top of page
Don't worry - you're not behind!
This checklist outlines everything you need to do during each month of your pregnancy.
Download your free Pregnancy Checklist Tracker to track your progress.

Deep breaths... you'll be prepared.
Anchor 1
First Trimester

1-2 Months

START YOUR PRENATALS

If you haven't already, start your prenatal vitamin regimen!

*This is not medical advice, just a set of recommendations. Consult your doctor!

It's shocking how many vitamins you need to take while pregnant, and how tough it is to find high-quality, clean varieties. We've done tons of research and recommend the following vitamins and minerals for their high quality and standards for clean ingredients:

  1. Prenatal vitamin: Full Circle (now called FullWell), Metagenics, Seeking Health. Make sure your prenatal has folate in the form of methylfolate, not folic acid. Ask your doctor how much folate you should be taking - your prenatal vitamin may not have enough. If you need an extra folate supplement, Solgar is a great option.

  2. DHA + D: Nordic Naturals

  3. Vitamin D: Now Foods (you may need more than what's in your DHA+D / Prenatal combination)

  4. Probiotic: Seed or Garden of Life Prenatal Probiotic

​

Would also recommend the following while pregnant (depending what your prenatal includes): 

  • For immunity: Zinc, Vitamin C (a good prenatal should already have enough)

  • For regularity: Magnesium (Natural Calm, or Now Foods supplement). Talk to your doctor about Magnesium intake, but you should usually make sure to pair it with a calcium supplement.

  • For bone health: Calcium

CHECK YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE

You'll want to make sure both you and baby are covered during pregnancy and birth. 

  1. Call your (or your partner's) health insurance company to:

    • Confirm you have coverage for maternity care and NICU care while in the hospital.

    • Ensure your hospital of choice is in-network.

    • Find out how many days you have to add Baby (most require you to add within 30 days of birth). Newborns don't need dental insurance, in case you were wondering.

  2. Call your hospital to understand typical costs so you can plan for what you may need to pay out of pocket.

  3. If you already have an OB picked out, call and double-check that s/he takes your insurance. 

DETOX YOUR SKINCARE

Most products contain additives and chemicals that are not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

You'll want to replace your skincare and beauty lineup with non-toxic, pregnancy-safe products. Recommendations for super-clean, pregnancy-safe and effective products:

​

To check if your skincare is safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding, 15 Minute Beauty is an incredible resource! You can also verify toxicity on EWG's Skin Deep database, our favorite source.

DETOX YOUR HOUSE

Household items can contain some of the harshest chemicals you'll consume in your daily life. When you get pregnant, you probably want to do a home detox and replace your products with safe alternatives!

Non-toxic, pregnancy-safe alternatives exist for every household cleaning product out there. But beware of "greenwashing" - false marketing using terms like "clean," "non-toxic," or "free and clear," which are meaningless and unregulated. Finding the right brand that actually avoids harmful substances, and doesn't just market itself to do so, takes some research. A few favorite brands across product items include Attitude, Puracy, Branch Basics and Pipette. Top recommendations by product category are below and are items that are both safe and effective:

​

You can also verify toxicity on EWG's Home database, our favorite source.

CHOOSE YOUR DOCTOR

If you don't have one already, interview and choose an OB.

It's so important to trust, respect and feel comfortable with your OB. You are going to be spending quite a lot of time with this person (both before and during birth). This may include both happy and not-so-happy moments, so you'll want to make sure you've taken the time to pick the right person for you.

 

If you don't already love your OB/GYN, I would recommend interviewing 2-3 before choosing someone. Get recommendations from friends who have had positive experiences and take a look at our recommendations below. Before you interview, call to make sure the doctor takes your insurance and delivers at your hospital of choice. Then, take your interviews seriously. Do you want someone who is a bit more soft and mushy, or do you need tough love? Do you want someone who is going to tell it to you something straight or sugar-coat a bit? These things end up being really important in the tougher moments along the way. Do your due diligence.

​

Once you've picked someone, schedule your first visit! 

Skincare

3 Months

DOWNLOAD A PREGNANCY APP

Track and share your progress with an app!

While none is perfect, these three apps are useful to track weekly progress and understand how big your baby is growing. I used all three:

  • The Bump (most relevant, clean design, somewhat useful checklists)

  • What to Expect (some of the info can feel outdated but it's very comprehensive)

  • Pregnancy+ (the info is redundant to the above apps, but the fetal visual is pretty cool)

​

This can also be a fun way to keep family and friends involved if they don't see you often - have them download the app and enter your due date so they can follow along!

 

See here for apps to use once Baby arrives.

RUB YOUR BELLY!

Get your belly oil or balm of choice and start now!

