Spanish · A2 · Family moment
Before Your Next Cuddle in Spanish
Establish a predictable and comforting routine for your baby by describing steps using 'before'. This helps the child associate words with specific, recurring actions.
What you'll learn
- Use 'antes de' followed by an infinitive to describe sequential actions by the same person.
- Learn vocabulary related to baby hygiene and daily outings.
- Understand the use of 'antes de que' when the subject of the sentence changes.
Spanish phrases for before your next cuddle
Me lavo las manos antes de preparar tu biberón.
I wash my hands before I prepare your bottle.
Uses 'antes de' + infinitive because the subject (I) remains the same.
Reviso la leche antes de darte el biberón.
I check the milk before I give you the bottle.
'Darte' combines the infinitive 'dar' (to give) with 'te' (to you).
Te cambio el pañal antes de que salgamos.
I change your nappy before we go out.
Uses 'antes de que' + subjunctive because the subject changes from 'I' to 'We'.
Reviso el agua antes de meterte en la bañera.
I check the water before I put you in the bath.
'Meterte' means 'to put you [in]'.
Traigo tu toalla antes de empezar el baño.
I get your towel before we start your bath.
'Empezar' means 'to start'.
Miramos un libro antes de que te duermas.
We look at a book before you go to sleep.
Uses 'antes de que' + subjunctive (duermas) for the subject change.
Te pongo el gorro antes de salir de casa.
I put on your hat before we leave the house.
'Salir' is used as a general action here.
Abrocho tus correas antes de empujar el cochecito.
I fasten your straps before I push the pram.
'Cochecito' is the common word for a pram or stroller.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Biberón
Baby bottle
Also commonly called 'mamila' in some regions.
Pañal
Nappy / Diaper
Masculine noun.
Cochecito
Pram / Stroller
Literally 'little car'.
Gorro
Hat / Cap
Usually refers to a soft hat or a winter hat for babies.
Using 'Antes de' vs. 'Antes de que'
In Spanish, if the person doing the action doesn't change, we use 'antes de' + the infinitive (the base form of the verb). If the person changes, we use 'antes de que' + a special verb form called the Subjunctive.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Same Subject | Antes de + Infinitive | Antes de comer (Before eating) |
| Different Subject | Antes de que + Subjunctive | Antes de que comas (Before you eat) |
More examples
Apago la luz antes de salir.
I turn off the light before leaving.
Simple routine sentence.
Cierro la puerta antes de que empiece a llover.
I close the door before it starts to rain.
The subject changes from 'I' to 'the rain'.