Ultimate Third Trimester Checklist: 16 Must-Do Tasks Before Baby Arrives

Everything you need to do before baby arrives (without losing your mind)

Whew! You made it to the third trimester—go mama! Whether you’re nesting like a madwoman or bingeing every birth story on YouTube (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), this last stretch can feel… a lot.

You’re excited. You’re exhausted. You might be peeing every 20 minutes. And you’re probably wondering, “Am I actually ready for this?”

Let’s fix that. This third trimester checklist is here to help you get prepped—practically, emotionally, and mentally—for the big day and the beautiful chaos that follows.

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Why a Third Trimester Checklist Is a Lifesaver

Here’s the truth: the third trimester is not the time to wing it. Between 28–40 weeks, your baby is growing like crazy, your body is working overtime, and things are about to shift fast.

This checklist is your roadmap—so you’re not running around at 38 weeks wondering where the car seat is or Googling “what goes in a hospital bag.”

Psst: If you’re not here yet, I’ve also got a first trimester list and a second trimester checklist. Bookmark those for future babies. 😉

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The Only Third Trimester Checklist You’ll Need

(Over 35 Real-Life Things to Do Before Baby Comes)

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1. Finalize Your Birth Plan (But Stay Flexible)

Okay, before you roll your eyes—this doesn’t have to be a 12-page spreadsheet. A birth plan is just a simple list of your preferences for labor and delivery.

Do you want an epidural? A tub birth? Music playing? Delayed cord clamping? Write it down and discuss it with your provider.

✅ Bonus: Lamaze has a great printable birth plan template that keeps it simple.

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2. Pack Your Hospital Bag Like a Pro

Start this around 34–36 weeks so you’re not scrambling later. Pack it like you’re going on a sleepover… with bonus diapers.

Must-haves:

• Comfy nursing pajamas like Kindred Bravely
• Nipple balm (Earth Mama is my favorite)
• Snacks you actually want
• Long phone charger
• Going home outfits for you and baby
• Folder for paperwork + ID

Not sure what’s overkill? You’re not alone—check out my postpartum recovery tips for more real talk.

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3. Install the Car Seat

Do this now, trust me. It takes longer than you think the first time, and many hospitals won’t let you leave without it.

🛒 Amazon fave: Graco SnugRide 35 Lite – affordable, safe, easy to click in and out.

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4. Stock the Freezer with Easy Meals

You don’t need to become a Pinterest chef, but make a few meals now your future self will thank you for.

Ideas:

• Lasagna
• Crockpot chili
• Breakfast burritos
• Muffins for midnight feedings

Here are my frugal dinner ideas that freeze like a dream.

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5. Take a Childbirth or Breastfeeding Class

Even if it’s not your first rodeo, a refresher can boost your confidence and give your partner a clue (no offense, dads).

📚 Lamaze International has in-person and virtual options.

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6. Create a Diaper Changing Station (or Two)

Think: wipes, diapers, rash cream, trash bag system, and backup onesies. Bonus points if you’ve got one on each floor of your house.

🛒 Love: Boudreaux’s Butt Paste – weird name, miracle product.

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7. Sanitize Bottles, Pacifiers, and Pump Parts

Even if you plan to breastfeed exclusively, clean your gear early. You may end up needing that bottle or pump sooner than you think!

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8. Get Baby’s Laundry Done

Wash clothes, swaddles, crib sheets, and baby towels using a fragrance-free detergent. I recommend Seventh Generation Baby.

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9. Set Up the Nursery (or Sleep Space)

Don’t stress if you don’t have a Pinterest-worthy room. Baby just needs a safe sleep space, diaper stash, and love. Simple is great.

Need gear ideas? I rounded up the best gliders for tall parents—because comfort matters so much at 2 a.m.

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10. Write a List of People to Call/Text When Baby Arrives

Do this now, because in the moment you might forget who wants updates. Group text? Email? Up to you.

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11. Choose a Pediatrician

Start “interviewing” around 30–34 weeks. Ask about office hours, sick visits, breastfeeding support, and their stance on newborn care.

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12. Arrange for Help After Baby

Line up help like:

• Partner leave
• Grandparents
• Postpartum doula
• Friends to drop off food

Don’t wait until you’re in the thick of newborn nights to ask. People want to help—let them.

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13. Organize Important Documents

Create a folder with insurance cards, birth plan, ID, hospital paperwork, and pediatrician info.

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14. Start Practicing Relaxation Techniques

Labor is a marathon. Try yoga, meditation, or simply breathing with intention. Bonus: it helps with those third-trimester anxieties too.

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15. Make a Postpartum Care Kit

This is one of the most forgotten items on any third trimester checklist.

You’ll need:

• Disposable underwear
• Padsicles
• Witch hazel pads
• Stool softener (trust me)
• Nursing pads

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16. Celebrate Your Bump

You’re almost at the finish line. Book that maternity photoshoot or take cute mirror pics in your sweats—whatever makes you feel good.

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17. Download a Contraction Timer App

Free apps like “Full Term” are perfect. You won’t want to do math while in labor, trust me.

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18. Have a Fun Night Out (or In)

Go on a babymoon, mini date, or friend brunch. Soon, life’s about snuggles, spit-up, and stretchy pants.

