Things To Do Before Baby Arrives – Third Trimester Checklist | Essentials For First Time Mom

Today I’m sharing my go-to list of important things to check off before your baby arrives, along with a printable third trimester checklist made just for first-time moms.

Becoming a mom is the most beautiful, rewarding experience.
But pregnancy? It can be tough.
Labour and delivery? Definitely a journey.
And the postpartum stage… that comes with its own set of challenges.

One of the hardest things is finally holding that tiny, perfect baby in your arms while feeling stressed about all the tasks you wish you had finished ahead of time.

That won’t be you.
You’ll be soaking in every newborn cuddle and enjoying those early days with your little family.

So let’s start prepping.
Grab my printable checklist and get those to-dos crossed off, mama.

Auto

Fill your gas tank

Imagine heading to the hospital and realizing you need gas. Top it off now and save yourself the stress.

Clean your car

A tidy, fresh-smelling car makes those first solo trips with baby a little easier.

Keep a mini diaper caddy in your vehicle

One of my tried-and-true mom hacks is storing an emergency diaper kit in the car for blowouts or spit-ups on the go. Here’s what I keep in mine.

Check that your stroller fits

If your stroller is going to be a tight squeeze in the trunk, it’s better to find out before baby arrives. A couple of practice runs folding it up helps too.

Install the car seat base

Use the guide that came with your car seat and make sure the base is in and secure.

Add your baby mirror

If you find one that’s simple to install and actually stays put, let me know. Get it in place now so it’s ready when you need it.

Household

Stock up on household basics

From toilet paper and laundry detergent to garbage bags, make a list of the essentials you use often and set aside a day to restock. You can even use my handy list of 49+ important items to grab before baby arrives.

Fill your pantry

Think about the non-perishables you reach for the most. In our house, it’s things like pasta, tomato sauce, beans, chickpeas, oatmeal, and rice. We also like keeping whole-wheat tortillas in the freezer, along with frozen berries, bananas, peas, corn, and chicken bites that work for quick meals.

Give your home a good clean

That nesting urge is real in the third trimester. If you can swing it, treat yourself to a professional cleaning. You’ve just grown an entire human, mama. You’ve earned it.

Silence those squeaky doors

One of my biggest early-mom frustrations? Spending two hours getting baby down for a nap, only to have a loud squeak wake them up. A small can of WD-40 on the hinges will save you from that heartbreak.

Freshen up the carpets

Your little one will be rolling around before you know it. It’s a good idea to have carpets professionally cleaned every 12–18 months, and now is the perfect time.

Check the furnace and vents

If it’s been a while, take a peek at your air ducts and furnace. Excess dust, mold, or other debris is worth getting cleaned out. Hand this job to your partner if possible.

Clear the shower drain

Postpartum hair loss can be intense, and clogged drains are the last thing you want to deal with. A simple drain-cleaning tool and a silicone hair catcher can make life easier.

Wash your bed sheets

Give your bedding a refresh so you can start this new chapter feeling cozy and clean.

Automate your bill payments

If you can set up pre-authorized payments now, that’s one less thing to keep track of when you’re adjusting to life with a newborn.

Nursery

Assemble nursery furniture

Get all the pieces together — glider, end table, dresser or changing table — and have them ready for use.

Decorate the nursery

One of my favorite parts was hanging shelves and arranging the special books we’d been given. Adding a few art prints and our wooden name sign made it feel complete.

Set up the bassinet

It may not need much assembly, but put it together now, wash the sheet, and have it ready.

Put together the crib

If it’s not already done, the third trimester is the time. Assembling the crib is practically a rite of passage for new dads, so make it a moment. Play some music, grab him a drink, and enjoy the time together. Check that the mattress is on the newborn side if it’s reversible, add a waterproof liner, and finish with a fitted sheet.

Install the baby monitor

Depending on your model, you can mount it on the wall with command strips or place it on a nearby shelf. Turn it on, read the instructions, and download the app if it’s a Wi-Fi monitor.

Organize the diapering station

Whether you’re using a changing table or setting up on top of a dresser, get your supplies ready for those many diaper changes ahead.

Wash and organize baby clothes

One of the best tips I got was to only wash the basics until you know your baby’s size. My winter newborn used: 7 long-sleeve onesies, 3 pants, 3 socks, 1 hat, 7 zip-up footed pajamas, 7–10 swaddle blankets, 3 swaddle sacks, and 10 baby washcloths.

Buy diapers and wipes

A good starting point is one box of wipes, one box of newborn diapers, and two boxes of size one diapers.

Put together a diaper caddy

Here’s exactly what you’ll want to keep in it.

Black out the nursery

Your newborn might sleep anywhere at first, but before long, blackout curtains will be a lifesaver for naps and bedtime.

Personal

Get a fresh color and cut

A good hair day can make all the difference. It’s nice to feel polished for those hospital photos and in the busy weeks that follow.

Book your beauty treatments

Whether it’s a lash fill, manicure, pedicure, or facial, now is the time to fit them in.

