6 Essential Things to Do as a Couple Before Baby Arrives
Victoria Moreau • April 10, 2024

6 Essential Things to Do as a Couple Before Baby Arrives

As you and your partner prepare to welcome your little one into the world, life is about to change in ways you can’t quite imagine. Before those sleepless nights and endless diaper changes begin, there’s a sacred window of time to cherish together. It’s an opportunity to connect, strengthen your bond, and create lasting memories as a couple before your focus shifts to parenthood.

Here are six meaningful activities to consider before your baby arrives, designed to nurture both your relationship and your hearts as you step into this new chapter.

1. Savor a Meal Together

Before your baby arrives, take the time to enjoy one last special meal together. Whether it’s a date night at your favorite restaurant or a homemade candlelit dinner, make it an event. Put away your phones, dress up, and truly savor the moment. Let the ambiance, the conversation, and the company be your focus as you dream together about the little one soon to arrive.



During this time, you might also start thinking ahead—how will you carve out time for date nights once your baby is here? Perhaps it’s coming up with a strategy for post-baby date nights or brainstorming the qualities you’d like in a babysitter. This conversation doesn’t have to be serious, but having it can set a strong foundation for staying connected after your baby’s arrival. Remember, while meals may eventually shift to juggling a baby in one arm and food in the other, this season, like all things, will pass.


2. Indulge in a Luxurious Sleep-In

It sounds obvious, but make a big deal out of getting one last luxurious night’s sleep before your baby arrives. Set the scene: wash the sheets, spritz them with your favorite linen spray, put chocolates on your pillows, and ensure the house is quiet and free of interruptions—no pets, no alarms.


You could even enjoy a relaxing prenatal bedtime yoga session, give each other a massage, or cuddle up with a favorite book. Whatever feels most restorative for you as a couple, embrace it. When your baby arrives, sleep will become a scarce resource, and the first few months will be a whirlwind of night feedings and sleep deprivation. Though you can’t “bank” sleep, entering parenthood well-rested can help you navigate those early weeks with a bit more energy and patience.


3. Create a Personal Sanctuary

As you prepare your home for your baby’s arrival, don’t forget to create a small sanctuary for yourself. Parenting can be all-consuming, but nurturing your sense of self is essential, even when time is scarce.


Designate a space in your home where you can indulge in activities that fill your cup. Whether it’s a reading nook, a cozy spot for yoga, or a crafting corner, having everything set up and ready means you can steal away for a few minutes of peace when your baby is napping. These short moments of self-care will help you feel more grounded and centered as you navigate the demands of parenthood.


Remember, it’s not about how much time you have but how you choose to use it. Having a dedicated space for your passions will make it easier to reconnect with yourself, even in the midst of the busiest days.


4. Embark on One Last Adventure

Before your days are filled with diapers and feedings, take the time to embark on one last adventure as a couple. Whether it’s tubing down a local river, hiking a scenic trail, or spending the weekend in a nearby town, let this be your chance to enjoy carefree spontaneity.

Adventures will soon shift to child-centered activities—playgrounds, zoo trips, and family vacations—but those too will bring their own magic. You’ll rediscover the joy of seeing the world through your child’s eyes, experiencing wonder in places you’ve been a hundred times. But for now, relish the freedom of planning an adventure that’s just for the two of you.


5. Develop a 'Tap Out' Plan

Parenthood is a beautiful journey, but it also brings moments of exhaustion and overwhelm. That’s why it’s important to create a “Tap Out” plan with your partner before the baby arrives.

Discuss how you’ll support each other when you need a break. Whether it’s a hot shower, a solo walk, or simply 10 minutes to sit in peace, knowing how to give each other respite is key to maintaining a sense of balance. Identify your personal cues for stress, like feeling overwhelmed or snapping at small things, and share these with your partner so they can step in and offer support when you need it most.


6. Tackle Home Repairs and Upgrades

As the due date approaches, it’s tempting to focus on baby-proofing and nursery prep, but don’t forget about those lingering home repairs that always seem to get pushed to the bottom of the list. Now’s the time to tackle any small fixes—like repairing a leaky faucet or securing loose cabinet handles—that could turn into bigger issues later on.