Evidence-based research is spotty on how effective using oil or balm on your belly is in reducing stretch marks, but the daily ritual of caring for your belly and connecting with your baby doesn't hurt! If it prevents stretch marks, even better.

 

Get a high-quality, non-toxic oil or balm and use it twice a day, morning and night. Recommendations:

  • Hatch Belly Oil (great for daytime since it absorbs nicely and doesn't rub off)

  • Nucifera Balm (thicker so great for nighttime before bed; also smells wonderful)

  • Pipette Belly Butter (happy medium between the above; feels more like a lotion)

​

Anecdotally, this was my regimen and I didn't get any stretch marks. Tough to say if it was genetics or the above recommendations, or some combination of the two.

START READING UP

If you're into reading, these are our top book recommendations while you're prepping for Baby's arrival.

Reading a few books will help you feel informed and know what to expect - this will make things less stressful and more fun for both you and your partner. The following books are excellent and will arm you with everything you need to know while pregnant and when Baby arrives (in order of priority):

  1. Expecting Better by Emily Oster. Takes a data-based look at common pregnancy rules and decisions. If you only read one book while pregnant, this is it. Highly recommend Oster's newsletter, as well.

  2. Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. Provides an overview of baby-care and a (very famous) framework for soothing babies. Many will attribute their babies' successes to these teachings. If your partner (or other caregiver) only reads one book, this must be it - you will need someone who feels confident soothing the baby and this will give him/her the tools.

  3. Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman. Explains French philosophies and practices around pregnancy and raising young children. Responsible for many of the newer parenting practices in the US.

  4. Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen. A somewhat "new age" guide to pregnancy and postpartum care. Written by the founder of LOOM. If you're into crystals and smudge sticks, this is your book.

  5. Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg. Helpful instructions and tips on baby routines, schedules and sleep. If you're Type A and what to get your baby on a schedule, this is a must-read (as is our Baby Schedules section!).

  6. What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff. This is the book your mom likely read while pregnant. Treat it like an encyclopedia (if you're not into the deep dark Google vortex) rather than something you'll read from cover to cover. I'm not a fan of some of its fear-mongering, so take some pieces with a grain of salt. That said, it's good to have around as a reference, and you'll probably be gifted it.

​

For fathers-to-be, two great reads:

  1. Home Game by Michael Lewis. Let's be honest, anything written by Michael Lewis will likely be a hit with dads, but this is actually a great book and will get dads excited.

  2. The Expectant Father by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash Rudick. Practical, balanced, motivating and pretty darn accurate.

​

Check this list out for after Baby arrives.

PLAN YOUR BABYMOON

Now is the time to plan your second trimester babymoon.

Pandemic permitting, if you're planning to do a babymoon, start planning! If you're staying in a hotel, make sure to tell them you're expecting as they often offer upgrades and complimentary items. 

​

When you're thinking about location, remember that your nerves are maybe already going to be running high. Don't pick somewhere that's outside your comfort zone; choose a spot that's going to get you to your happy and zen place. Talk to your doctor, but it's also worth checking the CDC site for Zika and SARS-CoV2 (COVID) outbreaks if you're traveling internationally.

​

Wherever you go, make sure you have the name of a local OB in case something happens.

Books
Second Trimester

4 Months

START YOUR REGISTRY

People will be asking for your registry pretty quickly, so it's worth getting it started early.

See Registry Recs for a full list of recommendations.

 

The most common baby registry websites include Babylist, BuyBuyBaby, Walmart and Amazon. I would recommend Babylist because the functionality is good and it allows you to add items from any store, unlike the other three. While Amazon is tempting, it's a bit overwhelming and can get tricky with shipping (people tend to be on autopilot with Amazon and make mistakes when shipping to a new person). Babylist is tailored for this use case, so it's the best choice. 

​

Starting a registry early lets you keep a list of the items you're considering as you do your research. You can start it now and hide it from the public until you're ready to share. You can also always add items as you go!

CHOOSE YOUR "VILLAGE"

If you're thinking of using a Doula and/or Night Nurse, start interviewing now.

You may want to use a Doula, either for your birth or postpartum, and/or a night nurse in the early weeks. While I was not initially into this idea, I've only heard feedback to the tune of "this saved our life," so I would consider it if it's accessible to you. It's a personal choice!

 

If you've decided to hire one of these, you'll want to take extra care to find someone who is the right fit for you and your partner. This is another person (or people) you'll spend quite a lot of intimate time with, so you want to put in the time during your search.

​

The best way to find these resources is through referrals. Once you find a few names, set up some time to meet them in person and have a conversation about what this relationship will look like. Make sure to think about what it will be like to have this person in your home every day - the last thing you want during this time is to have someone who doesn't fit your vibe.​

​

For a list of recommended doulas and nurses in Los Angeles or New York City, contact us here. 

