Hello Mama (or Mama-To-Be)!
If you have just found out you’re expecting your first bundle of joy then I’m sure you’ve already started googling “what to do before the baby comes”. You may have actually found this post from your googling extravaganza. If that’s the case, then welcome. My name is Audrey and I am currently 25 weeks pregnant with my first baby (a girl!).
I genuinely want to know: is it possible to start nesting as soon as you find out your pregnant? That’s kind of how I felt as soon as I got that positive result! You too? You’re not alone!
I’m a Virgo, so naturally, when I found out we were expecting, I made an extensive list of things to do before the baby comes. I’m the kind of person that makes a list for my list. I did tons of research about what needs to be done before our little girl arrives and complied an extensive list for myself. I made sure that my list was saved in my phone in a place where I can access it anytime. I wanted to be on top of everything to ensure that once our baby girl arrives, we are completely prepared.
I also wanted to make this list so I would have reminders of things that need to be done in advance, as well as self-care items that will make me feel great during pregnancy. I’m going to share my personal checklist with you below which outlines what to do each month before baby. Of course you can do things at different times but this was just a way for me to stay organized.
I’ve left lots of helpful links to the check-list below, but I’ve also created a no-frills printable check-list for you which has room to write in your own items. Download the free printable here: Mama’s Complete Before-Baby Check-List.
I hope that you find this list helpful as you start your journey to motherhood! You’re going to be a great mom!
xo
Mother of Fawn
62 Things To Do Before Baby
— THE JOURNEY BEGINS —
WEEKS 4-8
• get that big fat positive pregnancy test (YAY!)
• buy a pregnancy book (I have this one)
• make an appointment with OB/GYN to confirm pregnancy (sounds silly since you know you’re pregnant already)
• start taking prenantal vitamins if you haven’t already (I take these ones because I’m a wimp)
• download a pregnancy app to track your progress (this is the one I have been using but feel free to try a few and see which one works best)
WEEKS 8-12
• make sure you are getting lots of rest (growing a human is hard work!)
• tell close family and friends the good news (if you want)
• make sure you’re eating a nutritious diet (I know this can be hard if you suffer from morning sickness)
• wear your favorite clothes and shoes this month (they might not fit you very soon)
• find an iron supplement if your prenatals don’t include it (these are affordable, easy to swallow and don’t upset my stomach!)
WEEKS 12-16
• announce your pregnancy to rest of world (again, if you want)
• start a regular workout routine (I worked out before I was pregnant and then took time off during the first trimester because I was wayyy too tired)
• buy a good maternity pillow (I got this one and it’s a life saver!)
• start baby registry (I used Babylist so I can have all my items from multiple stores in one place)
WEEKS 16-20
• schedule prenatal classes/hospital tour (ask your doctor about these)
• start researching doulas (if you want to use one. I found mine on this site)
• start researching pediatricians (it’s never too early for this)
• 20 week ultrasound scan (cute baby pics omg)
• buy maternity pants/leggings (just do it, especially if you’re pregnant during the winter like me)
• finish baby registry (I linked mine here if you want an idea of what to register for)
WEEKS 20-25
• start planning baby shower (I’m planning my own and that’s okay, it’s 2019!)
• start decorating the nursery (this makes it feel soooo real)
• re-visit your budget/update finances (babies are expensive so you might need to cut back on crazy spending habits, i.e. your daily Starbucks run)
• research car seats/strollers/cribs (safety is key so don’t skimp out on these big ticket items)
• book a maternity photoshoot (you will want to capture the beauty of your pregnancy!)
• start college fund for baby (little Einstein in the making)
• buy more maternity clothes (try on your old clothes and then tell me “I don’t need more maternity clothes”)
• change/update insurance plans (this is super important to make sure you do BEFORE the baby comes)
• interview doulas (if you’re using one)
WEEKS 25-30
• take a baby moon (doesn’t have to be far away/expensive)
• buy baby book (because there’s so much to know about babies, I’m planning to get this one this month)
• write a birth plan (you can get an idea of what to include in yours here)
• agree on a name (this might be done already or might not happen until the baby comes but it’s good to hopefully have a few names picked out by now. A fun app to use with your partner to find the perfect name is a tinder inspired app called BabyName)
• interview potential pediatricians (you can also sit in the waiting room of their practice for an hour to see how the front office staff interacts with patients)
• finalize maternity leave (this one is hard since we don’t know when baby will decide to come and we don’t know when we will want to come back, but at least have a discussion with your boss)
WEEKS 30-34
• baby shower (bask in the glory and celebrate this beautiful life your’e creating!)
• prepare a baby first aid kit (you can find information about this here)
• maternity photo shoot (work it, mama!)
• find a newborn photographer (if you loved your maternity photographer they might be a good choice)
• prepare pets for baby (we have a dog and plan to do this)
• get a prenatal massage (#treatyoself)
• buy a cozy robe to wear at home when baby comes (TJ Maxx and Marshalls have great robes!)
• finish buying items on registry (Babylist gives you 15% off your items if you buy within 60 days of your due date so it’s good to hold off before buying the rest)
• send thank you notes for shower gifts (we plan to send notes after the shower and then send a second photo card thank you once baby girl is born)
• look into getting a free breast pump through your insurance (you can see if you qualify here)
WEEKS 34-37
• pack hospital bag (don’t forget a bag for dad and baby)
• finalize nursery (your baby might not sleep in here right away but it will be one less thing to worry about)
• get a haircut (who knows when you’ll get another chance!)
• finalize pet care during birth (make sure someone is available to help at a moment’s notice)
• install car seat (practice clipping the belts too, that way you’re not fumbling and confused with a newborn in hand)
• add baby to insurance (hi baby)
• make final choice of pediatrician (it’s great to have this settled before baby comes since they will be seeing the doctor’s right away)
• prepare postpartum care kit (check out this must-have here)
• find a lactation consultant (your hospital may have some or your can get one recommended by your doula)
• go over birth plan with doula and/or doctor (you will have a fabulous birth!)
• wash baby clothes and bedding (make sure to use a baby detergent)
• mani/pedi treat for mama (again, #treatyoself)
• buy daddy a special gift (he might not be giving birth but he’s becoming a parent too!)
• attend a birthing class (it’s best to be educated about the birthing process to minimize fear)
• attend a breast feeding class (some say that breastfeeding is “natural” but I still think a class is beneficial)
• take a hospital tour (make sure you know where to park and where to go when baby is ready to make their appearance)
WEEKS 37-40
• prepare food for after baby comes (Pinterest has some great ideas for this)
• make sure to have snacks on hand (you don’t want to be a dead tired zombie and realize there is nothing to munch on when you become ravenous from breastfeeding!)
WELCOME BABY!
You’re gonna be a great mom!