Plan a special date night or babymoon

If a full babymoon isn’t possible, enjoy one last date night before baby. Savor the meal, take your time, and be present with each other.

Add a grip to your phone

I learned the hard way how easy it is to drop a phone on a sleeping baby. A phone grip or PopSocket can prevent accidents like that.

Catch up on laundry

Newborns go through more clothing than you’d expect. Try to stay on top of your laundry before the big day. If pregnancy fatigue makes it tough, a drop-off laundry service can help.

Set up automatic phone backups

You don’t want to lose precious baby photos. Make sure your phone saves pictures to the cloud when connected to Wi-Fi.

Check your driver’s license

If it’s expiring soon, get it renewed before you’re in newborn mode.

Check your car registration

Do the same with your car’s paperwork so you don’t have to think about it later.

Look into life insurance

It’s not fun to think about, but having coverage in place helps protect your family if something were to happen.

Create a will

This is another important step to ensure your child’s future is secure.

Baby

Finalize your baby’s name

You’ve probably been making lists and narrowing down names for months. Some parents wait until they meet their baby, while others choose before birth.

Order milestone cards and a birth announcement

These sweet, personalized signs have become so popular, and for good reason. That classic photo of baby in the bassinet is one you’ll treasure, and a name sign makes it even more special.

Book newborn photos

Skipping professional newborn photos is one of my biggest regrets. Most parents book in the third trimester, with the session set for 1–8 weeks after birth. You can go for the posed, studio style or choose a more candid, lifestyle shoot at home or outdoors.

Plan outfits for the newborn shoot

Have both a newborn size and a 0–3 month size ready, since you won’t know baby’s size until they arrive. You can return or sell the one you don’t use.

Take a baby class

There’s no manual for motherhood, but there are classes. Whether in-person or online, learning the basics of newborn care now will boost your confidence.

Learn about baby sleep

The learning curve is steep, but so worth it. Consider a self-paced course or book to understand sleep needs, schedules, and tips before you’re in the thick of it.

Learn car seat safety

It’s one more thing to learn, but an important one. From choosing the right seat to safe installation tips, resources like Safe in the Seat can be a huge help.

Labour

Pack your hospital bag

From personal experience, last-minute packing while emotional is no fun. Start gathering items 4–6 weeks before your due date. Keep a printed checklist beside your bag so you can quickly add the final things if you need to leave in a hurry.

Make a birth plan

Even though things may not go exactly as planned, it’s still helpful to think through your preferences ahead of time. Research each option so you can make informed choices.

Arrange care for pets or older kids

Decide where your pets or children will stay while you’re at the hospital. If you have pets, now’s a good time to learn how to introduce them to the new baby.

Pack a travel bag for pets or kids

Include food, bowls, toys, clothes, or any essentials they’ll need during your hospital stay.

Prepare a thank-you basket for your labour and delivery team

I didn’t know about this until after my own birth, and I wish I had. A small basket of treats or thoughtful gifts is a sweet way to show your appreciation.

Breastfeeding

Get your breastfeeding essentials

If you plan to nurse, gather what you’ll need now. This might include a breast pump, an extra set of pump parts, a Haakaa or milk collector, pumping and nursing bras, nursing pads, nipple balm, and freezer bags for storing milk.

Buy some formula

Even if you’re planning to breastfeed, having ready-to-feed formula on hand can be a lifesaver in the early days. Newborns need plenty of nourishment, and supplementing temporarily is common. If you don’t end up using it, you can sell or pass it on.

Wash and sanitize bottles and pacifiers

You can skip the countertop sterilizer and use your dishwasher’s hottest setting or sterilize mode for bottles, pacifiers, and pump parts.

Wash and sanitize your breast pump parts

Follow the instructions that come with your pump so it’s ready to use from day one.

Set up a nursing cart

Keep all your breastfeeding must-haves in one place — water bottle, hair ties, nursing pads, swaddles, and a nursing pillow — so you can settle in comfortably.

Learn about breastfeeding

Websites like Kelly Mom and La Leche League International are great resources. Look up tips before baby arrives so you feel more confident starting out.

Find out about lactation consultants

Consider booking a session before birth to learn what to expect and how to troubleshoot any early challenges.

Learn about pelvic floor therapy

Some postpartum symptoms may benefit from pelvic floor therapy. Read up on what to watch for and where you can find local support if needed.

Postpartum

Put together a postpartum kit

While the hospital will give you most of what you need during your stay, you’ll want certain items ready for when you come home. My must-haves were a large tumbler, peri bottle, comfortable padded underwear, nursing pads, and soft nursing bras.

Have a second set of bedding ready

Postpartum night sweats can be intense. Protect your mattress with a cover, keep an extra fitted sheet handy, and swap heavier bedding for something easy to wash.

Prep freezer meals

With a newborn, time for cooking disappears fast. Stock your freezer with ready-to-go breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. If cooking feels overwhelming, consider grocery delivery or a meal kit service.

Download helpful apps

From using two phones as a baby monitor to finding daily baby activity ideas, the right apps can make life easier.