This post shows you the most important prep for having a baby. It has nothing about shopping, cleaning, or baby stuff. It’s about preparing yourself mentally. Keep reading – What to Do Before You Start Trying for a Baby.
People often assume life follows a simple, predictable path—fall in love, get married, or have a baby. But nothing about having a baby is linear, and nothing prepares you for how much your life is about to change.
That’s why what you do before you start trying for a baby matters more than people realize.
It’s not just about saving money or taking prenatal vitamins. It’s about laying the foundation for the life you want to build so when the time comes, you feel ready—not just for the baby, but for the person you’ll become.
Get Your Career in Order Before a Baby Changes Everything
One of the biggest regrets I’ve heard from new parents is not making career changes before having a baby. It’s easy to assume you’ll figure it out as you go, but when you’re sleep-deprived, covered in baby spit-up, and struggling to find a single moment to yourself, reworking your career isn’t exactly an option.
If you hate your job, start planning to leave now, years before you’ll have a baby.
This happened to me, and I had planned this a couple of years ago. I made so many strategic moves so I could have a baby in peace, and I spent all my weekends working on another project so I could leave my job. I simply didn’t have any maternity leave, and I really didn’t want to be separated from my baby.
You can say that I “sacrificed” a lot of free time, but I don’t regret it, as I can stay at home now with my baby and my husband and not get stuck in traffic and then the office for 10+ hours a day. It’s possible. It takes years, but it’s possible.
If you’re underpaid, start looking for something better. If you’ve always dreamed of working for yourself, start building that side hustle today.
The stress of an unfulfilling job only magnifies when there’s a baby depending on you, and financial security makes everything easier when you’re navigating parenthood.
The world is unpredictable, and the economy isn’t what it was 20 years ago. In the U.S., especially, the cost of living keeps rising, and many families struggle to get by on a single paycheck.
Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, having another stream of income—whether it’s freelancing, an online business, or a passion project that brings in extra money—can be life-changing once you become a parent.
The truth is, once a baby arrives, your priorities shift overnight. You might suddenly realize that long hours, stressful commutes, or demanding bosses aren’t worth missing precious moments with your child.
The best time to set yourself up for a career that aligns with your values and lifestyle is before you start trying for a baby—not after.
- If you hate your job, now’s the time to change it—don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed with a baby.
- Look for work that pays better or gives you more flexibility so you’re not stuck later.
- A side hustle can be a game changer—having extra income makes parenting less stressful.
- The economy is unpredictable, and relying on one paycheck isn’t always a safe bet.
- Parenthood shifts everything—get ahead now so you’re not scrambling later.
See the World Before Your World Changes Forever & for the Better
Before you start trying for a baby, explore as much as you can.
If you’ve always dreamed of traveling, go now. Even if a big international trip isn’t in the budget, there’s so much to see just beyond your backyard.
Travel within your own country. Visit small towns you’ve never been to. Take weekend trips to places that feel new, even if they’re only a few hours away.
Experiencing the world before parenthood doesn’t just give you beautiful memories—it changes you.
It broadens your perspective, makes you more adaptable, and helps you see life beyond your daily routines.
And when your child is born, those experiences shape how you raise them. You’ll carry a different energy, a different appreciation for life because you’ve seen more of it.
Once a baby arrives, life slows down in ways you can’t imagine. That’s not a bad thing—it’s just different. But before that happens, give yourself the gift of movement, of adventure, of stepping outside the familiar.
You’ll never regret seeing more of the world before your world revolves around a tiny, beautiful human.
- Travel while you can because once a baby comes, spontaneous trips won’t be so easy.
- You don’t have to go far—road trips, weekend getaways, and even exploring your own city.
- Getting out of your usual routine makes you more adaptable, which is huge in parenting.
- Your kid is going to learn from you—if they see you exploring, they’ll grow up curious, too.
Educate Yourself—Because Your Child’s First Teacher Is You
Before you start trying for a baby, invest in your mind. I’m not talking about college degrees or going back to school (but that’s also a solid plan)—this is about feeding your curiosity, expanding your knowledge, and becoming the kind of person who can teach a child about more than just ABCs.
Read books. Not just parenting books but books about psychology, world history, and literature—the kind that stretch your perspective and make you see the world differently.
Listen to podcasts that challenge your way of thinking. Take online courses, whether it’s in marketing, small business management, art, or even teaching English as a second language.
There are so many ways to grow, and the more you invest in yourself now, the more you’ll have to offer your child later.
One of the most underrated truths about parenthood is that you don’t just raise a child—you re-educate yourself in the process.
You start questioning the things you were taught, the gaps in your knowledge, and the way you see the world. Your child will look up to you for answers, and while you won’t have all of them (no one does), you’ll want to be the kind of parent who encourages curiosity and deep thinking.
If there’s a book club you’ve been wanting to join, join it.
If there’s a language you’ve always wanted to learn, start now.
If there’s a skill you’ve put off because life got in the way, give yourself permission to pursue it.
Because once you have a baby, time for yourself becomes something you fight for.
And the truth is, kids learn from who we are, not just what we say. If they see you staying curious, reading, exploring, and continuously learning, they’ll grow up believing that knowledge isn’t just something you get in school—it’s something you seek out for life.
Having a baby doesn’t mean giving up your intellectual life. But before you start trying for a baby, build that foundation now.
Be the person who never stops learning because one day, when the baby comes, you’ll be so glad you never stopped being curious yourself.
- Read books that actually teach you something—psychology, history, literature, whatever interests you.
- Find podcasts or online courses that challenge the way you think and keep your brain active.
