Third-trimester checklist: What to do before the baby arrives
You’re almost there, mama.
The third trimester brings a mix of excitement, nervous anticipation, and lots of nesting energy. While your body prepares for labor, it’s also time to prepare your life, your home, and your heart for baby’s arrival.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding another little one to the family, having a clear checklist can help you feel confident and ready. Let’s walk through a gentle, practical guide to everything you might want to do before the big day—without overwhelming yourself.
🍼 1. Finalise Your Birth Plan
You don’t need to have everything figured out—but it helps to consider your preferences for:
- Vaginal birth, C-section, or VBAC
- Pain relief options (epidural, gas, natural techniques)
- Who will be with you during labor
- Skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping
- Feeding preferences (breastfeeding, formula, or combo)
💡 Tip: Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider and bring a printed copy in your hospital bag.
🧳 2. Pack Your Hospital Bag (and Baby’s!)
Ideally by week 36, have your bags packed and ready by the door or in the car. Essentials include:
For Mum:
- Comfy clothes, nursing bras, maternity pads
- Toiletries, lip balm, hair ties
- Phone charger, snacks, water bottle
- Your ID, Medicare card, and birth plan
For Baby:
- Nappies, onesies, swaddles, mittens
- A going-home outfit
- Baby blanket
💡 Tip: Don’t overpack—most hospitals provide some basics like nappies and wipes.
🏡 3. Prepare Your Home (Gently!)
Nesting is real—but don’t exhaust yourself. Focus on:
- Setting up the bassinet or cot
- Washing baby clothes and sheets
- Sterilising bottles and dummies (if using)
- Stocking up on nappies, wipes, baby wash
- Setting up a change station (even a portable one!)
🧺 Tip: Keep baby items in simple baskets or labelled containers for easy access, especially in those early sleep-deprived weeks.
💙 4. Organise Support for After Delivery
It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s brave.
- Arrange for family or friends to help with meals or older kids
- Consider hiring a postpartum doula or cleaner if budget allows
- Talk to your partner about shared responsibilities
- Line up support for mental health (especially if you’ve had anxiety or depression before)
💬 Tip: Create a “support team list” with names and contacts for easy reference postpartum.
📝 5. Install the Car Seat
Hospitals in Australia won’t let you leave without one.
- Make sure it’s rear-facing and professionally installed (many councils offer this service)
- Practice buckling in a teddy or doll—it helps build confidence!
🚗 Tip: Look up a local authorised car seat installer or check your state road safety website.
🤰 6. Attend Final Antenatal Appointments
These appointments track your baby’s growth, your health, and any signs of complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. You might also discuss:
- Baby’s position (head-down, breech, etc.)
- Signs of labour and when to call the hospital
- Induction options (if needed)
📅 Tip: Keep all records and notes in a folder or app like Bump2Baby for easy access.
🧠 7. Learn Labor & Baby Care Basics
Knowledge empowers and reassures. If you haven’t already:
- Take a childbirth or breastfeeding class (online or in person)
- Read up on newborn sleep, swaddling, feeding cues
- Watch a few baby bath demos on YouTube or attend a parenting session
📚 Tip: Bump2Baby’s Articles & Experts section is a wonderful place to learn—judgment-free and mum-tested.
💖 8. Check in With Your Emotions
This time can bring fears, worries, and excitement all at once. That’s normal.
- Journal your thoughts and hopes for birth
- Talk to someone you trust about your worries
- Try calming practices like meditation, gentle yoga, or affirmations
🌿 Tip: “I trust my body and my baby” is a beautiful third-trimester mantra.
💦 9. Stock Up on Essentials
While baby needs surprisingly little, you’ll thank yourself later for having:
- Frozen meals
- Breast pads, nipple cream (even if unsure about breastfeeding)
- Extra toilet paper, pantry items
- U-shaped pillows or heat packs for back and hip comfort
🥘 Tip: Make meal prep a fun weekend activity or invite loved ones to gift frozen meals instead of baby clothes.
🎉 10. Soak in the Moment
This is a precious window—full of belly kicks, daydreams, and slow anticipation. Make time to:
- Take maternity photos
- Write a letter to your baby
- Go on a special date or solo day for you
- Rest. Rest. Rest.
✨ Tip: There’s no prize for doing it all. Trust yourself, ask for help, and let the love lead the way.
Final Thoughts
The third trimester can feel like a countdown—but you don’t have to do everything at once. Let this checklist be a gentle guide, not a pressure list.
You are already doing beautifully by preparing with love. And when the time comes, you’ve got this.
❤️ With you every step of the way,
Team Bump2Baby