This third trimester checklist will help you prepare everything that needs to be done before labor day!
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This third trimester checklist will help you tremendously. No doubt. There are so many things to do and you’re in the final stretch mama! Can you believe it? Let’s make sure you are extra prepared.
Preparing the nursery, having a baby shower, and washing all the adorable baby items are exciting activities for new moms. Your baby MAY arrive sooner than 40 weeks, so I suggest getting a head start to ensure these important tasks are checked off your list.
I hope you have a pen and paper ready. I am also sharing a third trimester checklist printable for you. You can easily print it out and use it as a reference. So stick with me.
This post is about third trimester checklist.
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The Ultimate Third Trimester Checklist
Week 28
Make a list
I am a huge fan of lists. They help remind me about what needs to be done, how much needs to be done, AND keep me on track. Pregnancy brain is no joke. I need my lists now more than ever. Are you with me?
As you enter the third trimester I highly suggest you make a list of everything that needs to be done before your new baby arrives. Some people have more work to do in the nursery than others, like me.
My super handy husband has been fixing up our house room by room since we moved in. So we literally tore every room down to the studs and customized every detail.
Others may just have to paint and decorate.
Aside from the nursery, there are so many other things to take care of before the big day. Maybe you’re a first time mama and need all new baby things.
So break out your notebook and make a list of everything you want to complete before your baby’s due date.
Educate yourself on safe sleeping
Take the time to read up on safe sleeping for newborns.
Here are some safe sleeping tips:
- Always place your newborn to sleep on his or her back.
- Put your baby to sleep on a firm mattress. I absolutely love mine. The newborn side is firm and the toddler side is less firm. Don’t you love products that your baby can grow with?
- Keep items (loose blankets, stuffed animals, toys, pillows, etc.) outside of your child’s crib/bassinet.
Wash baby clothes
You will likely acquire more clothes as the weeks go by. I recommend washing baby clothes at the beginning of the third trimester.
As you are gifted baby clothes, wash them.
Don’t wait to wash them all at once. During the third trimester basic tasks are difficult. I am currently in my third trimester and have to do EVERYTHING in increments.
Protect your newborn’s precious skin with this detergent. It is so gentle and has been a huge blessing for our whole family. Whether your baby has sensitive skin or not, gentle products are a necessity.
Week 29
Decide on your birth plan
Take some time to think through how you’d like to deliver. Do you want to take anything for pain management or would you rather have a natural labor?
Do you want your baby continuously monitored? Will hubby be cutting the umbilical cord?
Think through every. little. detail from start to finish. Communicate ALL of your wishes and desires with your support partner.
Arrange child care/pet care
If you have children or fur babies, make arrangements for who will watch them while you are in labor. I suggest figuring out that plan early on so you’re not scrambling at the end. You do not want to worry about ANYTHING while in labor. No, thank you!
Organize the closet
Here is one of my favorite activities on this third trimester checklist. I don’t know about you, but I have so much fun organizing. I will say that organizing the baby room takes the cake.
I wrote a whole post about baby organization ideas. From the nursery to the rest of the entire house! So if you’re looking for some tips and tricks, you need to check out the super detailed post below. This won’t steer you wrong.
(RELATED POST: 50 Wildly Wise Baby Organization Ideas | Nursery + House)
Week 30
Organize the dresser
You want to think VERY strategically when you’re organizing your baby’s dresser. For example, you don’t want to put body suits in the bottom drawers since you’ll reach for them often. Regularly!
By the way…these drawer organizers make a HUGE difference. Being able to see everything in the drawer is so incredibly helpful.
I wrote a post dedicated to baby dresser organization. You will find it below.
(RELATED POST: 7 Essential Baby Dresser Organization Tips That Are Life-Changing)
Set up and learn your baby monitor
Set up your baby monitor and take some time to figure out how it works.
This is the baby monitor I used with my daughter and I plan to use it with my son too.
Even though you won’t be using it right away, it is still helpful to educate yourself ahead of time. Learning something new with a newborn around isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Take my word for it.
