I thought I was organized. I had spreadsheets. I had a color-coded to-do list. I even had one of those giant wall calendars where each day was blocked out for “gentle nesting” tasks. But somewhere between the backaches, the bizarre cravings, and the emotional swings, the days blurred—and suddenly I was staring down my due date, wondering how I still had so much left undone.
If you’re in your final stretch and feeling like there’s no way you’ll remember everything, don’t worry. I’ve got you. Here’s the real-deal, mom-tested, slightly chaotic but totally helpful last-minute checklist for baby prep.
1. Wash All the Tiny Clothes
Yes, even the ones that still have tags. I remember putting it off thinking, “Oh, I’ll just wash a few essentials.” But babies go through a lot of clothes, especially when diaper blowouts and spit-up come into play. There’s something oddly calming about folding those impossibly tiny socks and onesies—until you realize you have 47 pairs of newborn mittens and no idea where they came from.
2. Pack the Hospital Bag (Seriously, Do It Now)
I kept saying, “I’ll pack it this weekend,” until I went into early labor and ended up throwing mismatched socks, a phone charger, and a cereal bar into a tote bag while having contractions.
Here’s a basic rundown:
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Comfy clothes for you (the looser, the better)
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A robe or sweater (hospitals can be chilly)
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Snacks (trust me)
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Toiletries
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Phone charger (with a long cord!)
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Going-home outfit for baby
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Slippers or flip-flops
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Your birth plan (if you have one)
3. Install the Car Seat (Properly)
This one snuck up on me. I thought it would take five minutes. It took me and my partner a full hour, two arguments, and one YouTube video that saved our sanity. If your hospital requires an inspection or check before discharge, you’ll be grateful it’s already done.
4. Prep a Little Freezer Stash
Listen, cooking with a newborn is like trying to bake a cake while juggling. If you have the energy, prep a few freezer meals now—soups, casseroles, breakfast burritos. Your future sleep-deprived self will bless you for it. Or go ahead and stock up on your favorite frozen meals. No shame.
5. Set Up Baby’s Sleep Space
Whether it’s a bassinet in your room, a crib in the nursery, or a co-sleeper, get it ready. Sheets washed, mattress set, and maybe a white noise machine plugged in. You don’t want to be doing this at 3 a.m. with a baby in one arm and instructions in the other.
6. Double-Check the Essentials
You probably have the cute stuff down, but here’s a quick glance at the practical items I almost forgot:
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Diapers (lots of them)
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Wipes
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Diaper cream
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Thermometer
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Baby nail file or clippers (those claws come sharp!)
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Nursing bras or formula supplies, depending on your plan
7. Plan for YOU Postpartum
This one often gets overlooked in the baby frenzy. But your body will need care, too. Things I didn’t know I needed but was so grateful for:
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Giant pads (trust me on this)
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Witch hazel pads
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Nipple balm
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A peri bottle
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Comfy underwear (not your favorites, just… comfortable)
8. Confirm Support (and Set Boundaries)
It’s okay to be honest about what kind of help you’ll need and what kind you won’t. Will someone be staying over? Are you okay with visitors? Is your partner taking leave? Talk through it now, not when you’re knee-deep in diapers.
9. Charge Everything
That includes your phone, tablet, camera, and maybe even a Bluetooth speaker for your labor playlist. I forgot to charge mine and ended up delivering to the sound of beeping monitors instead of soothing acoustic guitar.
10. Take a Deep Breath and Rest
This might sound silly as a checklist item, but it’s the most important. I ran around in those final weeks trying to get everything done—and I wish I’d taken more time to just sit with my belly, talk to my baby, and do nothing. You won’t get this time back. Sink into it.
Bonus Tip: Put a Towel in the Car
You know, just in case your water breaks en route. Not glamorous, but… you’ll thank me.
Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this while nesting at 2 a.m., wondering if you’re forgetting something—breathe. You’ve got this. The truth is, no checklist can fully prepare you for the moment your baby arrives, but having a few of these things handled can make a world of difference.
And when in doubt? Just make sure the car seat’s in and the snacks are packed. Everything else can wait.
Want me to start on the weirdest advice I ever got during pregnancy next?
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