What to Prepare Before Baby Arrives: A Third-Trimester Postpartum Checklist
Estimated read time: 5 minsWhat I wish I’d known before my first baby
Pretty much all my third-trimester nesting centred around preparing for my baby. I hadn't given much thought to how I would physically recover from labour. I wish I'd thought further than buying tiny babygros off Vinted and installing the car seat (which was surprisingly difficult the first time!).
Setting up the practical support that protects your own recovery is also very worthwhile. A few simple decisions in your third trimester can save you from hunting for maternity pads, clean underwear, or something nourishing to eat when you are sore, exhausted, and learning how to care for a newborn.
Did you know?
Only 1 in 20 babies will arrive on their due date. The NHS recommends having your hospital bag ready at least 3 weeks before due date. So aim to have it packed by around 36–37 weeks of pregnancy. Depending on your circumstances you may wish to have it packed sooner, for instance, if you are expecting twins/multiples, have a history of premature delivery, or live far from your hospital. 1
Download the free third-trimester checklist
Use this practical checklist to prepare your hospital bag, recovery supplies, and support network without feeling overwhelmed.
Get the free checklistThe goal isn't to build a 'perfect' postpartum plan. Birth experiences, feeding, and sleep are naturally unpredictable. Preparation is about making your life easier, e.g. by putting what you need, and who you need, within easy reach.
What should I prepare in my third trimester?
It really helps to have a realistic plan focused on your recovery and day-to-day survival in the early weeks after birth. While lots of pregnancy checklists focus a lot on baby, you are also important. Looking after yourself means you'll be in a better position to care for your baby. Think about your physical recovery, spaces at home for feeding and rest, and tasks you can delegate to friends and family.
There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Your physical needs will differ depending on whether you have a vaginal birth, assisted delivery, or caesarean section. Filter this list through what makes sense for your personal home and family setup.
Why preparing for recovery matters
The first few days at home bring rapid physical changes: heavy bleeding (lochia), uterine cramping, breast tenderness, perineal soreness, or abdominal incision pain, all alongside broken sleep and full-time baby care.2 A bit of forward planning cannot eliminate every challenge, but it removes decision fatigue when your energy is at its lowest.
Your postpartum preparation checklist
Start with high-absorbency maternity pads, high-waisted cotton knickers (which sit comfortably above caesarean wounds or sore perineums), and loose, soft clothing. Personally, I found disposable underwear more convenient and comfortable for those early days. Front-opening tops or nightdresses make feeding easier.
Breast pads can be useful if you experience leaking as your milk comes in. If you plan to breastfeed, you may also want to have nipple cream available. I found it helpful to have some on the bedside table for after night feeds.1
For vaginal recovery, many women find it helpful to keep a squeeze bottle or peri bottle near the toilet to pour plain warm water over the perineum while passing urine. It dilutes urine to prevent stinging on tears or stitches. Gently pat dry with a clean towel/tissue rather than rubbing.2
Whether your caesarean is planned or unplanned, it helps to prepare ahead. Think about how to reduce repeated bending, reaching and heavy lifting while you recover. Keep frequently used items within easy reach, and arrange help with shopping, housework and lifting heavier items, such as prams.3
Set up one area (a sofa corner or armchair) with a long phone-charging cable (I wish I'd ordered one before my baby arrived!), a large water bottle, snacks, muslins, spare maternity/breast pads, and pillows to support your arms while feeding. Having essentials in arm's reach stops you from constantly having to fetch things while recovering and exhausted.
Set up your baby's crib or Moses basket in your bedroom before labour begins. The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is on their back, on a firm, flat mattress in the same room as you.4
Exhaustion is really tough in those first days. If you feel yourself becoming drowsy while feeding or cuddling your baby, place them on their back in their own clear, firm, flat sleep space as soon as you can. Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.5
Think about, easy to eat, one-handed snacks and pre-cooked freezer meals. When family or visitors ask how to help, invite them to drop off a hot meal or storecupboard staples rather than bought gifts. Pre-cooked meals are the gifts I most valued after having my babies.
Create two small caddies or baskets containing nappies, wipes, muslins, and maternity pads. Keep one downstairs and one upstairs so you aren't trekking up and down stairs multiple times a day.
Instead of a vague rule to "ask for help," assign specific tasks to specific people before baby arrives. For example: assign a friend to run school drops, a family member to bring dinner, or a partner/relative to handle laundry loads.
Keep your community midwife team, triage maternity unit, health visitor, and GP numbers saved in your phone contacts or written on the fridge. Write down any questions as you think of them for your 6-8 week postnatal check.6
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Aim to have your hospital bag packed by 3 weeks before due date. Depending on your circumstances you may wish to have it packed sooner, for instance, if you are expecting twins/multiples, have a history of premature delivery, or live far from your hospital.1
Do I need specialist postpartum recovery products?
No expensive gadgets required. Simple items like thick maternity pads, high-waisted cotton underwear, a water squeeze bottle and your favourite easy snacks are sensible essentials. Always check with your pharmacist or GP before using topical medicated sprays or unverified supplements.
How do I prepare if I plan to breastfeed?
Ensure you have comfortable seating, a supportive pillow, breast pads, and water nearby. Remember that infant feeding is a learned skill for both you and baby; if you experience persistent pain or nipple damage, contact your midwife or local infant feeding team early for a positioning check. Don't be disheartened if it's not easy or intuitive, I found it a really hard skill to learn and needed lots of support from the midwives and health visitor to get going.
What extra steps should I take for a caesarean recovery?
Focus on avoiding strain on your core. Place your baby's changing pad and crib at waist height, prepare high-waisted underwear that rests above your scar line, and arrange dedicated support for driving, housework, and heavy lifting during the first 6 weeks.3
How can I tell the difference between baby blues and postnatal depression?
Postnatal depression or anxiety can begin during pregnancy or at any point in the first year after birth. Unlike baby blues, symptoms may not settle on their own within two weeks. Always seek help sooner if symptoms are severe, worsening or difficult to cope with.7
Should I prepare for every possible birth or recovery scenario?
Trying to prepare for every possible scenario can feel overwhelming. Focus on the basic essentials, set up your support network and keep important contact numbers handy. You can adapt your plans as you learn what you and your baby need.
Make the final weeks of pregnancy a little calmer
Download our free third-trimester checklist to prepare your home and recovery essentials step-by-step.
Get the free checklistFurther reading & resources
NHS Hospital Bag Checklist — Essential items for birth, baby, and birth partner.
NHS Early Postnatal Days — Guide to recovery, health visits, and early feeding.
NHS Safe Sleep Guidance — Evidence-based reduced risk of SIDS.
NHS 6-Week Postnatal Check — What to expect at your post-birth checkup.
