Life Insurance in Texas: What Every Parent Should Know Before Baby #1

Bringing a child into the world changes everything—including how you think about the future. If you're expecting your first baby in Texas, there’s one thing that often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list:

Life insurance.

It’s not a fun topic. But it’s one of the most loving things you can do as a new parent.

Let’s break down what life insurance really means when you’re starting a family, what kind of coverage makes sense, and why it’s better to handle it before your little one arrives.

Why New Texas Parents Need Life Insurance—Now, Not Later

When it was just you (or just you and your partner), you may not have given life insurance much thought. But once you’re responsible for a child, everything changes.

Here’s what your policy will do:

• Replace your income if something happens to you
• Cover diapers, daycare, and down the road—college
• Give your partner time to grieve without rushing back to work
• Keep your family in your home
• Cover final expenses so your family doesn’t carry that burden

And in Texas—where health care costs, home prices, and childcare expenses are rising—it makes even more sense to plan ahead.

How Much Coverage Do New Parents in Texas Need?

You don’t need to guess. Use this as a starting point:

(Annual income × 10) + Debt + Future expenses − Current savings = Coverage amount

For example:

• You make $70,000/year
• You owe $240,000 on a mortgage
• You want $100,000 set aside for future costs (childcare, college)
• You have $20,000 in savings

That’s:
$70,000 × 10 = $700,000

• $240,000
• $100,000
  − $20,000
  = $1,020,000

So, you’d want around $1 million in coverage to protect your growing family.

What Type of Life Insurance Is Best for New Texas Parents?

✅ Term Life Insurance

This is the most affordable and popular choice. You can choose a term (like 20 or 30 years) that covers the years your child will be financially dependent.

It’s flexible, affordable, and easy to get. In Texas, a healthy 30-year-old parent can often lock in $500,000–$1,000,000 in coverage for $25–$45/month.

✅ Living Benefits

Make sure your policy includes living benefits—so you can access the funds while you’re alive if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness (cancer, heart attack, etc.).

Many parents use this as an extra layer of income protection—especially if they don’t have short-term disability coverage at work.

When Should You Get Life Insurance?

Before the baby arrives. Here’s why:

• Your health can change after pregnancy—which might raise your rates
• You’re likely younger now than you’ll be later—meaning lower monthly costs
• Once you become a parent, your schedule only gets busier

Getting covered before baby #1 gives you peace of mind—and one less thing to worry about during midnight feedings and doctor visits.

What If Only One Parent Is Working?

Even if one parent stays home or works part-time, both still need coverage.

Why?

Because replacing childcare, home management, and everything else that parent does is not cheap. Life insurance for the non-working or lower-income partner is just as important—and it’s usually even more affordable.

Real Example: Expecting Couple in Dallas

Married couple, both 29 years old, expecting their first child in Dallas. One partner makes $85,000. The other plans to stay home for 2–3 years.

They each get a 30-year term policy:

• $1 million on the income-earning partner
• $500,000 on the stay-at-home partner

Total cost? About $62/month for both policies combined.

Now they know that no matter what happens, their child has a financial safety net.

What to Watch Out For

• Only relying on your work policy: It’s usually not enough, and you lose it if you change jobs.
• Waiting too long: Premiums increase as you age. Applying during pregnancy may limit options.
• Not including living benefits: These can be life-changing if you're ever seriously ill.
• Choosing the cheapest policy without reviewing the fine print: Not all policies offer the same protections.

Final Word

If you’re expecting your first child in Texas, this is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Life insurance isn’t about fear. It’s about love. It’s about giving your child security, even when life throws something unexpected your way.

I help new Texas parents every week get the right coverage at the right price—without overwhelm, without pressure, and without wasting time.