Your Third Trimester Checklist

Hello, homestretch! As your due date inches closer and closer, you may find that your to-do list is only growing longer. Deep breath. To spare you a little bit of overwhelm, we’ve rounded up some key third trimester to-dos to help you prep for baby in these final weeks. You’ve got this!

Third Trimester Checklist

▢  Go on a hospital tour.

Get the lay of the land at your hospital or birthing center! This is a good time to ask what you’re able to bring, what amenity and resources you’ll have access to…as well as practical questions, like where to park. 

▢  Time the drive to the hospital/birth center.

While you’re on your way to the tour, time your trip! This will help you gauge how much wiggle room you have on game day. (Depending on how long your trek, it could be wise to map out some alternate routes now too!)

▢  Interview and select your pediatrician.

Most babies have their first well child visit a couple of days after birth—and in many cases, your pediatrician may pay you a visit while you’re still in the hospital. In other words, don’t put off this to-do until after Baby arrives! Need help figuring out what to ask? Check out our list of pediatrician interview questions!  

▢  Install your car seat.

This is another task that seems like you could put off, but in order to leave your place of birth, you’ll have to show that you have a car seat to safely transport your baby home. If you’re unsure if you’re up to the task, contact your local fire department or baby stores—they can often offer assistance. Or if you’re comfortable installing it yourself, use our handy car seat safety checklist!  

▢ Whittle down your baby names list.

While you don’t need to have your baby name finalized (plenty of parents like to look at their little one to see which name calls to them!), at this point it’s a good idea to narrow it down to a handful of favorites so you’re not forced to sift through a laundry list of options post-birth. Need inspo? Browse out some of our baby name faves! 

▢ Wash and organize baby clothes.

After your baby shower, you might be swimming in cute, teeny-tiny outfits. Well, now’s the time to put it away. And if you can store them thoughtfully, Future You will be very grateful!  Here’s how to fold and organize baby clothes!

▢ Stock up on baby and postpartum essentials.

In addition to the goods you got off your registry, you’ll need to make sure you have baby essentials—think: diapers, wipes, toiletries, etc. (This baby checklist will point you to some must-haves!) Of course, your baby isn’t the only one who could use some TLC! Postpartum recovery can be a slow process, so stock up now on postpartum care supplies to make it a little smoother.  

▢ Review your birth plan with your provider.

Go over your birth wishes with your provider before you set foot in your hospital or birthing place so everyone is on the same page. Need help with your birth plan? Check out these birth plan templates! 

▢ Pack your hospital bag.

Stash all your labor and newborn gear in a bag now so you can grab and go if your little one makes a surprise debut. Here’s what to pack for the hospital. 

▢ Prepare at least a week of freezer meals.

Take one thing off your figurative plate postpartum by making some meals to put on your literal plate! Here are some of our favorite freezer meals. 

▢ Pick out gifts for the nurses.

Some expecting parents like to bring small presents or food as a token of appreciation to the labor and delivery nurses. If you’re aiming to bring something with you, buy it now. (Of course, a heartfelt note afterward also goes a long way to show your gratitude!)

▢ Make pet/childcare arrangements.

A HUGE one: Make sure you have an airtight plan in place for your other babies or fur babies! It can’t hurt to have a backup plan so that you know your loved ones are in good hands, no matter what day or time of day your little one arrives.

▢ Set up your baby’s sleep space.

Your baby’s nursery is probably well underway, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies sleep in your room for the first 6 months of life. So, in addition to the crib, you’ll need to make sure you have a safe sleep space near your own bed. Your baby should sleep alone (no blankets, pillows, or stuffies), on their back, in a crib or bassinet (not on an adult bed, sofa, or chair). SNOO hits all those AAP safe-sleep guidelines, as well as doing something no other bassinet does: SNOO secures babies on their back (back-sleeping is the top safe-sleep recommendation from all public health authorities!). This is why SNOO is the first and only FDA De Novo authorized infant sleep system (see important safety information). 

▢ Order SNOO!

Whether you rent SNOO or buy, did you know that you can place your order for SNOO well ahead of your baby’s arrival? With delayed delivery, you can pick your desired ship date so your SNOO lands on your doorstep closer to Baby’s b-day. Here’s when we recommend ordering SNOO. Already ordered? Here’s how to set up SNOO! 

▢ Practice your labor affirmations.

Using positive affirmations can take some of the stress out of giving birth. Here are a few labor affirmations to consider! 

▢ Make a labor playlist.

Another way to relax during childbirth? Music! Load up that playlist with tunes that mellow you out or pump you up (whatever you think will work best for you!). 

▢ Try to enjoy your final days pre-baby!

We won’t tell you to stock up on sleep before the baby comes (but if you are able to catch ZZZs now, third trimester sleep is important!). But we will nudge you to make time for some pre-baby fun…whether it’s doing date nights with a partner, grabbing dinner and mocktails with friends, or simply basking in the silence of a Sunday morning. Life is about to change (in so many amazing ways, too!), so savor the final moments of this particular season.

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.