How I’m Prepping for Baby in My Third Trimester

Third trimester baby prep . . . 

I can’t believe we’re in the final countdown, and Little Sister will be here in just a few short months. Since Mary Jane came six weeks early, I’m mentally + physically preparing as much as possible in advance. You never really know what is going to happen. Babies tend to have a schedule of their very own.

Luckily, I managed to check most of these things off my list before Mary Jane came prematurely (you can read about it here). The transition into motherhood wasn’t easy, and I was SO glad I started getting ready well in advance. Once the third trimester hits, these five things will forever be at the top of my to-do list.

Schedule Maternity/Family Photos

After talking with a few of my photographer friends, they recommended scheduling maternity photos around 30 weeks. It tends to be the perfect point in pregnancy–your belly is big enough and you can still move/pose without too much discomfort. Plus, it’s nice to have these photos in your photographer’s editing que before baby comes. Chances are, you’ll want to share a few of these on social media to celebrate the big day.

Book Pre-Baby Beauty Appointments

Pamper yourself now because you won’t have time for it later. Get your hair trimmed, enjoy a massage or treat yourself to a much deserved pedicure. These simple moments of self-care will go a long way when your future self is feeling overwhelmed and sleep deprived.

Do the Laundry Now

I’m a big fan of doing it now so I don’t have to frantically do it later. This means washing ALL those teeny, tiny baby clothes you’ve gotten as gifts. I also like to wash any baby blankets, toys/stuffed animals and bedding ahead of time. Once your little one arrives, you’ll have enough laundry to do as is. The last thing you want to do is fuss about not having enough bedsheets clean.

Psst! I love using Deft laundry detergent because it’s hypoallergenic AKA safe for sensitive baby skin. We stock up via Amazon on Stage 1 + Stage 2 formulas.

Make Plans for Date Night

I can’t stress this enough. Dress up, and go on a celebratory date. I’m hoping to squeeze in a romantic Italian dinner for two before Little Sister arrives. (This means I’ll also need to schedule a babysitter for Mary Jane.) But the effort on my end will definitely be worth it!

Pack the Hospital Bag + Finalize Birth Plan

Yes, you really should do this now. I recommend packing yourself a few practical things like cozy pajamas, warm socks, slide on sandals (that can double as shower shoes), a pretty robe, travel size toiletries, an outfit to wear home, my camera and makeup for a five minute face. For my first delivery, I packed my Belly Bandit to start wearing the day after delivery. It offered so much back support + made me feel 100x more comfortable when I got up to walk around. You’ll want to bring a few things for baby: onesies, cute swaddle blankets, a hat/bow, an outfit to wear home and the carseat.

When it comes to your birth plan, do some research. Decide what you want and what you don’t want re: delivery and your newborn’s care. This how-to is a little lengthy, but it’s packed with helpful tips. (It’s important to realize that sometimes delivery doesn’t go according to plan. Don’t stress. It’ll all be ok.) I’m also going to put together a babysitting plan for Mary Jane–it’ll include her daily routine, meal times + favorite foods, etc.

It’s my second pregnancy, and I’m prepping to be a mother of two under the age of two. Feel free to share your mom-tips with me!

photos by Ashlee Brooke