16 Things to Do Before Baby Arrives (third trimester checklist)

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A third trimester to-do list to help you prepare for baby’s arrival!

You’ve made it through the first trimester…

Flown through the second…

Now you’ve waddled your way to the third trimester of pregnancy!

With baby’s arrival right around the corner, this final stage is all about wrapping things up and preparing to meet your adorable new baby.

Pregnancy checklist before baby arrives

third trimester checklist, third trimester to-do list

1. Pack your hospital bag

First up on your 3rd trimester to-do list? Make sure your hospital bag is all packed and ready to go.

(Don’t forget baby’s homecoming outfit!)

The third trimester can be unpredictable. Sometimes baby shows up 2 weeks before your due date. Sometimes it’s a few days after.

Once your bags are packed, keep them close by just in case!

Prepping for a c-section? Here’s what to pack.

2. Sign up for a childbirth class

Next, if you haven’t already– Consider taking a childbirth class.

The hospital you’re using probably offers free classes you can sign up for, but online classes are a great option if you’re short on time.

If you’d rather go the online class route, this is the childbirth class I recommend– You’ll learn everything from pain management to newborn care.

3. Make a third trimester shopping list

Do you have everything you need for baby?

If not, this is the perfect time to make a list of the last-minute baby items you need to purchase.

A few baby items you may have forgotten about:

Cotton swabs and alcohol for umbilical care
Gas relief drops
Diaper rash ointment
A baby book!

4. Prepare for breastfeeding

If you plan to breastfeed, you’ll need a few breastfeeding must-haves too.

Things like…

(Also set aside some time to read up on the best breastfeeding tips for getting a good latch, etc. This can be tricky for new moms.)

5. Stock up on household items

Additionally, since you won’t be going grocery shopping for a little while, it’s also a good idea to add extra household items to your list.

Think about the things you typically have to make a quick trip to the store for.

Things like dishwashing liquid, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, laundry detergent, etc.

6. Wash baby’s clothes and linens

Speaking of laundry detergent– Do you have baby’s clothes all clean and ready?

At the bare minimum, you’ll need to have a few blankets, burp cloths, and at least 2 clean sheets ready.

7. Sterilize baby bottles/breast pump

As far as washing and cleaning goes…

Sterilize all baby bottles, pacifiers, and also your breast pump + accessories if you plan to use one.

8. Prepare for postpartum recovery

Have you picked up the essentials you’ll need for recovery?

You’ll definitely want to have enough maternity/heavy flow pads to last and comfy clothes (including high waisted underwear if you’re having a c-section) to wear.

9. Declutter, clean, and organize!

That urge to clean and organize like a madwoman? They call it nesting.

Your third trimester is the perfect time to finally clean your messy house and finish organizing allll the baby clothes, products, and more. Just don’t overdo it! 🙂

10. Prep meals for later

Next, prep some meals now so that you won’t have to stress over dinner later.

Cooking probably won’t be on your radar while you’re adjusting to life with a newborn. And fast food will drain your wallet in a hurry.

There are endless inexpensive and delicious make ahead meals that will make your life much easier while you’re recovering.

11. Install baby’s car seat

I highly recommend installing baby’s car seat way before it’s time to head to the hospital.

That way, you can strap baby in and head home right away after you’ve been released.

Don’t forget to assemble the rest of your baby gear (and learn how to use it) while you’re at it!

12. Get serious about baby names

Have you decided on baby’s name yet?

If you already have the perfect name pick out, that’s great! But if you haven’t, time to start narrowing down your options. 🙂

13. Download a contraction tracker app

A contraction tracker app will help you keep track of your contractions so you’ll know exactly when/if you should head to the hospital.

Very useful to have in your third trimester!

14. Wrap up maternity leave plans

And, of course, wrap up allll maternity plans.

Do you plan on returning to work? Are you considering NOT going back to work at all?

(If you are planning on transitioning to a stay-at-home mom, these are my best SAHM tips— Pin them for later!)

Let your employer know about your plans if you haven’t already. And if you’re already a SAHM, that’s one less thing to worry about! 🙂

15. Make plans for your other children and/or pets

If you have other children or you’re a pet parent, you’ll need to make plans for them as well.

Who will care for them while you’re in the hospital? What about while you’re recovering?

16. Choose a pediatrician

Finally, select a pediatrician for your new baby.

If this is your first child, don’t fret. You can do the majority (if not all) of your research on Google and Facebook.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask around if you have friends or family with younger kids.

Printable third trimester checklist

Don’t head out without a third trimester checklist printable!

Check things off as you complete them, add additional to-do’s if you need to, or use the blank version and personalize your to-do list from scratch. 🙂

Printable Third Trimester Checklist

Help other mamas out by pinning!

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