The final weeks of pregnancy bring equal parts excitement and nerves. You’re about to meet your baby, but the growing to-do list can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to prepare before giving birth helps you feel ready instead of scrambling at the last minute.
This guide covers everything you need to know about preparing for baby, from packing your hospital bag to setting up your home and getting emotionally ready for labor.
When Should You Start Preparing for Baby?
Most parents begin serious preparations during the third trimester, around 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. This timing gives you enough energy to tackle tasks while ensuring everything’s ready before your due date. It’s also an ideal period to join pregnancy yoga classes, which help improve flexibility, manage back pain, reduce anxiety, and prepare your body for labor through guided breathing and relaxation techniques.
Some babies arrive early, so having essentials in place by week 36 is smart. Pack your hospital bag, install the car seat, and set up the nursery by this time.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, you should have your car seat installed before your due date since hospitals won’t release you without one. Many fire departments and certified technicians offer free car seat inspections to ensure proper installation.
Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack
Your hospital bag should be ready to grab three to four weeks before your due date. Babies follow their own schedule, not yours.
For Mom
Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothes since your body needs time to heal. Bring:
- Photo ID and insurance cards
- Birth plan copies (if you have one)
- Phone charger
- Comfortable slippers with non-slip soles
- Nursing bras or loose tank tops
- Going-home outfit (maternity-sized, not pre-pregnancy)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hair ties)
- Sanitary pads designed for postpartum bleeding
- Comfortable underwear you don’t mind throwing away
For Baby
The Texas Children’s Hospital recommends keeping baby’s hospital bag simple:
- Car seat (already installed in your vehicle)
- Going-home outfit in newborn and 0-3 month sizes
- Warm hat (babies lose most body heat through their heads)
- Receiving blankets for swaddling
- Mittens to prevent scratching
Most hospitals provide diapers, wipes, and basic toiletries for newborns during your stay. Call ahead to confirm what’s supplied so you don’t overpack.
For Your Birth Partner
Your partner needs their own essentials:
- Change of clothes
- Snacks and drinks
- Phone charger
- Entertainment (books, tablet)
- Toiletries
- Comfortable shoes
Labor can last hours or even days. Having snacks and comfort items keeps your partner nearby instead of making multiple cafeteria trips.
Emotional Preparation for Baby: Managing Fear and Anxiety
Physical preparation gets most of the attention, but your mental state matters just as much. Research published in PMC shows that women who fear childbirth experience labor that averages 47 minutes longer than women who aren’t anxious. Managing stress during pregnancy is also important for postnatal recovery and establishing healthy breast feeding positions, as emotional well-being directly influences hormone balance, milk production, and feeding confidence after delivery.
Understanding Common Fears
Fear around childbirth is completely normal. Common concerns include:
- Fear of pain during labor
- Worry about complications
- Anxiety about becoming a parent
- Concerns about the baby’s health
Dr. Terrence Carter, a board-certified obstetrician with Orlando Health, notes that struggling through anxiety isn’t the way to go. Women with pregnancy anxiety face higher risks of postpartum depression and mood disorders.
Practical Ways to Reduce Anxiety
Take childbirth education classes. Classes offered by Mom’s Preg Ladder and similar programs teach breathing techniques, pain management strategies, and what to expect during each stage of labor. Knowledge replaces fear.
Practice mindfulness and meditation. Research shows that meditation safely reduces anxiety and stress for both mother and baby. According to Headspace, meditation decreases stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline while increasing endorphins, which help with pain relief during childbirth.
Build your support team. Talk to your partner, doctor, midwife, or a therapist about your fears. Having people you trust makes a huge difference. Mom’s Preg Ladder offers one-on-one consultations specifically designed to address your concerns and prepare you emotionally for birth.
Stay physically active. Prenatal yoga helps reduce stress, improves flexibility, and teaches breathing techniques you’ll use during labor. Studies show prenatal yoga can reduce labor pain and shorten childbirth duration.
Creating a Birth Plan
A birth plan outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. Think of it as a conversation starter, not a contract. Include:
- Your preferences for pain management
- Who you want in the delivery room
- Skin-to-skin contact preferences
- Feeding plans (breastfeeding or formula)
- Interventions you want to avoid if possible
Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider well before your due date. Being flexible is key since birth rarely goes exactly as planned.
Newborn Essentials Checklist: Setting Up Your Home
You don’t need every baby product on the market. Focus on items you’ll use daily during those first few weeks.
Sleep Essentials
Crib or bassinet. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing (baby sleeps in parents’ room) for the first six months to reduce SIDS risk. Your baby needs their own sleep surface with:
- Firm, flat mattress
- Fitted sheet (nothing else in the crib)
- No pillows, blankets, or bumpers
Swaddles or sleep sacks. Newborns sleep better when swaddled. Choose options with Velcro for easy midnight changes.
Sound machine. White noise mimics the womb environment and helps babies sleep longer.
