The weeks in Colombia after the birth are a mix of new parenthood and paperwork in another language. A practical checklist for accommodation, timing, documents, insurance, getting around and help at home.
Between the births of our two children we spent several months living in Bogotá — the second time with a toddler in tow. The paperwork after a birth is well documented. What's less written about is the practical side: where to live, how to get around, what to pack, and how to stay sane while learning to be parents far from home.
This is the checklist we'd hand to a friend. For what Colombia is like day to day, see About Colombia; for the legal steps, see the legal process and the Colombia guide on parentalorder.com.
How long to plan for
Plan for a stay of one to two months after the birth. Where you land in that range depends on DNA results, the baby's travel documents and the six-week point before your surrogate can sign the UK consent forms.
Book what you can flexibly. The extra cost of a flexible flight or an apartment you can extend is far smaller than the stress of having to move out — or rebook flights — with a newborn.
When to arrive
Most families aim to be in Colombia a little before the due date. Babies come early, and you'll want time to settle, meet your surrogate if that's planned, and find your way around before the birth. Agree the plan with your agency, and ask what happens if the birth comes before you land.
Where to stay
A furnished apartment almost always beats a hotel for a stay of weeks. What we'd look for:
- Location — reasonably close to the hospital and to where your appointments will be. Your agency can tell you which neighbourhoods families usually choose.
- Space and quiet — a separate bedroom, a washing machine and a kitchen make a huge difference with a newborn.
- A building with a reception or concierge — handy for deliveries and an extra layer of reassurance.
- Good internet — you may be working remotely and you'll certainly be on video calls with family.
- Flexibility — the ability to extend by a week or two.
Before you fly: documents
Your agency and its lawyer will give you their own list; follow it. As a starting point:
- Passports valid comfortably beyond your planned stay, with copies saved digitally.
- Every document the lawyer asks for, in the form they ask for — originals, certified copies or apostilled versions. Ask early: some take weeks to obtain in the UK.
- A shared folder (digital and paper) for everything that will be produced in Colombia — you'll be adding to it constantly.
The paperwork glossary explains the Spanish names of the documents you'll collect.
Health and insurance
- Check your own travel insurance covers a long stay.
- Check cover for your baby. Many travel policies don't cover a baby born abroad from birth. Find out what the agency package covers for the newborn, and what your insurer will do, before you travel.
- Know the hospital's paediatric arrangements and where you'd go if your baby needed a doctor after you leave hospital.
Getting around
We used ride-hailing apps daily in Bogotá and found them quick, reliable and good value — far cheaper than the UK. Two things to plan for:
- A car seat. Bring or buy one so your baby travels safely from day one.
- A sling or carrier for short trips and appointments — much easier than a pram in some buildings.
Help at home
Affordable, trusted nanny and babysitting support is one of the things that makes Colombia work. Even a few hours a day in the first weeks gives you time to sleep, deal with paperwork, or simply eat a meal sitting down. Ask your agency or other parents for recommendations.
Language
You don't need fluent Spanish, but some helps — especially at appointments. Keep a translation app on your phone, learn the names of the key documents, and lean on your agency's coordinator and lawyer for anything official. Never sign something you don't understand; ask for a translation first.
Staying connected
- A local SIM or an eSIM so you're reachable by your agency, lawyer and hospital.
- Video calls home — grandparents will want to meet the baby long before you're back.
Look after yourselves
This part of the journey is joyful and exhausting at the same time: no sleep, a new baby, admin in another language, and often a long way from family. Take the help on offer, keep evenings free where you can, and don't plan too much sightseeing. The paperwork has a rhythm — once you know what's next, it becomes much more manageable.
If you're planning your birth trip and want to compare notes, book a free call — Taking your baby home is exactly this conversation.
We share our own experience, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and practice change — always check with your agency, a qualified UK surrogacy solicitor and official sources such as GOV.UK.