Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

Before Baby Arrives: The Third-Trimester To-Do List

The baby gear gets all the attention. These are the tasks that make the first weeks calmer.

Medical and hospital

☐ Pre-register at the hospital or birth center
☐ Choose a pediatrician
☐ Pack the hospital bag by about week 35–36
☐ Know the route, parking and which entrance to use at night

Car seat

☐ Install the rear-facing car seat
☐ Have it checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (often free; NHTSA has a locator)

Work and money

☐ Ask HR about parental leave, FMLA, short-term disability and your state's paid leave program, if any
☐ Submit leave paperwork early and write down the dates
☐ Ask how and when to add the baby to your health insurance
☐ Review your budget for childcare, diapers and lower pay during leave

Home

☐ Set up a safe sleep space (crib or bassinet, firm flat mattress, fitted sheet)
☐ Wash a few newborn outfits and sheets
☐ Stock diapers, wipes and basic supplies
☐ Freeze some meals
☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

People

☐ Decide who can visit and when
☐ Make a help plan: meals, older kids, pets
☐ Arrange care for older children and pets for the birth

Paperwork

☐ Decide on a name (and its spelling!) for the birth certificate
☐ Read through the newborn paperwork checklist

General information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

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