Things To Do Before Baby Arrives

What You'll Learn Today

• Start preparing for baby's arrival by the third trimester, ideally around 32-36 weeks.
• Set up the nursery, stock up on essentials, and pack your hospital bag before your due date.
• Create a birth plan to communicate your labor and delivery preferences to your care team.
• Take care of practical tasks like finding a pediatrician, installing the car seat, and prepping meals.
• Emotional prep matters too, so lean on your support system, take a class, and talk openly with your partner.
• Flexibility is key: plans change, and that's completely okay.

Your Pre-Baby Checklist at a Glance

Here's a quick overview of the main things to do before baby arrives:

• Create a birth plan and share it with your care team.
• Pack your hospital bag.
• Set up the nursery—crib, changing area, storage, and lighting.
• Stock up on diapers, wipes, and feeding supplies, like bottles or formula.
• Find a pediatrician.
• Install the car seat and have it inspected.
• Prep meals and snacks for the postpartum weeks.
• Take a newborn care or infant CPR class.
• Arrange postpartum support from family or friends.
• Baby-proof your home.
• Wash and organize baby clothes and gear.
• Set up a baby monitor.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

It’s the big day, and knowing what to do before your baby comes can make you feel confident and ready.

What Should You Do Before Going Into Labor?

Having a hospital bag packed should be at the top of your baby prep checklist.

Staying hydrated, eating well, and taking time to relax can also help you feel prepared. Light exercise (with your doctor’s approval), like walking or prenatal yoga, can be beneficial.¹

Finally, make sure you’re staying up-to-date on recommended check-ups and prenatal screenings to monitor your health and your baby’s.

Should You Make a Birth Plan?

Yes, a birth plan lets you communicate what you want to happen during labor and delivery, including pain management, support during labor, and immediate post-birth care.

Be flexible, as things don’t always go as planned, but having these decisions in writing can give you peace of mind.

Setting Up the Nursery Before Baby Arrives

Getting the nursery ready is one of the most satisfying things to do before a newborn arrives—and one of the most practical.

What to Have Ready in the Nursery Before Baby Comes?

Creating a cozy, organized nursery room for your baby can make all the difference. Here’s what to have ready before baby comes:

• A safe sleep space, including a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.
• A changing area with a changing table or mat with diapers, wipes, and diaper cream.
• Drawers or bins.
• A feeding chair or glider.
• Soft lighting, like a dim nightlight or lamp.
• Blackout curtains.

It can also help to baby-proof your home ahead of time, but this can also wait until around the time your baby starts getting ready to move around.

Stocking Up on Baby Essentials

Part of your to-do list before baby arrives should include stocking up on things you’ll need right after birth.

What Should I Pack in My Hospital Bag for Labor?

You don’t need a ton of stuff in your hospital bag. Here’s your hospital pre-baby checklist:

• Comfortable clothes for labor and recovery
• Toiletries and skincare basics
• Snacks for labor (check your hospital's policy)
• Phone, charger, and any entertainment
• Copies of your birth plan
• Insurance card and hospital paperwork
• Two to three newborn outfits
• A swaddle blanket
• A going-home outfit
• Infant car seat
• Feeding supplies: bottles, a breast pump if breastfeeding, and infant formula if you plan to use it or supplement
• Burp cloths and bibs

Emotional and Lifestyle Preparation for Parenthood

Knowing how to prepare for a baby is important, but don’t neglect yourself. Your baby prep checklist should include some grounding items to ease your transition to parenthood.

How Can You Prepare Mentally and Emotionally for a Baby?

Here’s how to prepare for a newborn mentally and emotionally:

• Take a class. Newborn care, infant CPR, and breastfeeding classes are all worth your time.
• Talk it through with your partner. Have honest conversations about sleep schedules, feeding responsibilities, and how you'll handle those first exhausting weeks.
• Build your support system. Think about who can bring meals, help with older kids or pets, or just keep you company during those long early days at home.
• Stay active and rested. Light exercise like walking or prenatal yoga (with your doctor's approval), balanced meals, and as much sleep as you can get now will help you feel more ready physically and mentally.
• Set realistic expectations. Even if you’ve designed a Pinterest-perfect nursery, you can never plan for how your little one will feed or sleep during those first few months. The parents who feel most prepared are often the ones who've made peace with not being able to control every variable.

Additional To-Dos Before Baby Arrives

You’ve got this! But just in case you’re still worried, here are a few additional things to do before your newborn arrives:

• Install the car seat
• Make your first pediatrician appointment
• Prep meals so you’ll have food ready to go for the first few weeks
• Organize support so you don’t get overwhelmed
• Set up a baby monitor
• Review your insurance and parental leave details

Be Fully Prepared for Baby’s Arrival with Enfamil Family Beginnings

When it comes to preparing for your baby, every bit of support helps. Join Enfamil Family Beginnings^® to access expert parenting tips, product discounts, and rewards designed to make this journey easier. Start your parenting journey with confidence—Enfamil is here for you every step of the way!

References:

1. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy↗