The Complete To-Do List for the Third Trimester: 16 Things to Complete Before the Baby Arrives

It’s that magical (and slightly chaotic) time when baby kicks feel stronger, nursery projects are half-finished, and your hospital bag is... still just a mental checklist. Whether this is your first or fourth baby, preparing for life with a newborn is both emotional and practical. So, to help you feel less overwhelmed and more grounded, here’s your ultimate third trimester to-do list—packed with real-life, human-centered advice to get you ready for the big day.

First things first: schedule those last prenatal appointments.

As you near the 36-week mark, your visits may ramp up to weekly. These check-ins are key—not just for monitoring baby’s growth, but for discussing birth plans, symptoms, and any fears or questions that pop up (no matter how small they seem).

Next, finalize your birth plan—but keep it flexible. Think of it less as a script and more like a guide. Note your preferences for pain management, who you want in the room, and whether you'd like delayed cord clamping or immediate skin-to-skin. Then tuck it into your hospital bag—but remember: birth is unpredictable, and flexibility is your best friend.

Speaking of the hospital bag... pack it. Around 34–36 weeks is ideal. Include essentials like comfy clothes, nursing bras, snacks, chargers, toiletries, and clothes for baby. Pro tip: bring your own pillow and a long phone charger. Hospitals aren’t known for their outlet convenience.

Now’s also a great time to wash baby’s clothes, sheets, and swaddles.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent and do a load or two at a time. Those tiny socks add up fast—and yes, they will disappear in the dryer like magic.

If you haven’t already, install the car seat and get it inspected. It’s not just a checkbox—it’s a safety must. Many fire stations or baby boutiques offer free inspections. And yes, wrangling that base into your back seat is a whole thing, so give yourself time.

Let’s talk nesting: finish the nursery or at least the basics. Diaper station? Check. Crib or bassinet set up? Check. A few baskets for burp cloths, wipes, and swaddles? Done. Don’t stress about Instagram-perfect décor. Function matters more than fluff when you’re half-asleep at 3 a.m.

Prep for postpartum recovery, too. Stock up on big, comfy undies, witch hazel pads, nipple balm, and peri bottles. Postpartum isn’t talked about enough—but healing matters just as much as delivery.

And while you’re stocking up, freeze some meals. 

You’ll be so thankful to have something ready to reheat when cooking feels impossible.

Get your support system in place. Whether it’s your partner, mom, best friend, or a doula—now’s the time to discuss how you’ll share the load. From baby care to dishes, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not meant to do this alone.

Also, figure out how and when to announce baby’s arrival. Set up a text chain, a shared Google doc with email addresses, or pre-write a short message. It saves mental energy when the time comes.

Charge and test all your gear. Baby monitor, white noise machine, breast pump—make sure it’s all in working order. You don’t want to be fumbling with a dead battery when you’re already sleep-deprived.

Don’t forget to pre-register at your hospital or birthing center. It speeds up check-in when labor starts—and no one wants to fill out paperwork mid-contraction.

Organize baby paperwork. Set up a folder for things like birth certificate forms, social security, insurance documents, and pediatrician info. You’ll thank yourself later.

Now’s also the time to brush up on newborn care. Take a class or watch a few videos on diapering, bathing, and soothing. Even if it’s not your first baby, a refresher never hurts.

And if you’re planning to breastfeed, get familiar with your breast pump and schedule a lactation consultant appointment. Many insurance plans cover this, and support early on makes a huge difference.

Lastly—and maybe most importantly—slow down and savor this time. Take bump pictures. Journal how you're feeling. Go on one last date night or solo walk. Yes, there’s a lot to do, but your third trimester is also a sacred, fleeting season. There’s no such thing as being “fully ready,” but there is such a thing as being present. Trust yourself. You’re doing better than you think.