Plan a night out/baby moon
Doctors and airlines don’t want expecting moms flying at 36 weeks or after. However, you can plan a weekend getaway with your hubby or make it a family trip if you wish.
Carve a weekend or night out to enjoy yourself with your husband or family before things get really busy.
Perhaps there is a city not too close but not too far that you can travel to for the weekend.
Week 31
Sterilize
Sterilize your baby essentials like your bottles, pump parts, teething toys/pacifiers, and feeding equipment (even though they won’t be used for a minute).
Don’t forget to add this to your nesting list.
Get familiar with your hospital check-in process
Your OB has probably already briefed you on the hospital check-in process.
I was induced with my daughter. My doctor scheduled my date with the hospital and the hospital called me to confirm my due date. It was super easy.
If your doctor doesn’t mention the hospital check-in process, you should ask.
It is also super helpful to familiarize yourself with WHERE you will enter the hospital on your big day. This way you have an idea of where to check-in before rushing in. This was just a little thing that made me feel a little bit more at ease.
Hang the curtains
Next on the third trimester checklist is to hang the curtains in the nursery! Have your hubby do this for you.
Blackout curtains are an essential. Not right away, but when your baby starts becoming more alert and sleeping in his or her own room, you will REALLY appreciate having blackout curtains. I did AND still do!
Week 32
Prepare a diaper caddy
If you live in a two-story house, do yourself a favor and put together a diaper caddy. Possibly even a few.
Having a diaper caddy handy in popular rooms of your house like the living room, your bedroom, and nursery is crucial.
Do you need help deciding what to put inside your diaper caddy? Refer to the post below.
(RELATED: Wondering What to Put in Diaper Caddy? 14 Essentials)
Prepare the diaper bag
You will ALSO want to prepare the diaper bag. No need to fill it with a bunch of stuff. You only need the essentials. Lighten the load for yourself.
(RELATED: 8 Absolute Musts on Our Diaper Bag Checklist)
Position the furniture
I suggest positioning the nursery furniture BEFORE hanging your wall decor/art.
I am one of those people who likes furniture positioned for a few days or a week before I commit to hanging anything on the walls. I like to look at it and make sure I love it.
Week 33
Prepare the bassinet
Here is another third trimester checklist activity your hubby can cross off the list.
I was not happy with the bassinet I used for my daughter so I knew I wasn’t going to use it for my son. I decided to buy a new one this time around.
This is the one I bought and I am so happy with it! Besides the fact that it is gorgeous, it is a great bedside sleeper. It can also be used as a standalone bassinet. Plus it is light and super easy to take when traveling. Just fold it and stash it in the travel bag.
Hang wall decor
Are you happy with your furniture placement? If so, then hang all your beautiful hand-picked wall art exactly where you want them.
Decide on the coming home outfit
You’ll want to snap photos of your little darling. So of course you will want to pick out the cutest outfit to bring your baby home in.
Week 34
Plan your postpartum kit
Don’t overlook this item on the third trimester checklist.
This is something I wish I put more thought into before having my first baby. I won’t make that mistake again.
The post below shares all my postpartum must-haves that I KNOW you’ll also be thankful for.
(RELATED: 30+ Postpartum Must Haves for Mom and Baby + Checklist)
Get your car cleaned
You can do this yourself (if you want) or pay to have it done.
I prefer to pay for a deep cleaning before bringing home my new baby.
Week 35
Pack your hospital bag
Next on the third trimester checklist is to pack your hospital bag.
You do not want to worry about doing this while you are going into labor. Need help packing your bag?
(RELATED POST: The Most Practical Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby)
Install your car seat
Get that car seat secured and ready in your freshly cleaned car.
Make sure to consult your car seat manual to ensure that it is installed properly.
Treat yourself!
Book yourself a hair appointment, manicure, and pedicure. Treat yourself to a little pampering before labor day!
Third Trimester Checklist Printable
This post was about third trimester checklist.
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