Preparing for Your Newborn in the Third Trimester: Top Tips & Hacks for Expecting Moms
Estimated Read Time: 8-10 minutes
The third trimester is an exciting, emotional, and often overwhelming time for expecting moms. With your baby’s arrival just weeks away, you might find yourself full of anticipation, nervousness, and a never-ending to-do list. Preparing for a newborn goes beyond setting up the nursery—it’s about ensuring you have everything in place to make the transition to motherhood as smooth as possible.
To help ease your mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide with top tips and hacks to get you ready for your baby’s arrival.
1. Get Your Hospital Bag Ready
Packing your hospital bag ahead of time ensures you’re prepared when labor begins. Ideally, have it packed by week 36 so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
✔ Essentials for You:
- Comfortable robe and slippers
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Maternity pads or adult diapers
- Toiletries (dry shampoo, face wipes, lip balm)
- Loose, comfy going-home outfit
- Phone charger with a long cord
- Due Date Prep snacks (for nourishment and energy)
✔ Essentials for Baby:
- Newborn onesies and a going-home outfit
- Swaddle blankets
- Diapers & wipes (hospitals provide some, but extras help)
- Infant car seat (installed and ready)
✔ For Your Partner:
- Change of clothes
- Snacks and drinks
- Camera or phone for capturing those first moments
💡 Hack: Place all essentials in Ziploc bags labeled "For Baby," "For Mom," and "For Partner" so everything is easy to grab.
2. Set Up Baby’s Sleep Space
Newborns sleep A LOT (but in short bursts). Whether you’re using a bassinet, crib, or bedside sleeper, have it assembled and ready.
✔ Must-Have Sleep Items:
- A firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet
- No loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals (for safe sleep)
- White noise machine to soothe your newborn
- Swaddles or sleep sacks
💡 Hack: Keep extra fitted crib sheets under the mattress so if there’s a middle-of-the-night mess, you can quickly change them without hunting for clean sheets.
3. Prepare for Late-Night Feedings
Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, having a dedicated feeding station will make those nighttime wake-ups smoother.
✔ For Breastfeeding Moms:
- Nursing pillow for support
- Nipple cream (lanolin or coconut oil)
- Haakaa pump or electric breast pump
- Breast milk storage bags
✔ For Formula-Feeding Moms:
- Baby bottles (start with 4-5)
- Formula dispenser (pre-measured for quick access)
- Bottle sterilizer or hot water method
💡 Hack: Keep a small cooler with ice packs by your bedside for pre-made formula or pumped breast milk to avoid trips to the kitchen at night.
4. Stock Up on Baby Essentials
You don’t need everything, but having a few essentials will make those first few weeks much easier.
✔ Diapering Must-Haves:
- Newborn diapers (but don’t overbuy; babies outgrow them fast)
- Wipes (fragrance-free & hypoallergenic)
- Diaper rash cream
- Changing pad and disposable liners
✔ Baby Clothing Basics:
- 6-8 onesies (both long and short-sleeved)
- 4-5 zip-up sleepers (avoid snap closures—too tedious at 2 AM!)
- Mittens and socks (to prevent scratching)
💡 Hack: Store diapers and wipes everywhere—near the bed, in the living room, and in the diaper bag.
5. Meal Prep & Household Planning
Cooking with a newborn? Nearly impossible. Take some time now to prep easy meals for those hectic postpartum weeks.
✔ Meal Prep Ideas:
- Freeze meals (soups, casseroles, pasta sauces)
- Stock up on quick snacks (granola bars, fruit, protein shakes)
- Buy pre-cut fruits and veggies
✔ Household Tips:
- Run a deep clean now so you won’t stress later
- Set up Amazon Subscribe & Save for essentials (diapers, wipes, household items)
- Create a chore list for your partner or visitors who offer to help
💡 Hack: Use paper plates and disposable cutlery for the first few weeks to cut down on dishwashing.
6. Educate Yourself on Newborn Care
If this is your first baby, learning basic newborn care will help you feel more confident.
✔ Newborn Topics to Learn:
- How to swaddle properly
- Baby’s hunger cues (rooting, sucking on hands)
- How to give a newborn bath
- Soothing techniques (white noise, gentle rocking)
💡 Hack: Save quick-reference infographics on your phone about baby sleep, feeding, and diaper changes.
7. Set Up a Postpartum Recovery Plan
Your recovery matters just as much as your baby’s well-being. Having a plan in place will help you heal faster.
✔ Postpartum Care Must-Haves:
- Peri bottle for soothing after vaginal birth
- Cooling pads and witch hazel
- Postpartum belly wrap for core support
- Lactation supplements if breastfeeding
💡 Hack: Create a "Mom Care Kit" in the bathroom with everything you need for recovery so it’s always within reach.
8. Line Up Support & Self-Care
You don’t have to do this alone! Ask for help and take care of yourself too.
✔ Build Your Support Team:
- Set up meal trains with friends & family
- Ask a friend to check in on you postpartum
- Consider hiring a postpartum doula if needed
✔ Self-Care for New Moms:
- Take short, daily showers to feel refreshed
- Rest whenever possible—sleep when baby sleeps
- Drink plenty of water (especially if breastfeeding)
💡 Hack: Keep a big water bottle with a straw by your nursing chair to stay hydrated easily.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a newborn in the third trimester can feel overwhelming, but taking small steps now will help you feel more confident and prepared for your baby’s arrival.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. Not everything will go perfectly, and that’s okay. Trust your instincts, take care of yourself, and enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy.