You’re probably thinking how did I get here so quickly, my baby is coming so soon! By now the nursery is probably painted, your babymoon is booked and your baby shower is in a few weeks!
Even being quarantined and working from home I feel like my pregnancy flew by. I’m watching my 8 month old play as I type this and it’s so crazy that we ate here. “The days are long but the years are short” couldn’t be any more true!
Now that there are only a few months until you meet your new baby, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you get done. This list is a little longer than my 1st trimester and 2nd trimester checklist, but a lot of the tasks are simple, and some will probably require someone to help you.
1. Wash your baby’s clothes: Specifically the ones that are newborn and 0-3 month size. The first few weeks home ate such a blur, do yourself a favor and knock it out early so you won’t be concerned with it when your baby is here.
2. Set up your baby’s sleeping arrangement: Whether it’s a crib or bassinet, in your room or not. Go ahead and put it together and put it in the location you plan on using it. I highly recommend purchasing a bassinet. It is super convenient having your baby close to you in those first few weeks, and even for a couple of months.
3. Purchase postpartum supplies: I’ll have an entire post coming out soon about what products you need for postpartum.
4. Finalize maternity leave paperwork: Call HR make sure they have everything necessary. You’ll have to call and add your baby’s information when she’s born but that should be a quick call.
5. Install car seat: At 8 months pregnant you’ll prob need some help with this. But it’s a good idea to have it installed by 37 weeks incase your baby decides to come early.
We decided that an infant car seat would be best and purchased the Graco snug ride. It’s easy to click into the jogging stroller without taking the baby out.
6. Schedule newborn photos: You won’t know an exact date but you can tentatively schedule with your photographer, pay your retainer and pick out outfits for you family and baby.
7. Select and confirm pediatrician: Did you know some pediatricians have waitlists? I did not, and we didn’t get our first choice. I am happy with who we chose, but I did have to do further research due to waitlists.
8. Pack hospital bag: I know I packed my bag super early, but I was excited, anxious and nervous. All the new mom feels.
Try having your bag ready around 37-38 weeks, again incase your baby decides to come early.
In this video I’ve included everything you should pack in your hospital (or in my case birth center) bag.
9. Create labor playlist: I only remember listening to music in the first couple of hours or labor. But it’s a good idea to have one ready incase you decide to want music.
10. Download contraction app: Download it and make sure you know how to use it!
11. Make freezer meals: My husband and I did this around 37 weeks and it was such a life saver. We did enough meals for the first 2 weeks and it made things super easy.
The first few weeks you have to navigate your day around feedings every 2 hours, so it was really nice to be able to pop something into the oven quickly.
12. Wash and sterilize bottles and pacifiers: Even if you plan on breastfeeding make sure you sanitize and have everything ready. A few different types of bottles, and pacifiers (since you won’t know what baby may like). You may decide not to breastfeed, not be able to, or decide formula, or decide you need a break and want dad to give baby a bottle. Whatever it is, it’s better to be prepared.
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13. Purchase nursing pajamas: There are a ton of options. Whether you prefer a short set, nursing gown, or a button up, make sure your grab a couple. With frequent feedings you’ll want something that’s easy to open.
14. Arrange care for other children or pets: if you have other children, I’m sure it won’t slip your mind to find care for them. But care for your pets is just as important. Have a plan for your other children and/or pets so you won’t be concerned with it when you go into labor. Make sure your partner or support person knows the plan as well.
15. Purchase breastfeeding supplies and order breast pump: My insurance provided a breast pump, but I had to show proof of birth first.
One thing I did not consider was a manual breast pump. This came in handy when my milk supply was coming in and I had not received my electric pump yet. Also make sure to grab a haakaa! Even at 8 months I still use this occasionally.
You’ve got this mama! You are the best mom for your baby, and while there are a lot of things to check off your todo list don’t be overwhelmed. Ask for help when you need it!
I created this community so that moms could discuss marriage and motherhood, so if you have a question leave it below. Myself or another mom will do our best to help you out!
What’s something you wanted to make sure you did during your third trimester? Let’s talk about it below.
xo
