We are diving into our third trimester this week and I cannot believe that we are only 2-ish months away from having our son in our arms. It’s wild how excited I am to meet such a tiny human.
My pregnancy has flown by and with the holidays approaching, I know time is going to move at hyperspeed.
Justin and I still have so much that absolutely has to be done in the next 12 weeks (or less) to make us feel like we are as prepared as possible to bring this new person into the world and into our home. I know that nothing can truly prepare you for such an incredible, life-changing experience but making (and checking things off of) a to-do list certainly helps ease anxiety.
Plus, I am due in the middle of winter when our part of North Carolina typically sees the most snow. There are certain things on this list (making freezer meals ahead of time, stockpiling diapers and wipes, having different types of formula on hand in case we have problems breastfeeding, having plenty of postpartum necessities for me, etc.) that ensure we are all set to be snowed in after he’s born, should that happen. With it being so cold, I don’t want to leave the house terribly soon after we get home from the hospital (unless we absolutely have to), either.
Here’s what we’re tackling in the third trimester to finish preparing for baby:
{P.S., I added a printable checklist to the bottom of the post for you to make preparing for your little one a little easier.}
For baby:
- Finish nursery
- Order personalized name and birth announcement items for hospital
- Finish buying baby necessities (crib, crib mattress, bassinet, monitor, car seat, etc.)
- Find pediatrician
- Decide on daycare
- Wash baby clothes and blankets
- Organize baby’s closet and dresser
- Prepare changing station with diapers, wipes, and ointments
- Prepare baby’s sleep areas (living room, master bedroom, nursery)
- Wash and sterilize breast pump, bottles, and nipples
- Wash and assemble baby gear
- Make sure to have on hand: baby laundry detergent, baby dish soap, diaper cream, diapers, wipes, some formula
- Install car seat
For house
- Organize kitchen cabinet with baby bottles and supplies
- Organize bathroom with baby towels, washcloths, baby wash, and baby bath
- Deep clean house (or hire someone to do it)
For mom & dad
- Maternity photos & babymoon
- Always have car gassed up, ready to go
- Send thank you notes
- Shop for and organize home with postpartum necessities: perineal bottle, perineal cold packs, perineal spray, Dermoplast, Tucks pads, overnight pads, adult diapers, preparation H wipes, stool softener, panty liners, trashable underwear, nursing bras and tanks, button front shirts, nipple butter, nursing pads, loungewear, pajamas
- Prepare breastfeeding stations in bedroom and living room
- Stock up on snacks and pantry items
- Make freezer meals
- Birthing class
- Breastfeeding class
- CPR class
- Hospital tour
- Shop for hospital bag necessities (for mom, dad, baby)
- Pack hospital bags (for mom, dad, baby)
- Write birth plan
- Finalize maternity leave plan
- Write care instructions for pet sitter
- Find birth photographer
- Buy new toys and treats for dog for when baby comes home
