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Getting ready for baby’s arrival is exciting (and overwhelming too!). If you’re wondering where to start with your Third Trimester Checklist I’ve got you covered.
From the ‘must do’ non-negotiables that will help you keep your newborn safe, to the ‘optional extras’ like cute keepsake items, this guide breaks it all down so you can focus on what really matters.
Think of it as your stress-free roadmap to feeling prepared, without the endless overwhelm of trying to do everything.
Let’s dive in!
Must Do (Non-Negotiables)
These are the non-negotiables! The things you’ll be so glad you checked off before baby arrives. From car seat safety to postpartum basics, this part of the list covers the essentials that keep your newborn safe and help you feel ready for those first few weeks at home.
Baby Safety & Gear
- Install the Car Seat – Have it checked if you’re not confident it’s installed correctly. Your newborns car seat will be rear-facing, you may want to also install a car seat mirror so you can see baby’s face while you’re in the front seat.
- Baby Laundry – Buy and wash baby’s clothes, sheets, and swaddles in baby-safe detergent.
- Baby Sleep Space – Set up a safe sleep space (bassinet or crib, with a fitted sheet only).
- Baby Monitor – Set up and test your baby monitor so it’s ready to go. Make sure you know how the features work (like night vision or sound sensitivity) before those sleepy 2 a.m. wake-ups.
Mom’s Recovery & Hospital Prep
- Hospital Bag – Pack your hospital bag with essentials for you, baby, and partner. Here’s a full hospital bag packing list for you!
- Postpartum Care – Put together a postpartum care kit (pads, peri bottle, comfy underwear, pain relief).
- Meals – Make or buy a few freezer meals and stock up on snacks you can eat one-handed for those moments when you feel like you *can’t* put baby down. At the very least, have a simple and realistic food plan for the first week at home. Here are some great freezer meal ideas for new moms.
Household & Life Admin
- Stock Up – Stock up on household essentials (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, pantry basics).
- Plan for Kids & Pets – Arrange a plan for your pets or older kids during labor. Who could pop in and feed your pet if you’re in the hospital? If you have older kids who might stay with friends or family for a bit, pack them an overnight bag in advance.
- Put Bills on Autopay – Make sure bills are set up for autopay (or at least covered for the first month). The first month can be a real whirlwind… make sure the basics are covered.
Health & Medical
- Pediatrician – Confirm your pediatrician and have their number saved. You’ll need to make an appointment so they can see your newborn soon after birth.
- Insurance – Double-check insurance details and hospital preregistration if you need it.
- Prenatal Appointments – Attend any final prenatal appointments and ask last-minute questions to your midwife, doula, or doctor who will be present at your birth.
Feeding Baby
- Bottles – Wash and sanitize bottles and pacifiers (even if you’re planning to breastfeed, have at least one back up just in case).
- Breastfeeding Supplies – Have basic breastfeeding supplies ready (nursing bras, nipple cream, breast pads). Check out this whole article on creating your own nursing cart.
- Formula – Even if it’s not your first choice, think about which type of formula you might use. Keep a small amount of formula on hand, or stock up if it’s your primary plan!
Nice to Do
These aren’t strictly essential, but they’ll make life smoother, cozier, and a little more fun as you prep for baby. Think easy upgrades for your home, simple ways to stay organized, and sweet memory-making ideas you’ll treasure later.
Home & Comfort
- Deep Clean – Do a deep clean (or hire it out!) before baby arrives. You’ll thank yourself later when the house feels fresh and ready.
- Blackout Curtains – Darken the nursery to help your newborn nap better.
- Quiet Fixes – Oil squeaky doors and quiet down creaky floors near the nursery so you’re not tiptoeing at 2 a.m.
Baby Prep & Memories
- Clothes by Size – Organize baby’s clothes into bins or drawers by size so you can grab what you need without digging.
- Diaper Caddy – Set up a portable diaper caddy for quick, middle-of-the-night changes. Check out this full list of Diaper Caddy Recommendations.
- Photos – Book newborn or family photos early and plan outfits so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
- Keepsakes – Order milestone cards to use as photo props or a memory book to capture those first sweet moments.
Personal Care
- Fresh Cut – Get a haircut or color touch-up now so you feel put together in those early weeks.
- Self-Care Services – Book beauty treatments (nails, eyebrows, etc.) you won’t want to juggle later.
- Date Night – Plan a special night out or mini babymoon with your partner before baby arrives.
Tech & Organization
- Photo Backup – Make sure your phone is set to automatically back up photos (you’ll be taking a lot).
- Helpful Apps – Download baby-tracking apps for feeds, sleep, or even white noise.
Optional Extras (a.k.a. Nice, But Not Necessary)
These are the fun, Pinterest-worthy projects you can totally skip if you’re short on time or energy. They’re great “bonus round” ideas if you want to go the extra mile, but your baby won’t know the difference if they don’t get done.
For the Home
- Carpets & Furnace – Treat yourself and deep clean your carpets or have your furnace cleaned before baby arrives. Fresh air + a clean space = cozy vibes.
- Big Declutter – Do a closet purge or tackle a reorg project like the pantry. It’s easier now than when you’re juggling a newborn.
- Nursery Décor – Go ahead and decorate the nursery but don’t stress if the gallery wall isn’t finished. Baby won’t mind!
For Baby
- Tiny Outfits – Pick up cute newborn outfits, (even the impractical ones) but don’t go overboard. They grow out of them so quickly.
- DIY Projects – Skip the elaborate baby shower party favors or Pinterest-perfect crafts like making an elaborate mobile for the nursery unless you love doing them — they’re totally optional.
- Thank-You Basket – A gift for your labor & delivery team is a sweet touch, but not a must-do.
For You & Keepsakes
- Maternity Shoot – Book a photoshoot or even make a belly cast if you want a special pregnancy keepsake.
- Announcements – Fun props for newborn announcements are cute, but you don’t need to go all out.
- Freezer Meals – If you’ve already prepped the basics and want to keep going, try making some more freezer meals that you can use past the first few days and into the first few weeks of parenting.
- Handprints & Footprints – Get a newborn handprint or footprint kit! It makes a sweet framed keepsake or ornament to remember those itty-bitty days. Trust me, they go by fast.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, your baby doesn’t need perfection, they just need you. Tackle the must-dos on your third trimester checklist, add in the nice-to-dos if you can, and let the rest go. You’ve got this, mama!
Read More:
🍼 17+ *Essential* First Trimester Must-Haves (That You Literally Need *Right Now*)
🍼 The *Perfect* Second Trimester Checklist (That I *Wish* I Had!)
🍼 101+ *Adorable* Baby Bump Captions (That You Need To Steal)
