Getting ready for your baby's arrival

Getting ready for your baby's arrival

You’ve been waiting for what seems like forever, but finally you’re in your third trimester and your baby’s arrival is a few short weeks away.

Wait, what!?  All of a sudden you feel like you’re running out of time to be prepared and that nesting instinct is well and truly kicking in! 

What’s left to do in your third trimester?

• Firstly, if you haven’t packed your hospital bag yet, you definitely need to have that ready now.
• It’s sensible to have a dry run of installing the baby seat in the car.  When it’s time to bring your baby home, you definitely don’t want to be faffing about with instructions.  It’s also a good idea to store the seat in the car from now!
• Stock the freezer.  You are not going to feel like cooking, not to mention have the time, once you bring baby home.  It makes sense to stock up your freezer with pre-portioned meals to last you for at least a couple of weeks after baby arrives.
• Assemble your pram
• Buy a sling.  You’ll probably use a sling much more than you expect - they’re especially useful in the first few weeks.
• Book a pamper session or mini moon.  This is your last chance to be a couple before your baby arrives so take full advantage.  Even if it’s only to book yourself a pampering session at a salon.
• Get a haircut.  It’s harder than you think to have your haircut once you have a baby you needs you 24/7.  Book your trim for just before your due date and that should give you enough time to get into some sort of routine before your next trim is due!
• Finish work.  Tying up all of your loose ends at work is very satisfying - especially when you know you won’t be back for at least a few months.  But it can also be stressful so ask for help at work if you need it.
• Organise sleeping arrangements.  Whether you’ve chosen a moses basket, a next to me or you’re going to co-sleep, having your sleeping arrangement sorted for when you bring your baby home is vital.
• Prepare for your Health Visitor appointment.  Many new mums don’t realise your health visitor now arranges to call to your home to meet you before your baby is born.  They’ll want to have a look at where baby will be sleeping and basically support you to ensure you have everything ready
• Finalise your birth plan.  Of course, you can’t be guaranteed the birth that you hope for, but having a birth plan can help you to stay focused during your labour.
• Book your Newborn Portraits!  If you haven’t done this yet, don’t wait until your baby arrives as I may be fully booked and unable to accommodate you.  Find out how to book your newborn portrait session here.

I hope my list has helped you to tick off the final few ‘to-do’s’ before you baby arrives.  Good luck for the imminent arrival of your baby!