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19. Pack Snacks and Entertainment for the Hospital

Labor can be long and recovery is boring. Load your Kindle, queue up shows, and throw in some granola bars.

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20. Let Yourself Nest (Guilt-Free)

If organizing the pantry brings you joy, go for it. Nesting is your brain’s way of preparing. Lean in.

You’re doing great! Let’s keep going with this third trimester checklist—you’re almost there.

21. Create a Simple Birth Announcement Template

You don’t have to order anything yet—but having a draft with spots for baby’s name, birth date, and photo makes things so much easier when the time comes. Bonus if you pick out a few cute card styles from places like Shutterfly or Canva ahead of time.

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22. Practice Using Your Baby Gear

Trust me—you don’t want to be figuring out how the stroller folds while you’re sleep-deprived in the Target parking lot. Practice clicking the car seat in and out, adjusting baby carriers, and collapsing your stroller.

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23. Prep Older Kids (if you have them)

If you’ve got big siblings-to-be, now’s the time to gently talk about what’s going to change—and all the exciting ways they’ll be part of it. Kids thrive when they feel involved, so give them a “helper” job, like folding baby clothes or picking a toy to give their new sibling.

📘 Looking for ways to get the conversation going? We love “I Am a Big Sister” and “I Am a Big Brother”, and don’t miss our full book review of I Love My Little Brother—a heartfelt story that beautifully helps kids understand what it means to be an older sibling.

Also helpful: Let them help pack the diaper bag or pick a “gift from baby” they’ll receive at the hospital. A little preparation goes a long way in easing that big transition.

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24. Buy Postpartum Essentials for You

You’re getting a lot ready for baby—but don’t forget YOU need to recover too. Stock your bathroom basket with:

• Peri bottle
• Witch hazel pads
• Frida Mom Perineal Cooling Pad Liners
• Epsom salts for sitz baths
• Comfy cotton underwear (think: granny panties, but proud)

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25. Set Up a Nursing or Bottle Feeding Station

Wherever you plan to feed baby—bedroom, couch, nursery—set up a cozy little zone with:

• Water bottle
• Snacks (trail mix, granola bars, etc.)
• Nursing pillow
• Burp cloths
• Phone charger
• Haakaa Manual Breast Pump

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26. Schedule a Haircut or Self-Care Appointment

You won’t have much time (or energy) for pampering soon. Even a trim or a fresh set of brows can make you feel more like yourself when postpartum hits hard.

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27. Choose Your Baby’s First Pediatrician Appointment Time

The first visit usually happens 2–3 days after discharge. Call your chosen provider and get the ball rolling—you can always reschedule if needed.

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28. Prep for Visitors (or Decide You Don’t Want Them)

Set boundaries now about who’s coming, when, and how long they’re staying. It’s totally okay to say no, limit visits, or ask people to wait a few weeks.

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29. Clean and Prep the Car

It sounds silly, but once baby comes, you won’t have the time or energy to vacuum up crushed Cheerios. Clean it out, wipe it down, and make space for the car seat.

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30. Stock Up on Household Essentials

Think:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• Snacks for older kids

Because nobody wants to be running errands at 2 weeks postpartum.

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31. Charge and Pack Electronics

Make sure your camera, phone, headphones, and any baby monitors or sound machines are charged and ready. Toss extra chargers into your hospital bag, too.

🛒 Tip: This 3-pack of long phone chargers is worth every penny.

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32. Write a Letter to Your Baby

It may sound cheesy, but writing your hopes, dreams, or a few silly lines for your baby to read someday is so special. Keep it in a journal or baby book.

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33. Create a Diaper Bag Essentials Kit

Pack it now so it’s grab-and-go. You’ll want:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Change of clothes
• Burp cloth
• Pacifier
• Nursing cover or bottles

It’ll be one less thing to worry about when you’re running late with a blowout surprise.

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34. Test Out Your Baby Monitor or White Noise Machine

This one often gets forgotten! Make sure you know how your monitor works and where the outlets are. Set it up early so it’s stress-free later.

🛒 Fan favorite: Hatch Rest Sound Machine

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35. Mentally Prepare for the Unexpected

Maybe birth won’t go exactly as you pictured. Maybe the first few weeks are harder than you imagined. That’s okay. Part of this checklist is building flexibility and resilience—and reminding yourself that you’re going to do just fine.

You don’t have to know all the answers. You just have to love your baby and keep showing up. You’ve got this.

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Bonus #36. Have One Last Child-Free Day (Even If It’s Just at Home)

Binge a show. Eat sushi. Go to a matinee. Lie in bed till 11 a.m. Do the thing you know you won’t be able to do for a while. Enjoy it without guilt.

❓FAQ: Third Trimester Checklist Questions, Answered

Starting your third trimester checklist around week 28 gives you a head start without feeling rushed.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Whether you finish every single task or just check off the big ones, this third trimester checklist helps you feel grounded and ready

Mama, you’re doing amazing. This third trimester checklist isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation and peace of mind. You won’t check every box perfectly (none of us do), but when you look back, you’ll be so glad you paused to plan ahead.

You’ve got this. And when you don’t? There’s always takeout and stretchy pants. 💗

📌 Save this third trimester checklist to your Pregnancy board now!