Wondering what things to do before baby arrives? We’ve got you covered. Our pre-baby bucket list is packed with activities and experiences to soak up before your little one takes center stage. From epic adventures to low-key indulgences, here’s your guide to making the most of this remaining time.

Things to Do Before Having a Baby: The Ultimate Baby Bucket List

Table of Contents

1. Binge-watch your favorite movies and TV shows
2. Enjoy a fancy date night with your partner
3. Relax at a spa day
4. Take a pre baby bucket list road trip
5. Fly somewhere new
6. Learn a new skill
7. Spend time with your friends and family
8. Try out some new restaurants
9. Remodel or repaint before baby arrives
10.  Go to a concert
11. Establish an exercise routine
12. Visit local tourist attractions
13. Level up your cooking skills
14. Welcome a pet into the family
15. Get a wellness check
16. Shop for baby items

1. Binge-watch your favorite movies and TV shows

If you’re pregnant, your TV time will soon be filled with cartoons and catchy (read: repetitive and high-pitched) kids’ tunes. Enjoy binge-watching your favorite movies and TV shows now while the remote is still in your control! Think of this baby bucket list item as a preemptive strike against endless replays of "Baby Shark." Grab your snacks, find a comfy spot, and dive into those top-rated series you’ve been meaning to watch.

2. Enjoy a fancy date night with your partner

Spending quality time with your partner should be a top priority on your baby bucket list, as date nights with a baby require a bit more planning. Why not add some amazing date night ideas to your to do list before baby comes? Splurge on an indulgent dinner or enjoy an evening out at the movies with your partner before it’s no longer just the two of you. Dress up in something that makes you feel good, enjoy a leisurely meal, and savor each other's company without worrying about babysitters or bedtime routines. 

3. Relax at a spa day

Self-care is one of the most important things to do before your baby is born. It’s no question that your baby will take much of your attention and energy, making it challenging to find time for yourself. If you’re expecting, a spa day with a prenatal massage can be the perfect way to get you off your feet and enjoy some ‘you’ time before the baby arrives. If you can’t get to a spa, pamper yourself at home with a facial, a pedicure, or a long soak in a luxurious bath. You deserve to relax and rejuvenate before your baby arrives. 

4. Take a pre baby bucket list road trip

If you feel up to traveling during your pregnancy, take that dream road trip! Hitting the open road and venturing somewhere new is one of the most fun things to do before baby arrives. It’s much easier to travel long distances without worrying about frequent stops and packing baby gear. Plan a scenic driving route, load up your favorite playlists, and reflect on the amazing adventure you’re about to embark on as a new parent. Enjoy the freedom of spontaneous stops and new experiences along the way.

5. Fly somewhere new

Wondering what to do before having a baby? Traveling to new destinations is a popular pre-baby activity. Whether it’s a tropical getaway with plenty of sunshine or a cultural city break, now’s the time to make those vacation dreams a reality. 

For seamless travels once your baby arrives, bring along your Tushbaby Hip Carrier to keep your baby close and your back supported. With four carrying positions and five storage pockets, it’s perfect for carrying your baby longer and more comfortably while stashing the stuff you’d usually lug in a diaper bag. When you want to go hands-free, simply attach The Snug to your Tushbaby to carry your little one face-in or face-out up to 45lbs. Tushbaby products are a must-have for taking the stress out of vacationing with a baby, so be sure to add them to your packing list. 

6. Learn a new skill

Be sure to add an enrichment item when creating your before baby bucket list. Why not aim to pick up a new hobby or skill, whether it’s playing an instrument, learning to paint, or cooking a specific type of cuisine? Upskilling is a great way to take time for yourself before sharing your attention with your new addition. Plus, you’ll have something new and fun to share with your little one as they grow.

7. Spend time with your friends and family

You might like to spend quality time with friends and family before your life gets busier with a baby. Host a dinner party, go for a picnic, or plan a weekend getaway with your loved ones. These moments of connection and fun in your pre-baby bucket list will be cherished memories and strengthen your support network as you transition into parenthood.