Feeding Supplies
Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you’ll need:
- Burp cloths (at least 12 since babies spit up frequently)
- Bibs
- Nursing pillow (if breastfeeding)
- Bottles and nipples (if formula feeding or pumping)
- Breast pump (if planning to pump)
Mom’s Preg Ladder offers breastfeeding classes that cover latch techniques, positioning, and troubleshooting common issues. Learning these skills before birth helps you feel more confident.
Diapering Supplies
According to Huggies, newborns go through 10 to 12 diapers per day. Stock up on:
- Newborn diapers (but not too many since babies grow fast)
- Size 1 diapers
- Baby wipes (fragrance-free for sensitive skin)
- Diaper rash cream
- Changing pad
- Diaper caddy or organizer
Clothing
Babies need practical, comfortable clothes. Get:
- 6-8 onesies (mix of newborn and 0-3 month sizes)
- 4-6 sleepers or footie pajamas
- 4 pairs of socks or booties
- 2-3 hats
- Mittens to prevent face scratching
Wash all baby clothes in gentle, fragrance-free detergent before your baby arrives.
Bath and Health Items
- Baby bathtub or bath support
- Soft washcloths and hooded towels
- Gentle baby soap and shampoo
- Nail clippers or scissors with rounded tips
- Rectal thermometer (most accurate for newborns)
- Bulb syringe for clearing baby’s nose
Pediatricians stress the importance of having a rectal thermometer ready. Fever in a newborn can be a medical emergency.
Last Minute Baby To-Dos Before Your Due Date
The final weeks before birth involve tying up loose ends:
Week 36-37:
- Install car seat and get it inspected
- Pre-register at your hospital or birthing center
- Fill any prescriptions you might need
- Stock your freezer with easy meals
- Deep clean your house (or hire help)
- Wash and organize all baby clothes and linens
Week 38-40:
- Keep your gas tank at least half full
- Have emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Know your route to the hospital (and backup routes)
- Arrange pet care and childcare for older children
- Put hospital bags in the car
- Get as much rest as possible
Preparing Your Home Environment
Before baby arrives, create a calm, organized space:
- Set up multiple diaper changing stations (bedroom, living room)
- Keep nighttime feeding supplies within reach of your bed
- Install blackout curtains in the nursery for better sleep
- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
- Baby-proof electrical outlets if you have older children or pets
Norton Children’s Hospital recommends focusing on immediate safety measures first. You don’t need baby gates or cabinet locks until your baby starts crawling around six months.
Taking Care of Yourself: Postpartum Planning
Preparing for baby includes planning for your own recovery. Most women stay in the hospital 24 hours after vaginal delivery and 2-3 days after a C-section.
Postpartum essentials:
- Comfortable, high-waisted underwear
- Postpartum pads (regular pads won’t be enough)
- Peri bottle for cleaning
- Witch hazel pads
- Stool softener
- Pain relief medication (approved by your doctor)
Support system: Ask friends and family for specific help:
- Meal delivery
- Grocery shopping
- Light housework
- Holding the baby so you can shower or nap
Consider joining Mom’s Preg Ladder’s postpartum support groups or taking their newborn care classes before delivery. Learning baby care basics now prevents middle-of-the-night panic.
Final Thoughts on Preparing for Baby
Preparing for baby involves more than buying cute outfits and painting the nursery. Physical preparation, emotional readiness, and practical planning work together to help you feel confident when labor begins. Practicing prenatal yoga asans such as breathing-focused poses, gentle stretches, and relaxation techniques can improve flexibility, reduce stress, support pelvic strength, and prepare both body and mind for childbirth.
Start early, focus on essentials first, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Taking childbirth education classes through programs like Mom’s Preg Ladder gives you the knowledge and support you need for a positive birth experience.
Remember that every birth journey is unique. Stay flexible, trust your body, and know that you’re more ready than you think.
FAQs About Preparing for Baby
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Pack your hospital bag between weeks 32 and 36 of pregnancy. Keep it in an easily accessible spot like your car trunk or by the front door. Labor can start anytime during the final weeks, so being prepared early reduces stress when contractions begin.
What are the absolute must-haves for a newborn?
The bare essentials include a car seat, safe sleep space (crib or bassinet with firm mattress), diapers and wipes, basic clothing, feeding supplies (bottles or nursing bras), and a few receiving blankets. Everything else can be purchased after you see what your baby needs and prefers.
How can I emotionally prepare for childbirth if I’m feeling anxious?
Take childbirth education classes to understand what happens during labor. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. Build a strong support team including your partner, doctor, and trusted friends. Consider talking to a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health if anxiety feels overwhelming.
Do I need to set up a nursery before the baby arrives?
While a decorated nursery is nice, it’s not essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies sleep in their parents’ room for at least six months. Focus on having a safe sleep space ready in your bedroom and basic supplies organized wherever you’ll spend the most time with your baby.
What should I do in the final week before my due date?
Confirm your hospital bag is packed and in the car. Make sure your car seat is properly installed. Stock your pantry with easy meals and snacks. Keep your phone charged and gas tank full. Rest as much as possible. Have your birth partner’s contact information saved where you can easily access it when labor starts.
