Ah, the third trimester is finally here! You’re probably feeling a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and maybe even a bit of panic. Your belly’s stretched to its limits, sleep feels like a distant memory, and the countdown to meeting your little one has officially begun.
So, what should you be focusing on during these final weeks? We turned to our Real Moms for some advice. We asked them what they were glad they got done and what they wished they had more time for before the baby arrived. Here’s your go-to third-trimester checklist to help you feel as ready as possible!
1. Set Up the Nursery
Whether you’re dreaming of a Pinterest-worthy nursery or setting up a cozy corner in your bedroom, make sure you’ve got the essentials:
- A safe sleeping space (a bedside bassinet is a total game changer for those late-night feedings!)
- A wipeable changing station (diaper changes will be so much easier!)
- Storage for baby clothes, diapers, and wipes (we love the Delta Children Nursery Storage Set for keeping everything organized)
- A comfy chair for those feeding sessions (The DaVinci Glider is so comfortable and supportive)
If you’re feeling extra motivated, go ahead and wash those adorable onesies and organize them by size. Babies grow fast, and having everything ready will save you from scrambling through piles at 3 a.m. If you already have a little one, don’t forget to pull out those sweet outfits you saved!
Real Mom Madison C. shared, ‘I wish I had cleaned my house more thoroughly!’—and honestly, we couldn’t agree more.
If you have the time (and the budget), consider treating yourself to a cleaning service, even if it’s just for high-traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen. A few of my sweet friends surprised me with a cleaning service for my baby shower, and it was such a blessing to have a professionally cleaned home just before my due date!
2. Pack Your Hospital Bag (And Don’t Forget Snacks!)
You’ll want to have your hospital bag packed by 36 weeks, because babies have a mind of their own. Here’s what you’ll actually need:
- For You: Comfortable nursing pajamas, nursing bras, toiletries, flip flops or slippers, a phone charger, nipple butter, a small bedside fan, and lip balm
- For Baby: A few onesies, a going-home outfit, burp cloths, a cozy swaddle blanket, and a cute baby announcement sign
- For Your Partner: Change of clothes, toiletries, and some entertainment
- Extras: Snacks, a large water bottle, and a comfy pillow
Trust me, have your bag packed sooner than you think you’ll need it.
Real Mom Natalie C. says she’s so glad she got everything packed and ready in the third trimester.
Check out our post here for a list of must-haves for you, dad, and baby.
3. Install the Car Seat (Like, Now)
You might not be able to leave the hospital without one, so it’s best to have your car seat ready before the baby arrives. Installing it at 39 weeks is probably not the best plan (trust me, watching YouTube tutorials while having contractions is not the most fun experience). If you’re not sure it’s installed correctly, you can always get it checked at a local fire station or car seat safety event to make sure it’s secure.
Real Mom Pamela T. highly recommends her Evenflo Dualride car seat stroller—installation is a breeze, and it makes heading home from the hospital so much easier.
4. Take a Hospital Tour & Finalize Your Birth Plan
If you haven’t already, try to schedule a hospital tour so you’re not wandering through unfamiliar hallways while in labor. Don’t forget to pre-register at the hospital, either—this will save you from filling out paperwork during contractions. Also, consider writing down a birth plan, but keep it flexible—things don’t always go as expected, and that’s totally okay! Undefining Motherhood offers a great planner called Expecting and Organized—it’s a perfect way to jot down your goals and hopes for your birth.
5. Stock Up on Postpartum Essentials
The postpartum phase can be a bit wild, so it’s good to be prepared. Our Real Moms have shared their must-have postpartum essentials. Make sure you have:
- Pads (Always Discreet Pads– comfy and absorbent)
- Disposable underwear (Frida Mom makes the BEST ones)
- Peri bottle (Frida Mom Peri Bottle – way better than the hospital one!)
- Nipple cream and silver nursing cups if you’re breastfeeding (Frida Cream)
- Freezer meals, easy snacks, and milk support drinks (we love the Upspring Milk flow drink)
These essentials will help make your postpartum days a little smoother!
6. Make Time for Self-Care & Fun
These last few weeks are for you, too!
Real Moms Christina P. and Emilee V. both agree—make some time for self-care in the third trimester.
Schedule a haircut, a massage, a mani-pedi—anything you might not have time for once baby’s here.
When I was in my third trimester, my friend and Real Mom Chelsea B. suggested I get a pedicure, especially since I’d be staring at my toes during labor and delivery (and we love that idea!).
Plus, they say it might even help kickstart labor!
Rest as much as you can, and soak in the excitement of meeting your little one soon.
Real Mom Cheryl B. also recommends investing in a pregnancy body pillow to help with those sleepless third-trimester nights.
Don’t forget about Dad while you’re wrapping up all that third-trimester planning! Plan a special date night to celebrate your pregnancy and enjoy one last night as just the two of you. Some couples love the idea of a babymoon to relax and spend quality time together. The third trimester is actually a great time for a quick weekend getaway—just the two of you! Stay close to home (just in case), and definitely check with your doctor if your due date is coming up soon, but take that time to enjoy a night or two away together!
While the to-do list may feel endless in the third trimester, don’t let it take away from enjoying these last few months of pregnancy. If this is your first, take time to soak in these last few weeks, just the two of you. If you’re already a mom, enjoy these final days as a family of 3, 4, or 5, and make some extra memories with your kiddos before the baby arrives. There will always be more to do and things you wish you’d had time for, but the most important thing is preparing yourself and your family for this new chapter and really being present in these moments. You’ll never feel fully “ready” for a baby, but crossing off a few of these things will help you feel more in control. The third trimester can be tough, but you’ve got this! Soon, you’ll be holding your little bundle of joy, and all that planning and prep will be totally worth it.
If your baby shower is also happening in the third trimester, you can let guests know about all your registries through one place at RegistryFinder.com. You can find other helpful tips and tricks from our Real Moms on our GiveIt blog, including What You Need for Every Stage of Your Baby’s First Year.
