Discover some of the most important items to add to your nesting checklist + check out my FREE printable you can access any time.
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I’m officially in the third trimester and already in nesting mode. This time came faster than expected. It feels like pregnancy has gone so quickly, and although I’ve been super prepared from all my extra planning I still feel like I have a million things to do.
I’m sure you can relate!
So, I thought I would get organized and make a list of all the important things to do in the third trimester to get ready for baby (and prepare for the postpartum period as a mama).
What is nesting?
The nesting instinct is when a mother is in her last few weeks of pregnancy and feels the innate urge to prepare: clean, organize, and even meal prep. Mothers do this to create the most optimal, safe space for their new baby. This sudden surge of energy can motivate them to get it all done just in time for baby’s grand arrival.
Do I have to wait until the third trimester to do all of these things?
Most of the things on my nesting checklist will probably have to wait until the third trimester.
For example, you really can’t prep freezer meals too far in advance because even these have an expiration date. Not all freezer bags/containers and freezers are meant for very long-term storage. You also wouldn’t want to deep clean your home and declutter too far in advance because things will accumulate and get dirty again in the meantime.
However, you can always do other things to prepare for a baby in the meantime…
You can read as many pregnancy, birth, newborn and postpartum books you want. Additionally, you can (and should) create your baby registry and make decisions about who your baby’s medical provider will be. You will have arranged for photography shoots and probably have made at least a general birth plan (preferences). However, these are just general baby preparation tasks…
There are a handful of nesting activities you can start before the last trimester, too:
- Shop for and organize baby items
- Plan and decorate the nursery
- Freezer meal plan (the preparation will wait until later)
The Ultimate Nesting Checklist
Restock the fridge and freezer with extras
Before you restock the fridge it’s best to go through and throw away old foods first. Then sanitize it and organize it so it’s easier to restock.
To restock the fridge, focus on long-term items you can store in the freezer. You can buy frozen veggies and fruits, breads, desserts, convenience meals, meats, and more. If you end up making any freezer meals yourself, you will also need to store them properly in the freezer. You can even stock the fridge as early as you want with canned/bottled drinks.
Stock up on extra household essentials | nesting checklist
Now is a good time to stock up on toiletries and other household essentials:
- toilet paper
- cotton balls
- paper towels
- paper plates
- deodorant
- shampoo/conditioner
- floss/toothpaste
- face wash
Basically all the essentials you pretty much use every day and won’t want to run to the store for at the last minute. Since these have a long shelf life you can do this months in advance if you want. Just be sure you have an area for storage until then.
Declutter and deep clean your home
When I mean deep clean, I’m not talking about just ordinary daily or weekly cleaning routines. These are a given. I’m talking about those things you usually only do once a season or less.
Deep cleaning tasks:
- Steam clean upholstery, pillows, rugs, curtains, linens/bedding, etc. that can’t go in the washer
- Baseboards and other trim wiped and cleaned
- Windows and windowsills cleaned
- Shower liner replaced and outer shower curtain washed
- Trash cans washed and sanitized
- Dust and vacuum under beds, couches, and other furniture
- Washer and dryer cleaned
- Fridge coils cleaned and HVAC filter changed
- Cabinet doors wiped down
- Inside of oven wiped and cleaned, including racks
- Closets organized and wiped down
- Shampoo carpets and steam clean rugs
Organize nursery | nesting checklist
- Wash and sort baby clothes by size
- Organize the baby’s dresser
- Set up furniture
- Add final touches to decor
- Organize the baby’s closet
- Stock up on diapers and wipes
Wash extra laundry
- Throw blankets
- Pillowcases and slipcovers from pillows on sofas and chairs
- Washable rugs
- Robes
- Cloth diapers, if using (always follow package instructions on prepping cloth diapers; most need to be washed several times before the first use to ensure proper absorbency)
- Crib/bassinet sheets
- Baby clothes
Prepare and store freezer meals and snacks | nesting checklist
Prepare your favorite freezer meals and store them in freezer-safe containers for safe storage. Lactation cookies, energy bites, lasagna, soups/stews, burritos, and waffles are all good recipe ideas that store well when frozen.
Complete a search on Pinterest or Google for some new ideas, but be sure to stick to mostly classics your family loves that are easy for you to throw together in large batches.
Purchase and organize postpartum care products in the bathroom and/or bedside
It’s important to prepare for yourself too. I’m stocking up a bedside cart that will have some baby essentials–but with important essentials for me, too, when I’ll be resting and recovering the first couple of weeks.
Organize baby essentials in a cart or on a nearby side table for the first few weeks | nesting checklist
It is important to set up some stations around your home for the first weeks postpartum. It’s a good idea to have items you’ll need for frequent diaper changes and feedings available to you. Stock wipes, diapers, bottles, burp cloths, pumps, etc. near your bed and anywhere else in your home where you’ll be feeding and changing diapers frequently.
Pack diaper and hospital bags
This is super important to be organized in case you have to rush off in a hurry. Especially if it’s not your first baby. You’ll need essentials for mom, baby, and for your partner.
On the other hand, labor can be long and your stay after birth can be 2 or more days. Always be prepared with all the essentials.
Deep clean car and install car seat | nesting checklist
Yes, you should probably deep clean your car, too. Baby will be traveling with you to appointments, family gatherings, and when coming home from the hospital. They’ll probably go out with you on errands once you get settled into a good routine, too.
Deep clean by wiping/dusting everything, shampooing, vacuuming, and cleaning windows.
Create a baby first aid/care kit for home and car
Prepare a baby care kit for car rides so you’ll always have extras ready when you need them:
- swaddles
- pacifiers
- wipes
- diapers
- bottles
You can’t always predict when and where an accident will happen. It’s good to be prepared in the event that it does happen though. DIY a first-aid kit or purchase a pre-made one online or in store.
RELAX!
Don’t forget to take some time to relax and spend time with your partner before baby arrives. You’ve earned it!
Safety Tips for Nesting | nesting checklist
Always use non-toxic cleaning products over harsh chemicals when cleaning while pregnant. Opt for natural alternatives, but if you can’t avoid chemicals ask someone with help cleaning, wear protective gloves and clothing, and always have plenty of ventilation.
When deep cleaning, be careful not to climb ladders, overreach, or lift anything too heavy.
If this long list is overwhelming, you don’t have to follow all of these. Pick the ones most essential for you and your home. Divide and conquer cleaning the house with your partner. Ask a family member for help preparing freezer meals. Don’t do it all alone.
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