Third Trimester Checklist: What to Do Before Baby Arrives
The third trimester is a funny season.
One moment it feels like you still have plenty of time. The next, you're counting down the weeks and wondering how there is still so much left to do before your baby arrives.
Between nesting, appointments, washing tiny clothes, and trying to get comfortable enough to sleep, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the growing mental load.
The good news? You don't need everything to be perfect.
This checklist is designed to help you focus on the things that truly matter before your little one arrives, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up these final weeks of pregnancy.
1. Pack Your Hospital Bag
If there's one task you'll be glad you've ticked off early, it's packing your hospital bag.
Most hospitals recommend having your bag packed by around 35–36 weeks, just in case your little one decides to make an early appearance.
If you haven't started yet, I've put together a practical guide on What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag to help you feel prepared without overpacking.
2. Install Your Car Seat
You don't want your first experience with the car seat to be in the hospital car park while running on two hours of sleep.
Book your car seat installation ahead of time and take a little time to learn how it works before baby arrives.
It may seem straightforward now, but you'll thank yourself later.
3. Wash and Organise Baby Clothes
There is something incredibly special about folding tiny baby clothes.
Wash your baby's clothing, wraps, sheets, and towels using a gentle detergent and organise them in a way that feels practical for you.
Don't worry about creating the perfect Pinterest-worthy nursery.
A baby needs love far more than colour-coordinated drawers.
4. Prepare a Few Freezer Meals
Future you will be very grateful.
The first few weeks with a newborn can feel like a blur of feeding, cuddling, and very little sleep.
Having a handful of ready-made meals tucked away in the freezer can make life significantly easier.
Think:
Pasta bakes
Soups
Curries
Slow cooker meals
Breakfast muffins
Anything that requires minimal effort on tired days is a win.
5. Finalise Your Birth Preferences
Whether you have a detailed birth plan or simply a few preferences you'd like your care team to know, now is a good time to discuss them with your partner and healthcare providers.
Remember, flexibility is key.
Birth doesn't always follow a script, and that's okay.
The goal isn't a perfect birth.
The goal is a healthy mama and baby.
6. Organise Baby Essentials
Before baby arrives, make sure you have the basics ready to go.
This includes:
Nappies
Wipes
Clothing
Swaddles
Bassinet or safe sleeping space
Baby carrier (if using one)
Feeding supplies
You don't need every baby gadget on the market.
In fact, many parents discover they use far less than they originally expected.
7. Book Any Remaining Appointments
The final weeks of pregnancy tend to fill up quickly.
Take a moment to organise:
Hospital appointments
Midwife appointments
Obstetrician appointments
Lactation consultations (if desired)
Any final health checks
Adding them to your calendar now can help avoid last-minute stress.
8. Plan Your Support Network
One of the most valuable things you can do before baby arrives has nothing to do with products.
Think about your people.
Who can help if you need a meal?
Who can walk the dog?
Who can hold the baby while you take a shower?
Who can simply listen when you're having a hard day?
Motherhood was never meant to be done alone.
9. Spend Time With Your Partner
It's easy to become consumed by preparation.
But before your little one arrives, try to intentionally spend time together.
Go out for breakfast.
Take a walk.
Book a weekend away.
Enjoy a date night.
If you're looking for ideas, you might enjoy reading Best Babymoon Destinations Near Sydney for some beautiful local getaway inspiration.
These moments matter too.
10. Rest Without Feeling Guilty
This may be the most important item on the entire checklist.
Rest.
Nap.
Read a book.
Watch a movie.
Put your feet up.
Growing a baby is hard work, even when it looks like you're doing nothing at all.
You don't need to earn rest.
You need it.
Remember: You Don't Need to Be "Ready"
One of the biggest myths surrounding pregnancy is the idea that you'll eventually feel completely prepared.
Most parents don't.
There will always be another item you could buy, another article you could read, or another thing you could organise.
At some point, preparation has to make room for trust.
Trust in yourself.
Trust in your instincts.
Trust that you'll learn what you need to know along the way.
Because while you may not feel ready, you are becoming exactly the parent your baby needs.
Capturing This Beautiful Season Before It Passes
The third trimester can feel long while you're living it, but once your baby arrives, it often feels like it disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Many of the mothers I photograph tell me they almost skipped maternity photos because they felt tired, swollen, or simply too busy preparing for baby.
And yet, these images often become some of their most treasured keepsakes.
If you're currently in your third trimester and would love to document this season before it passes, you can learn more about my Sydney Maternity Photography Sessions here.
Because one day, you'll look back at this chapter and realise just how extraordinary it truly was.
