Have you talked about the what if’s yet? Chances are, you haven’t. And with baby on the way, now is the most important time to consider what you’ll do in case the worst ever happens.

So if you’re considering life insurance, or already have a policy, here are the top three reasons you need to make this discussion a priority with your partner. Planning for the future has never been so important.

1. Do we really need life insurance?

Let’s face it, insurance is a big deal. While it might feel like you’re giving money to a cause you might never need, it’s important to remember why you have life insurance in the first place: just in case the worst should happen. Think of the happiness and security you can bring to your family after you pass away (should that happen) with a good solid life insurance policy. Address the issue seriously and with commitment.

2. What type of policy should we look into?

There are many types of life insurance policies, so it’s important to know what you’re getting before you agree to anything. The easiest and least expensive policy you’ll encounter will be for your baby; we spend around $80 a year on a policy for our children.  For the new mommy and daddy it might get a bit more complicated. In my household we chose a combination of term, whole, and mortgage insurance.  If you are strapped for cash or running into trouble holding onto money each month, small term policies are available that will help cover the funeral expenses should either of you pass away unexpectedly – it’s better than nothing!

3. If we get insurance, what else do we need?

Once you’ve discussed and agreed on a life insurance policy, it’ll probably be time to take a look at your health insurance policy to make certain all the hospital expenses you’re about to incur will be covered and that you have notified the insurance carrier of the new baby’s arrival. Take the time to review your auto insurance prior to bringing your new baby home; it’s very important to make sure you have all of the protection you and your growing family will need.

Though it seems scary, you will survive, and you will love every minute of it – trust me. All this preparation is just in case. And while it might not feel good to prep for the worst, later in life you’ll be glad that you did. I have yet to meet a man in his 80’s who regrets the time and money he spent or worked for to care for his family!

What other tough discussions did you and your partner have before baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Do We Need Life Insurance Before Baby?

Financial Prep Checklist Ever Parent-to-Be Needs

Your Guide to Taking Care of Finances Before Getting Pregnant

While some may pleasantly call it “nesting”, nesting seems anything but pleasant at times. In fact, it can feel more like chaos. Warning, dads: Be prepared for some major changes.

What type of changes, you ask? Well, you know that sink faucet that has been dripping since you purchased your home? That dripping may soon become the LOUDEST sound in the world and must be fixed RIGHT THIS INSTANT because it might wake up baby. Everywhere you and your wife will look you’ll be thinking about how and what will to change and fix to make things easier when baby arrives.

As a husband and expectant daddy, I say, just go get the tools, and start oiling the hinges, tightening the screws, replacing light bulbs. Do whatever you can to help get the house in order. Additionally, it can help to sit down with your wife and make a list of all the things that need “fixing” in the next nine months — then, as soon as you have a list, get to work. Nine months will pass by like the blink of an eye.

The best you can do as a new daddy-to-be is to just go along for the ride. We recently welcomed our third baby, our daughter Tessa, into the world and we went through the nesting process all over again. (See, nesting never ends!) Of course it helped that I had already fixed the leaky faucet and the creaky garage door during the nesting period prior to our two son’s arrivals; however, there was still plenty to accomplish.

During my wife’s first pregnancy, she wanted to have the nursery painted during her nesting phase. We set it all up and shortly after the painters arrived we had to call-off the painting project as the smell was bothering my wife. This time around, we used special paint and booked a hotel for a couple of nights while the room was painted and the paint dried – it was a much smoother transition, and the nursery looks great, too.

Along with the cleaning the house for baby, nesting also includes getting your finances in order, buying gear and necessities for the new baby, and going to unlimited baby and pregnancy classes. Like I said in the beginning, nesting is not always pleasant, but it’s an important stage for both expectant mommy and daddy.

Be patient and tackle projects as you’re able to.

Does your partner’s nesting drive you crazy? Do you like getting ready for baby?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Should I Be Nesting?

Stuff We Love: PetitNest

Nursery Inspiration You’ll LOVE!