Bringing a new life into the world is beautiful, exciting, and—let’s be honest—pretty overwhelming. There’s so much to think about when you’re preparing for a new baby, and while most checklists focus on baby bottles and swaddles, there’s another side that’s just as important: mental preparation.
Because once that tiny bundle arrives, everything changes. Your time, your energy, your relationship, your priorities. And while no amount of prep can fully prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood, here are the things that helped me feel a little more grounded.
How to Prepare for Baby’s Arrival
1. Mentally Getting Ready (and Protecting Your Relationship)
One of the most important things I did before baby arrived wasn’t buying a single thing—it was sitting down with my spouse and having some honest conversations. Because truthfully, having a baby shifts everything: your time, your routines, your relationship.
Late-night movies turn into late-night feedings. “Just the two of us” becomes “the three of us,” and date nights? They take a little more planning.
If you’re preparing for a new baby, try to talk through how this change will affect your relationship. Discuss how you’ll support each other, how you’ll handle exhaustion, and most importantly, how you’ll find time—even a little—to stay connected.
Ask family in advance if they’d be willing to come over once a week, or even once a month, to give you a break so you can sneak in a quick date night or just breathe.
Parenthood is a long game, and the best way to stay strong is to grow together through the changes.
2. Take Classes and Read the Books
There’s no pop quiz at the hospital—but honestly, I felt way more prepared after taking a few birthing and newborn care classes. Even just knowing what to expect during labor and what’s normal with a newborn helped calm my racing mind.
When you’re preparing for a new baby, there’s no shame in learning all you can. Read the books, watch the videos, and take the breastfeeding or infant CPR class. It might not make you an expert, but it will ease some of the stress. And trust me, when you’re running on two hours of sleep, you’ll be glad you tucked away a few of those tips.
3. Make a Plan with Your Partner (Yes, Before Baby Arrives)
One of the smartest things we did was sit down and create a “baby care game plan.” We talked through:
Who would handle diaper changes during the night?
What support would I need with breastfeeding?
Who would cook meals, handle laundry, or coordinate visitors?
As much as we think it’ll all just “happen,” the truth is—it doesn’t always come naturally. Especially for new dads, who may not feel as instinctively connected to newborn’s needs right away. And that’s okay. This is new for them, too.
Talk about it. Prepare together. And don’t be afraid to gently guide your partner in ways that help them feel confident and included.
4. Financial Prep: Nannies, Daycare, or Career Changes
Babies come with more than cute socks and cuddles—they come with decisions. If both parents plan to return to work, think through what childcare will look like. Can you find a daycare you trust? Will you need to hire a nanny? Or is one parent considering stepping away from work for a while?
These conversations aren’t always easy, but having them before the baby arrives can reduce a lot of stress down the road. Budgeting ahead of time and knowing your options can help you feel more at peace once you’re in the thick of baby life.
5. Gearing Up: Baby Products, Nursery, and Essentials
Of course, preparing for a new baby means you’ll also be preparing a space for them. The crib, the car seat, the baby monitor, the onesies you fold and refold because they’re just so tiny.
This part is fun—but it’s also a lot. My advice? Focus on the basics first: safe sleep space, feeding supplies, diapers, and a good carrier or stroller. You don’t need everything you see on Instagram. But creating a calm, organized space does help you feel more emotionally ready.
Once the baby’s here, you’ll continue to buy a lot more stuff. I found the best time for online shopping is breastfeeding time!
6. Take Time for Just the Two of You
Final Encouragement: You Can Never Over-Prepare, But Be Flexible
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You can never be too prepared… but you also have to stay flexible.
The real challenge begins when the baby arrives. That’s when plans get tested. That’s when emotions run high. But that’s also when you meet your baby—and everything changes in the most profound way.
You may surprise yourself. You may tear up over something silly. You may suddenly feel differently about things you thought you had decided on. That’s normal. Give yourself room to adjust.
Keep the communication open with your partner. Revisit your plans. Be kind to yourself. And remember: love, grace, and a little flexibility will take you a long way.