you are just weeks away from meeting your little one. This is such an exciting time but can also be a stressful one since there is a lot to get done before you deliver your baby.
The third trimester is the time to wrap everything up and finish your baby to do list. Before now you might have worked on things here and there but now that you are in your last trimester there are some things to finish up.
The ultimate third-trimester checklist is a simple list of some things to complete before your and your baby’s big day.
You don’t have to finish your baby checklist all in one day make sure to pace yourself. This is such an exciting time as the countdown to your baby’s arrival is closer than ever.
Sleep
This is a good time to get as much sleep as you can. When your little bundle of joy arrives your sleep is limited. During the third trimester your body is already exhausted and even though sleeping is uncomfortable getting as much as you can now is important.
Spend Time With Your Loved Ones
You are only a few weeks away from welcoming your baby so spend this time with your loved one. This is the only time you will ever really be alone together so snuggle and watch a movie, go on walks and just enjoy this time with each other.
Start Packing Your Hospital Bags
If you haven’t already the third trimester is the time to get those hospital bags pack for you, the baby and your significant other. Make sure you have all the essential things that you will need for labor and for your stay in the hospital.
“THERE IS NO WAY TO BE A PERFECT MOTHER…BUT A MILLION WAYS TO BE A GOOD ONE.”
Birth Plan
Birth plans are important, they let those who are delivering your baby know what you want or don’t want to happen during labor and afterward. That way you don’t have to talk during labor because what you want will all be the birth plan.
Finishing Touches On The Nursery
Hopefully, the nursery is almost done by now. Take this time to add the finishing touches by organizing the baby’s clothes, making sure the baby’s clothes get washed, if your baby is sleeping in your room either have a bassinet or pack n’ play set up. Before you know it your little one will be home with you and it is important to have things ready for when you arrive home.
Finishing Up The Birthing Class
If you have taken a birthing class this is the time to finish up with that. Once the class is over until you go into labor make sure to practice what the class taught so on the day of your delivery you will be well prepared.
“WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU INTEND TO GIVE BIRTH YOUR EXPERIENCE WILL IMPACT YOUR EMOTIONS, YOUR MIND, YOUR BODY AND, YOUR SPIRIT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE”
Start Lining Up Helpers
Having a newborn is no easy task. With the late nights, feedings and lack of sleep having a few helping hands around is a lifesaver. Don’t feel bad to ask others to help, you just had a baby and until you and your baby get on a schedule having help from others helps you get adjusted to your new life with your baby.
Install The Car Seat
You can not leave the hospital without a car seat. When labor starts the focus is on you. Make sure you have your car seat all ready to go in the car so it is just one last thing you have to think about.
Postpartum Kit
A fun thing to do is to assemble a postpartum kit and begin to gather supplies you will need for postpartum.
Here are some examples of what to add to your kit:
- Nursing Bras
- Pads
- Nipple Cream
- Ice Packs
- Stretchy clothes
- Burp Cloths
- Nipple Shields
- Nursing pads
Baby Shower
Baby Showers are such a fun time during the third trimester. This is the time where you will get if not all but most of the supplies, clothes, and accessories that you will need for you and your baby. Wait until after your baby shower to buy things that you did not receive.
Stock Up
After having a baby you will not want to go shopping. Use this time to stock up on the essentials such as toilet paper, food, put together freezer meals, wipes, paper towels, laundry detergent, and anything else you will need during your time of recovery.
Download Contraction Timer
Contraction timers help to keep track of how often you have one and how long. When you are in the early stages of labor your contractions will be far apart and won’t last long but as you progress they will become closer and last longer. Keeping track will help you know when a good time to head to the hospital.
The third trimester is full of excitement, nervousness, and impatience. Take time to slow down and to not stress over what is not done and when your baby will arrive. Enjoy this last bit before your life changes for the better.
Make Freezer Meals
Freezer meals saved my life! after you have a baby you don’t have much energy to even make dinner. Having freezer meals on hand is simple, easy and saves you time! You can easily find great freezer meal recipes on Pinterest and prepare them ahead of time.
Your third trimester is a good time to make and freeze meals since you have more energy than you probably did during your first and second trimester. Don’t feel like you need to make a freezer meals all day. Make one or two a week and if you feel like it do more!
As you can see there is a lot to finish up before your baby comes. I was so overwhelmed because I wanted to make sure that I had everything ready and perfect.
But to help you not get overwhelmed or stress out I created the perfect third-trimester checklist that you can use to mark things off!
And remember to take things one day at a time and don’t feel bad to ask for help!
Let me know in the comments below any other ideas you have. I would love to hear them!
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