The last month of pregnancy is a crazy time… There is so much anticipation all along the way, and then at 36 weeks, reality sets in! Baby can come at anytime! After two pregnancies, I’ve compiled a list of 15 things to do the last month before baby arrives.
15 Things To Do Your Last Month of Pregnancy
1. Purchase/Install the car seat – Take the car seat out of the box, read the manual, install the base, learn how to work the straps, and schedule a car seat check a month before your due date.
Related post: Car Seat Basics
2. Assemble Baby’s Furniture – You’ll want to have a place for baby to sleep like a bassinet. We use the Arms Reach Clear-Vue Bassinet
Related post: Favorite Baby Products for the Nursery
3. Order Your Free Breast Pump – Most insurance plans cover the purchase of a breast pump for every pregnancy. I went through Aeroflow and was able to get a free Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump Starter Set both times. They sent them out about a month before my due date each time. I registered for the Medela Breastpump Shoulder Bag
4. Stock the Nursery – Have the nursery stocked with diapers
Related post: Diaper Changing Station Essentials
5. Select a Pediatrician – Your nurse at the hospital will ask for the name of your baby’s pediatrician. You will be going for your baby’s first appointment a day or two after you’re both discharged from the hospital and will continue to see the pediatrician quite often through baby’s first year. Some things to consider when selecting a pediatrician include: location, hours, other providers your child may see for sick visits, hospital privileges, insurance, and after-hours policy.
6. Pack your Hospital Bag – You never know when baby is going to come, so it’s best to be prepared for a quick departure.
Related post: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
7. Contact Human Resources about Leave – Where you work and the number of hours you work will determine how much time off you’ll have when you have your baby. Talk with your supervisor and human resources ahead of time to understand how much time off you will have and the paperwork requirements.
8. Schedule a Newborn Photographer – There is nothing like capturing those sweet moments with your newborn in the first few weeks of life. Many newborn photographers book far in advance, so the last month of pregnancy is a good time to secure a photographer who is available near your due date.
9. Send Thank You Notes – Catch up on all of your thank you notes for any gifts you’ve received at showers, etc… After baby comes, you may receive a few more gifts, dinners, and help for which you’ll want to be sure and send out additional notes.
10. Take Pregnancy Pics – These don’t have to be over the top, but you’ll want to be sure and capture your growing bump during the last few weeks… You can just have your hubby snap a few pictures. You’ll be glad to have those memories down the road.
11. Start Writing in the Baby Book – Fill out as much of the info in the book that you can before baby arrives. Also, don’t forget to take it with you to the hospital so that the nurse can get your baby’s footprints and handprints stamped in the book. We purchased the C.R. Gibson Memory Book, Happi Baby Girl
This personalized baby book is on my wish list if we have another child. It’s so cute, and there are so many colors and designs from which to choose. They also have an adorable pregnancy journal where you can keep memories and notes related to your pregnancy. I wish I had this for my first two pregnancies!
12. Develop a Plan for Siblings and Pets During Birth – If you have older children and/or pets, it’s important to have an idea of who will watch them while you’re at the hospital.
13. Develop a Playlist for Your Baby – This is something fun that we did for both of our girls. We combined songs that were popular near their birthdays with sweet songs about daughters, family, etc… Then we played the songs during labor and once we got back home. I like that each has their own playlist to look back on and will see what songs were popular at the time of their birth and the special songs their parents played for them.
14. Go on a date – You’ll probably be spending a lot of time at home after baby arrives recovering and taking care of your sweet little newborn. So, take some time to go on a few dates with your spouse. It’s also a good time to plan something special with your older children since so much of your time will soon be devoted to your newborn.
15. Pamper Yourself – Whatever you can do in the last month to make yourself more comfortable, do it. Get a pedicure, schedule a haircut, or simply try to get some rest.
Freebie! Subscribe below to receive your free Baby Registry Checklist printable sent straight to your inbox.
Expecting? Check out these helpful posts:
- 15+ New Dad Tips for the First Six Weeks at Home with a Newborn
- Newborn Essentials – 25+ Must-Haves for the First Two Weeks
- Favorite Baby Gear & Activities for the First Year
- 5 Reasons to Love the City Select Double Stroller
- 5 Simple Ways for Moms to Shop
- The Best Gift Ideas for New Moms
Shop Amazon – Create an Amazon Baby Registry
Have you visited our shop? We offer stylish and super cute hats - perfect for busy moms! They make great gift ideas for birthdays, holidays, or just because! Shop our online store here.