8. Try out some new restaurants before baby arrives

A restaurant tour is a great way to enjoy many of the best eating spots around town before your baby arrives. Getting friends together for a day of great food and fun is a great way to create lasting memories before the baby arrives. This is your chance to try gourmet dishes, sample the mocktail menu, and create lasting memories with your partner, family, or friends. 

9. Remodel or repaint before baby arrives

Finish those home decorating projects, like painting the nursery, early on. You’ll appreciate having it done before the baby arrives. Whether it’s a complete remodel or just a fresh coat of paint, making your space cozy and baby-ready can be incredibly satisfying. Don’t forget your other interior projects, too. Freshen up your bedroom or bathroom and enjoy the space before and after your baby arrives. 

10. Go to a concert

If you are a music connoisseur, concerts may be something you’re worried about missing out on when you have children. You may want to enjoy some of your favorite concerts without a baby as part of your pre-baby bucket list. Remember, parents can still enjoy many things they did before parenthood—it just looks a little different. Having the help of a Tushbaby hipseat carrier can give you the added support you need to continue doing everything you enjoy with your baby in tow. Read our guide on taking your baby to a concert for more information on enjoying live music when you have a little one.

11. Establish an exercise routine

While your routine will surely change when a baby comes along, sustaining habits you’ve already put in place will be much easier if you’ve been consistent before their arrival. Building a consistent exercise routine is one of the best things to do before the baby comes, as it will help you maintain healthy habits going into motherhood. Whether it’s prenatal yoga or taking a gentle walk every day, having a routine in place will make it easier to stay active postpartum.

12. Visit local tourist attractions

Being a tourist in your own town is a rather easy item to tick off on a pre-baby bucket list. There are likely plenty of local attractions to check out and enjoy with friends, family, or significant others. Visit museums, parks, and landmarks you’ve never seen before—you might be surprised by what your hometown has to offer while you’re planning things to do before baby arrives.

13. Level up your cooking skills

If you’ve never been much of a chef in the kitchen, learning to cook can be a great way to gain new skills and prepare for motherhood. Building a solid repertoire of recipes can be a fun and useful thing to do before baby arrives. Experiment with new ingredients, master a few go-to meals, and enjoy the process of creating delicious dishes. Your future self will thank you when you’re whipping up healthy meals for your family.

14. Welcome a pet into the family

When thinking about what to do before having a baby, consider bringing a pet into your family. Animals bring so much joy and companionship, and having one can be a great way to prepare for the responsibilities of parenthood. A dog or cat can be the perfect addition to your family before deciding to have children. If you’re expecting, be sure your pet addition will be good with children before making the commitment.

15. Get a wellness check

Make staying healthy a top priority when creating your pre baby bucket list! If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, getting a wellness check can ensure you’re in good health to have a baby. If you’re expecting, a wellness check and establishing prenatal care is a must for your pre-baby bucket list. Regular check-ups can help you stay on top of your health and catch potential issues early. 

16. Shop for baby items

Shopping for baby items and creating a baby registry can be one of the most exciting pre-baby bucket list items for expecting mothers. While this can start as early as you’d like, be sure not to hold off until late pregnancy to avoid any unnecessary stress of shopping for last minute things to do before the baby arrives. Research the products that will make your life easier as a parent, including the Tushbaby Hip Carrier and Paci Pod. Our best-selling hip carrier can be used as early as infancy to feed and carry your baby, and evolves with your child’s changing needs to support them all the way through toddlerhood. Check out online reviews and get excited about all the adorable baby gear! Why not learn more about the must-have baby registry items and a complete second-trimester checklist?

Ready to tackle that to-do list before your baby arrives? Whether you're gifting to someone else or yourself, Tushbaby’s line of practical and stylish baby products helps streamline the way you carry—and care for—your little one. From our best-selling Hip Carrier to our fold-up Changing Pad that fits in your back pocket, Tushbaby is made for parents, by parents. Discover must-have items that make life with a baby more convenient, comfortable, and stylish. Shop Tushbaby today!