Consider upgrading your home with a few smart devices, like a Google Nest or smart lights, that allow you to control your home hands-free. When your hands are full with a baby, being able to lock the doors or adjust the thermostat from your phone will feel like a lifesaver. If you’re unsure what needs fixing, try doing your daily routine with one hand tied behind your back—that’s a preview of what life with a newborn will feel like!


As you check off these six essentials from your pre-baby list, take a moment to savor this season of anticipation. It’s a time to connect, reflect, and prepare—not just for the sleepless nights ahead, but for the immense joy that comes with welcoming a new life into the world. Each item on this list is about more than preparation; it’s about cherishing the journey with your partner before everything changes in the most wonderful way.


Parenthood is full of firsts, of new experiences that will shape your family in ways you can’t yet predict. So take this time to embrace each other, the love you share, and the adventure that lies ahead. The days before your baby arrives are fleeting, but they hold the promise of everything to come—new roles, new challenges, and a deeper, more profound connection as a family.

Welcome to parenthood—your greatest adventure yet.

“come up with a strategy for post-baby date nights.”

A couple laying on a bed with their feet sticking out from under the covers.

2. Sleep In:

It sounds obvious, but make a big deal out of getting one last luxurious night’s sleep before baby arrives. Set the scene: wash the sheets, spritz them with your favorite linen spray, put chocolates on your pillows, and make sure the house is quiet and free of interruptions—no pets, no alarms.


You could even enjoy a relaxing prenatal bedtime yoga session, give each other a massage, or cuddle up with a favorite book. Whatever feels most restorative for you as a couple, embrace it. When your baby arrives, sleep will become a scarce resource, and the first few months will be a whirlwind of night feedings and sleep deprivation. Though you can’t “bank” sleep, entering parenthood well-rested can help you weather those early weeks with a bit more energy and patience.


 3. Create a 'Me' Space:

As you prepare your home for your baby’s arrival, don’t forget to create a small sanctuary for yourself. Parenting can be all-consuming, but nurturing your sense of self is essential, even when time is scarce.



Designate a space in your home where you can indulge in activities that fill your cup. Whether it’s a reading nook, a cozy spot for yoga, or a crafting corner, having everything set up and ready means you can steal away for a few minutes of peace when baby is napping. These short moments of self-care will help you feel more grounded and centered as you navigate the demands of parenthood.


Remember, it’s not about how much time you have but how you choose to use it. Having a dedicated space for your passions will make it easier to reconnect with yourself, even in the midst of the busiest days.


4. Go on an Adventure:

Before your days are filled with diapers and feedings, take the time to embark on one last adventure as a couple. Whether it’s tubing down a local river, hiking a scenic trail, or spending the weekend in a nearby town, let this be your chance to enjoy carefree spontaneity.


Adventures will soon shift to child-centered activities—playgrounds, zoo trips, and family vacations—but those too will bring their own magic. You’ll rediscover the joy of seeing the world through your child’s eyes, experiencing wonder in places you’ve been a hundred times. But for now, relish the freedom of planning an adventure that’s just for the two of you.

 

5. Create a Tap Out Plan:

Parenthood is a beautiful journey, but it also brings moments of exhaustion and overwhelm. That’s why it’s important to create a “Tap Out” plan with your partner before the baby arrives.


Discuss how you’ll support each other when you need a break. Whether it’s a hot shower, a solo walk, or simply 10 minutes to sit in peace, knowing how to give each other respite is key to maintaining a sense of balance. Identify your personal cues for stress, like feeling overwhelmed or snapping at small things, and share these with your partner so they can step in and offer support when you need it most.


6. Finish Home Repairs:

As the due date approaches, it’s tempting to focus on baby-proofing and nursery prep, but don’t forget about those lingering home repairs that always seem to get pushed to the bottom of the list. Now’s the time to tackle any small fixes—like repairing a leaky faucet or securing loose cabinet handles—that could turn into bigger issues later on.


Consider upgrading your home with a few smart devices, like a Google Nest or smart lights, that allow you to control your home hands-free. When your hands are full with a baby, being able to lock the doors or adjust the thermostat from your phone will feel like a lifesaver. If you’re unsure what needs fixing, try doing your daily routine with one hand tied behind your back—that’s a preview of what life with a newborn will feel like!