- If you’ve always wanted to pick up a skill or join a book club, do it now.
- Kids learn by watching—if they see you reading and growing, they’ll do the same.
- One day, they’re going to ask big questions, and you’ll be glad you took the time to learn.
Get Independent—Because Self-Sufficiency Makes Everything Easier
Before you start trying for a baby, learn how to take care of yourself in every possible way.
Independence isn’t just about making your own money or paying your own bills—it’s about being capable in the everyday moments that no one thinks about until they become a problem.
Start with the basics: learn how to cook. If the only thing you know how to make is eggs, don’t wear that as a badge of honor. Cooking isn’t just a survival skill—it’s one of the most important ways to take care of yourself and your future family.
Learn how to grocery shop efficiently, how to meal prep, how to pair foods so you’re getting enough protein and nutrients, and how to cook meals that actually fuel your body.
Learn why whole grains matter, why ultra-processed food makes you feel terrible, and how to stretch a grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition. If you rely on takeout now, imagine how much worse it will be when you’re exhausted from newborn life and running on minimal sleep.
But it’s not just about food. Learn how to manage a home. Learn how to clean properly, declutter without getting overwhelmed, and create systems so your space feels functional, not chaotic. If something breaks, learn how to fix it.
You and your partner should be able to handle small projects like painting walls, repairing shelves, and making basic home improvements without feeling helpless.
Having the skills to manage a home will make your life easier, but more importantly, it will give you confidence.
And yes, this even includes the “silly” things—like learning how to do your nails, style your hair, or take care of your personal appearance in a way that makes you feel good. No one talks about how much these little things affect your mood postpartum.
It’s not about vanity—it’s about self-care. When your baby comes, you won’t always have time to go to the salon, and you might look in the mirror one day and not recognize yourself. Being able to do small things for yourself quickly and at home can make a massive difference in how you feel.
Independence isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about knowing that whatever happens, you can survive on your own.
A strong relationship is built on two whole, capable people coming together, not one person carrying all the weight. The more self-sufficient you are now, the easier parenthood will be—not just for you but for your entire family.
- Learn how to cook more than just eggs—meal prep, grocery budgeting, and nutrition actually matter.
- Know how to clean, declutter, and handle small home projects so your space isn’t a disaster.
- Basic DIY skills go a long way—painting, fixing shelves, and small repairs shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
- Take care of yourself, too—knowing how to do your own nails or hair makes life easier postpartum.
- Independence isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about knowing you can if you need to.
Get Healthy—Because Your Baby’s Health Starts With Yours
Before you start trying for a baby, your health needs to be a priority—not just for pregnancy but for the life you’re about to build.
Too many people think about health only when something goes wrong, but when you’re bringing a child into the world, your body becomes the foundation of someone else’s life. That responsibility starts now.
Food matters. What you eat affects your hormones, your energy, your gut health, and your ability to conceive. If you’ve been putting off eating better, now is the time to change that.
Work on getting enough protein, eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, and cutting out excessive sugar and processed junk.
If you’re overweight and you know it’s affecting your health, work on it before you start trying for a baby. And this isn’t just for moms—dads’ health plays a huge role in fertility, too. Sperm quality is directly linked to diet and lifestyle, so both partners need to take this seriously.
Exercise isn’t about looking a certain way—it’s about having a body that works the way it should. Strengthen your back so it doesn’t give out when you’re rocking a baby to sleep at 3 AM.
Improve your posture so you don’t end up with chronic pain from carrying a child on your hip all day. Fix knee problems, build core strength, and make fitness a normal part of your life—not a punishment.
Parenthood is physically demanding, and if you’re struggling with basic movement now, it’s only going to get harder.
Hydration is another thing people underestimate. Drink water. A lot of it. Learn the importance of hydration and how it affects energy levels, digestion, and even fertility. If you’re used to surviving on caffeine and barely touching water, this needs to change.
And then there are the things you need to cut out completely. If you’ve ever smoked, now is the time to quit—no exceptions. If you’ve used recreational drugs, stop. This isn’t something you can brush off because it helps you “relax.” It directly affects your ability to conceive and can cause other issues along the way.
The same goes for alcohol. No more social drinking, no more peer pressure at work events or nights out. Alcohol impacts fertility more than most people realize, and if you wouldn’t drink while pregnant, why start trying for a baby with alcohol still in your system?
Getting healthy before pregnancy isn’t just about the nine months of growing a baby. It’s about creating a lifestyle that supports your future family.
If you wait until after you conceive to start caring about your health, you’re already behind. Do the work now—your future self and your future child will thank you.
- Eat real food, focus on gut health, and make sure you’re actually getting enough nutrients.
- Exercise so your body works for you—good posture, strong knees, and a pain-free back make a huge difference.
- Start drinking more water—if you’re running on caffeine and no hydration, that needs to change.
- Quit smoking, drinking, and all recreational drugs—none of it helps when you’re trying for a baby.
- A healthy lifestyle isn’t just for pregnancy—it’s for raising a happy, energetic family.
It takes years to build the life you want before you have a baby, so start planning years in advance!
There’s nothing more fulfilling than living your best life and investing in your partner, baby, and family, as that’s where you’ll find real happiness and real purpose.
But as you can see, I firmly believe that you need to plan, work in advance, and invest in what matters most—your mind, health, well-being, and love life.
Working on this is all part of the Pre-Baby Talk. That’s why, when the baby comes, you’ll be ready and prepared for…
…all the love in the world.
Which of these goals do you think are the most important? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these tips handy!
This post showed you What to Do Before You Start Trying for a Baby.
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