BOOK YOUR MATERNITY SHOOT

Some people like to capture this moment with a pregnancy shoot. If you're doing this, book now.

While it can seem a bit cringe-worthy, documenting your first pregnancy can be really special down the road, especially for your child. Many photographers can do incredible things to get a flattering and sentimental shot that you'll have forever. Once kids come into the picture, you'll see how tough it is to get a quiet, beautiful moment captured! Do this one! You won't regret it.

​

The ideal time for a pregnancy photoshoot is around 27-30 weeks, when you've "popped" but still feel light(ish) and beautiful.

​

For a list of recommended photographers in Los Angeles or New York City, contact us here.

5 Months

REGISTER FOR PRENATAL CLASSES

While it may feel like overkill, you'll definitely want to take a couple of classes. Time your classes for around 7-8 months.

Unless you're an OB, delivery nurse or NICU nurse, you'll be happy you took a couple of prenatal classes. This is not only beneficial for you, but very important for your partner. Knowing what to expect during the labor and delivery process, as well as the first few weeks after Baby is born, is invaluable. Don't skip this one. 

​

Generally, classes offered at your hospital will be a bit dry (and often unnecessarily scary!). There are some great virtual and in-person classes out there offered by other organizations. You'll want to take, at the very least, three types of classes: 

  1. Labor + Birth. This will go over things like what early labor feels like, when to go to the hospital, what types of complications can arise, and what exactly happens during birth. Some things will surprise you! It's not like what's shown in movies. Again, this is invaluable for whomever will support you during birth, even if you have a doula. Top virtual recommendation: LOOM's Prepped Series.

  2. Newborn Feeding. Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, you'll want to take a feeding class. It's not as simple as you'd expect and being educated will make a big difference. These classes go over things like latching, how much to feed, breastfeeding troubleshooting, milk/formula expiration rules, how to pump, how to burp properly, what to do about reflux, etc. Top virtual recommendation: LOOM's Feeding Class.

  3. Infant CPR. Don't rely on Youtube for this one. You'll want to take an infant CPR class with any other caregivers before Baby arrives (and potentially again, once s/he is born). They will also often go over sleep safety, which is critical to prevent SIDS. 

​

If you're calmed by information and want to take additional classes, I would also recommend the following: 

  • Baby Sleep. While every baby is different, and your interventions aren't guaranteed to work, learning some tools to help your baby sleep well will pay enormous dividends. You'll learn about "wake windows" (the maximum number of minutes your baby should stay awake at each age), how to create an optimal sleep environment, how to minimize nighttime wakings, what to do when those wakings inevitably happen etc. Top virtual recommendation: Taking Cara Babies' Newborn Class.

  • Newborn Care. For some people this is intuitive, but for most it is not. Especially if neither you nor your partner has taken care of a newborn before, a class can be very helpful. You'll learn the basics (e.g., how to change a diaper, how to give a bath) and some unexpected but very helpful tips (e.g., what rashes are normal and what requires medical attention, how often to clean Baby's ears, etc.). Top virtual recommendation: LOOM's Baby Care Series.

FIND YOUR NURSERY FURNITURE

Furniture often takes months to receive, so it's helpful to start early.

A great way to get started on decorating your nursery is starting with the big items: crib, changing table, rocking chair.

​

See Registry Recs for a list of recommendations. Whatever you choose, make sure your furniture is GreenGuard Gold Certified, which ensures it was made with non-toxic materials and meets the highest standards for infant safety. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer to confirm.

​

Aim to have the furniture delivered at least 2 months early to account for an unexpectedly early labor or company delivery delays. The earlier you can get big things done, the better. 

PLAN YOUR BABY SHOWER

The beginning of your third trimester is a great time for a baby shower, so now is a great time to start making plans.

If you have friends or family who have kindly offered to host and/or plan a baby shower for you, that's wonderful! Even if you have something you've been envisioning, I would recommend that you graciously accept the offer and just go with the flow! The only decision you should be involved in making is on the date - make sure it's late enough that you're showing but early enough that you feel up to socializing. Months seven and eight are great options.

​

That said, plenty of new moms plan baby showers for themselves and that's great, too! Just make sure you start early so you're not inundated with details at the end (you'll have enough to think about!). 

PICK YOUR PEDIATRICIAN

Interview and pick your baby's pediatrician - it's a great thing to get done early.

This is another person you'll be spending quite a lot of time with, especially in the first six months. Ask for recommendations from friends and your OB. Then interview at least a few doctors before picking one.

