The Ultimate Third Trimester Checklist to Help You Get Through Nesting

Are you experiencing a sudden, overwhelming urge to deep clean your house, organise every baby onesie by size and colour, stock your freezer with meals, or are just generally driven to start preparing for baby’s arrival? You're not going crazy: you're nesting! While not everyone experiences this, this final burst of energy before bubs arrives is common enough that you might be wondering just how you’re supposed to deal with it without getting overwhelmed! We’ve put together a few things that you might want to put on your newborn essentials checklist while you’ve got the energy and, hopefully, time – before the chaos of a new baby makes itself very well known.

The Nursery & Baby Gear

The nursery is often the epicentre of nesting, and that makes sense when you stop to think about it. The first piece of advice, though? Don't worry about creating a perfect show-home; focus instead on making things functional and easy to navigate.

• Set up the sleeping space: Make sure you’ve got the bassinet or cot you want, and get it assembled and set up before it’s needed. Many parents prefer to have the bassinet beside their own bed for the first few months, so it might be a good idea to check in advance that it’ll fit where you want it, so things can be shifted around if needed.
• Wash all your baby clothes: Chances are you’ve already gone out and got at least a couple of onesies for bubs if you’ve got that nesting urge. Just as likely, if you’ve had a baby shower, you’ve possibly received clothing as gifts. They’ll all need washing before they go against your newborn’s very sensitive skin, however. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent and make sure they’re well dried. Sort them by size for easy access – but don’t be surprised if you have to make a sudden dash for an emergency change if your new arrival turns out to be a bit bigger or smaller than you’d anticipated.
• Stock the changing station: A well-stocked changing area is a lifesaver. Ensure you have your nappies, wipes, and nappy cream within reach, especially if you’re using a change table – baby should never be left alone up high. As an alternative, some parents prefer to set up a nice, clean corner with a change mat on the ground, as babies can’t fall off the floor!
• Install the car seat: This is a non-negotiable! Get the car seat professionally installed well before your due date. Many hospitals won't let you leave without one. Luckily, many places will hire out capsules for you to use, and they’ll generally fit them as well, saving you time, money, and no end of stress.
• Organise a comfy feeding spot: Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, create a comfortable spot with everything you need. A comfortable chair is a must – you’ll likely be spending a LOT of time there, especially in the first few weeks. A table within easy reach to let you put down any bits and pieces – think breast pump, book, phone, drink bottle – will be something you’ll be very glad to have.

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