As you check off these six essentials from your pre-baby list, take a moment to savor this season of anticipation. It’s a time to connect, reflect, and prepare—not just for the sleepless nights ahead, but for the immense joy that comes with welcoming a new life into the world. Each item on this list is about more than preparation; it’s about cherishing the journey with your partner before everything changes in the most wonderful way.


Parenthood is full of firsts, of new experiences that will shape your family in ways you can’t yet predict. So take this time to embrace each other, the love you share, and the adventure that lies ahead. The days before your baby arrives are fleeting, but they hold the promise of everything to come—new roles, new challenges, and a deeper, more profound connection as a family.


Welcome to parenthood—your greatest adventure yet.

As you and your partner prepare to welcome your little one into the world, life is about to change in ways you can’t quite imagine. Before those sleepless nights and endless diaper changes kick in, there’s a sacred window of time to savor together. It’s a time to connect, strengthen your bond, and create lasting memories as a couple before your focus shifts to parenthood.



Here are six meaningful things to do as a couple before your baby arrives, designed to nurture both your relationship and your hearts as you step into this new chapter.


  1. Savor a Meal Together:

Before baby arrives, take the time to book one last special meal together. Whether it’s a date night at your favorite restaurant or a homemade candlelit dinner, make it an event. Put away your phones, dress up, and truly savor the moment. Let the ambiance, the conversation, and the company be your focus as you dream together about the little one soon to arrive.


During this time, you might also start thinking ahead—how will you carve out time for date nights once your baby is here? Maybe it’s coming up with a plan for post-baby date nights or brainstorming the qualities you’d like in a babysitter. This conversation doesn’t have to be serious, but having it can set a strong foundation for staying connected after baby’s arrival. And remember, while meals may eventually shift to juggling a baby in one arm and food in the other, this season, like all things, will pass.



✨Gentle Next Steps

The Rooted Beginnings Workshop was made for moments like these—when your body and heart are in transition, and you need a place to land. And if you’re craving softness in your self-talk, the Heart-Led Handbook will walk beside you, one gentle prompt at a time.

More From the blog

Cozy journaling setup with coffee and flowers – setting intentions for motherhood and mindful living
By Victoria Moreau January 1, 2025
Let’s talk about your intentions for the New Year. Not the ones you wrote in a planner or bought a course for. I mean the deep ones. The ones your body aches for when you’re standing in a messy kitchen, unsure if it’s Tuesday or Thursday. The ones that whisper: I just want to feel like myself again. I want more presence, more peace. I don’t want to keep spiraling through survival mode. If you’ve set intentions that felt beautiful and aligned, but they’ve fizzled out just weeks (or even days) later—this isn’t your fault. Most moms are missing one key ingredient. And without it? Even the most heartfelt intention doesn’t stand a chance.  Intention without rhythm is like a seed with no soil. It might be meaningful, but it has nowhere to take root. We often try to set intentions from a place of willpower. We say, “This year I’ll meditate. I’ll stretch. I’ll slow down. I’ll be more patient.” But then… The baby stops sleeping. The laundry piles up. You forget to eat lunch again. Life pulls you off course. Rhythm is what brings you back. It’s the gentle container that holds your intention when life gets loud. It’s not about strict routines—it’s about having anchors throughout your day that support the woman you’re becoming. What If We Let Growth Be Gentle? Let 2025 be the year we stop hustling for transformation. Let it be the year we notice instead. Notice what we’re drawn to. Notice where we feel most like ourselves. Notice when our bodies whisper “enough.” Here are three ways I’m practicing that kind of noticing—maybe they’ll help you, too:
 A woman in soft light with flowers nearby, symbolizing rebirth and feminine awakening
By Victoria Moreau December 5, 2024
There’s a quiet strength awakening within you—the divine feminine. Here’s how to honor her return and reconnect with your softest, strongest self.
Cozy bedroom corner with an alarm clock, soft pillow, a peaceful reminder to slow down.
By Victoria Moreau December 1, 2024
Overwhelmed by the whirlwind of motherhood? You’re not alone. Here’s how to shift from burnout into grace—one gentle breath at a time.