As more couples look to squeeze in one last baby-free trip before the arrival of their bundle of joy, babymoons are growing in popularity. For the most part, the only thing different from traveling when you’re not pregnant is packing maternity clothes. However, there are a few things that you ordinarily may not think of packing.
What to Pack When You’re Pregnant
Travel Lumbar Pillow
A lumbar pillow is a necessity for many pregnant women. Keeping it in your car is one thing, but lugging one around with you while you travel is another. This travel lumbar pillow from Therm-a-Rest is inflatable and easy to transport when deflated. It gives you just the support your back needs, without the extra bulk. Available in 2 colors.
Amazon User Review: “Indispensable back support travels with me everywhere: in the car, on plane trips, to the movies, and at home when working on the computer or watching tv. If you have a spine or lower back problem or sciatica your physical therapist advises you to sit tall and straight with no slump. This little puppy provides the support to keep that correct spine position. Roll it up tight to deflate and stick it in your carry-on tote. Buy two and keep the second in your car. The ability to inflate to just the right firmness for different needs makes this product so flexible. The only downside to this pillow is it's SO easy to forget and leave it behind! I've lost three in the five years I've used it. Do yourself a favor: get a bright colored one and put your phone number on it. I use this to drive my son from TX to college in MO. I don't know if my back would make it without this pillow.”
Price: $29.72 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Compression Socks
Blood flow is key at anytime, but especially when you’re expecting. Flying does crazy things to our circulation, so a pair of compression socks is important for the expectant traveler. These compression socks from Physix Gear are comfortable, and will help prevent any clots when you travel. Available in 18 colors.
Amazon User Review: “I love these! I am currently 6 months pregnant, and was having issues with achy feet, legs, and back when I spend a lot of time on my feet. These have definitely helped. While my legs do still get tired, I feel such a difference and don’t need to find somewhere to sit as often. I haven’t noticed a difference in the veins in my legs, but they aren’t that bad yet and I haven’t been wearing these that long. They are great quality and fit very well. I’d definitely recommend trying these.”
Price: Starting at $8.50 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Comfortable Shoes
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you must make sure to pack a pair or two of super comfortable shoes. When it comes to comfort, Sketchers is usually a safe way to go. These fashion sneakers are lightweight, with memory foam and a flexible outsole. Available in 13 color combos.
Amazon User Review: “I bought these for my poor feet while pregnant and they were so perfect!! They slide on and are super comfortable.”
Price: Starting at $34.95 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is a must when you’re having a baby. Rather than having to buy water wherever you are, or worrying about finding a place to get a drink, pack this collapsible water bottle from Nomander. It’s BPA free, leakproof, and can hold both cold and hot drinks. Available in 8 colors.
Amazon User Review: “I bought this collapsible water bottle to use on our vacation in Iceland. IT IS FANTASTIC. I plan to use it very often now. It’s convenient, seals very well, and I love that it can be rolled up to save space. I have 2 toddlers and they can both drink from this bottle unassisted. I’m looking forward to using this bottle everywhere we go. I highly recommend it for everyone, and wish they made a smaller version for my toddlers!!”
Price: $24.95 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Travel Body Pillow
Even more cumbersome than a lumbar pillow, but another must-have: a body pillow. I brushed off my husband when he suggested I take along my body pillow on a trip while I was 7 months pregnant. On the first night away, I was cursing myself for not taking it. This body pillow from Featherlight Travel is inflatable, making it easy to transport, but will make the nights more restful while you’re away. Available in 3 colors.
Amazon User Review: “This pillow is great for travel. It is incredibly small and light! The blue fabric is soft and not as tough or as crinkly as other inflatable pillows I've had. Read the product description before you purchase though as the length is shorter than standard body pillows. All in all it was a worth while purchase.”
Price: $19.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 3.5
Protein Bars
We often forget to eat while we are out sightseeing, but when you’re pregnant, it’s key to make sure you eat throughout the day. Pack some protein bars to throw in your purse while you travel. These bars by Kind are low in sodium and high in fiber - just what you, and your baby need for a busy day. Available in 14 flavors and variety packs.
Amazon User Review: “I just received the Caramel almond and sea salt bar in my baby registry box today and had to try it immediately. It was so yummy! Not a lot of sugar and plenty of protein in a snack while pregnant! I will be buying more of these as I can see myself having one a day! So yummy!”
Price: From $11.38 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Translation Device
There are so many do’s and dont’s when you’re pregnant, and if you are traveling to a foreign country, you don’t want any little details being miscommunicated. . Pack a translation device like this one from Birgus, and you’ll be able to easily ask things like “is this cheese pasteurized,” or “can I get that meat well done please?” This translator supports 70 languages, has a touch screen, and will instantly give you your translation.
Amazon User Review: “So, I am in love.... this translator is wonderful. It's a sturdy little gadget with nice quality control and excellent volume as compared to web based translation sites one might try to use on a mobile phone while traveling. I love how it gives you both the written and spoken translation. So many applications for this; travel, healthcare, educational setting. I am so excited for my next trip abroad to try this out! Super excited about this and I cannot believe I traveled so much without it.”
Price: $178.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
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