ ($22)
"Wherever you go, and especially when traveling to a warm climate, I also recommend a pregnancy-safe sunscreen for the face and body," says Dr. Sharma. While the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) doesn't provide specific guidelines on what qualifies as "pregnancy-safe," dermatologists often recommend mineral sunscreens since they repel UV rays rather than absorb them like chemical formulas.
For our babymoon, I used Supergoop! Mineral Sheer Screen on my face and loved how easily it absorbed (a rare win for a mineral formula) and reached for the Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($32) for my body.
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Medical-Grade Face Masks
Lement 50pcs KN95 Face Masks ($23, originally $30)
"For all public transit, but especially for long haul flights, I would recommend using a medical grade face mask to protect yourself/the baby from sickness, like Covid or other respiratory viruses that can easily be transmitted in close quarters," says Dr. Sharma. This 50-pack of face masks will keep you covered for the trip and beyond.
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A Portable Pregnancy Pillow
Momcozy Portable Pregnancy Pillow ($33)
I've been dependent on my BBhugme pregnancy pillow ever since sleep started feeling uncomfortable, but traveling with it isn't exactly practical. (It would need a carry-on of its own.) Some hotels offer pregnancy pillows as part of their babymoon packages, so it's worth looking into if that's an option. Otherwise, a more travel-friendly alternative like this one might be a smart investment.
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Maternity Swimsuit
Cupshe Maternity Swimsuit ($34, originally $36)
If you're heading somewhere warm and swimmable, a maternity swimsuit is a must for your growing bump. I wanted one with a simple, flattering silhouette that made me feel confident, and I landed on this one from Cupshe. I loved it so much that I grabbed it in two colors: this pale blue hue and classic black.
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Maternity Pajamas
Victoria's Secret Modal Soft Button-Front Sleepshirt ($40)
The truth is, any pajamas can be maternity pajamas as long as they fit comfortably over your bump. I was able to wear my usual PJs through most of my first and second trimesters, but by week 27, I knew it was time to invest in something a little breezier. This Victoria's Secret nightgown has been my go-to, and it was the only piece I packed for our three-night stay.
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An Initial Necklace
BaubleBar 18K Gold Mini Initial Necklace ($88)
An initial necklace is a chic and subtle way to celebrate your little one's future arrival while on vacation. It's like a Taylor Swift–style Easter egg for those you haven't shared the name with yet, especially if you go with a small, elegant option like this one from BaubleBar. Plus, it's versatile enough to pair with just about everything in your wardrobe.
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Maternity Clothes
Nuuly One-Month Subscription ($98/month)
Pregnant or not, I'm all for a rental subscription while on vacation. (It's way more budget-friendly than buying a bunch of new pieces separately.) But it's especially genius during pregnancy since you can return everything after wearing it — no sketchy keeping-the-tags-on situation necessary — and still get all the cute maternity outfit pics. For my trip to Cabo, I picked six pieces from Nuuly (including the black drop-waist dress pictured above), and they were perfect for my stay.
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Comfy Travel Clothes
Bumpsuit Maternity Jumpsuit ($130)
Obviously, staying as comfortable as humanly possible while traveling is the goal, but that's not always easy with a growing bump. Lately, I've been living in this super-soft, ultra-stretchy one-piece from Bumpsuit, which I wore under a sweatshirt on the plane. (Admittedly, I ditched the sweatshirt pretty quickly because the cabin was way too warm.) Of course, there are plenty more affordable options out there, too; just make sure to wear whatever feels best for you, both there and back.
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Marisa Petrarca (she/her) is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has over seven years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. She was previously the senior beauty editor at Grazia USA and the style and beauty editor at Us Weekly. Now freelancing, her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, Marie Claire, and more. When she's not working on a story, you can probably find her testing the latest makeup, skin-care, or hair launches. Marisa lives in Saint Paul, MN, with her husband and their corgi, Cooper.