 

You'll want to consider the following when conducting your search:

  • If you want them to be in-network for your insurance

  • How many years of experience they have

  • How you'd prefer to communicate with them when questions come up (e.g., email/text directly, call through the office, etc.)

  • How close you'd like the office to be to home (remember, you could be going often in the beginning!)​

  • Whether or not you're comfortable paying a concierge fee

​

Once you've selected a few to interview, ask about the following: 

  • Coverage when they're not available

  • How to get in touch when questions come up

  • How emergencies are handled

  • If/how they support other issues such as breastfeeding, sleep training, discipline, etc.

  • Vaccine scheduling (if this is something you're concerned about)

Classes

6 Months

FINALIZE YOUR REGISTRY

Get the bulk of your registry done before your baby shower invitations are sent. You can always add to it later.

Make sure you have the important items selected and listed on your baby registry. See our Registry Recs for a list of recommendations and sample registry.

​

If you started your registry earlier and kept it private, remember to update the settings so it's now searchable by others.

REGISTER FOR CORD BANKING

If you're doing this, register now.

If you're interested in doing cord blood and/or tissue banking, it's best to call and register early. There are only a few players in the market and they're all about the same. I would recommend CryoCell if you're weighing between the most popular companies. If you're doing any banking, it's only a nominal increase in price to bank both cord blood and tissue, as well as store for the full 18-year period.

​

When you choose and call your cord banking company, make sure to ask how the end-to-end process works so you understand what you'll need to do (tl;dr: you bring the kit to the hospital, the nurses prepare the kit with your baby's cord blood, you call the company and they pick up the kit). Once you register and receive your kit, make sure to fill out the paperwork in advance so you're all set once you get to the hospital. Store the kit at the right temperature per the instructions and keep it somewhere you won't forget when you're packing for the hospital. 

​

Call your hospital to make sure they are familiar with the cord banking process and to find out what they expect from you (e.g. calling for pickup).

BOOK YOUR HOSPITAL TOUR

Know what to expect and how to get around ahead of time!

COVID permitting, you'll want to know your way around the maternity ward at your hospital or birthing center, so sign up for a tour if its offered. The fewer surprises during labor, the better, and knowing things in advance like where to park, which elevator to use, how big (or small) the room is will make things much smoother when you're breathing through contractions on your way in. It's worth booking and doing this early so you're not scrambling at the last minute. It's an easy thing to get out of the way. 

​

Call or visit the website of your facility to sign up for a tour 6-8 weeks before your due date. If they offer classes, I would opt out (see Prenatal Classes recommendations).

ORDER YOUR BREASTPUMP

If you plan to breastfeed and pump, ordering the right breast pump for you can be tough (and take time!). Do your research early and order it in advance.

In short, I would recommend a double cordless pump for ease, and would choose the Spectra S1 because it is powerful but has anti-backflow, unlike Medela. Wearable pumps have risen in popularity, but they will not yield as much milk, so if you're looking to pump seriously, you may want a more traditional pump. If you plan to pump discretely at work or on-the-go, I would recommend the Elvie wearable pump (single option) over the Willow.

​

Buying your pump: First, call your insurance and figure out which vendors are eligible for you to purchase a pump. You'll then be able to visit one of those vendor sites and choose an eligible pump that will be covered by your insurance. Most insurance companies will let you pay a nominal amount out-of-pocket for an "upgrade" to a higher-caliber pump. This is very worth it.

Third Trimester

7 Months

PLAN YOUR MATERNITY LEAVE

Communicate this early and remind your colleagues often! You are entitled to this time.

Maternity leave can be a stressful thing to plan and communicate to your team/manager. It's worth getting approval for your plan early on so your team can prepare (both literally and mentally!) before you leave. This will also spare you from worrying about it the later on in your pregnancy.

​

Would recommend taking the maximum amount of time you can - do not be a hero! 

​

If you don't get maternity leave through work, or if you are self-employed, your state most likely offers Disability Insurance (which applies to the very end of your pregnancy and beginning of postpartum) and Paid Family leave (which applies to a number of weeks after the baby is born for parent-child bonding). In California, you are entitled to 6-10 weeks of disability, depending on any pregnancy complications and what kind of delivery you have, as well as 12 weeks of paid family leave. 

ENJOY YOUR BABY SHOWER!

If you're having a baby shower, you'll likely schedule it for months 7 or 8. Enjoy it, document it and don't sweat the silly games!

Enjoy this special day to celebrate you and your baby. A few things to remember: 

  • Take photos - your baby will want to see this.

  • If you're opening gifts as an activity, make sure someone writes down who gifted what items. 

  • Save something as a keepsake for your child: a napkin, menu, something from the cake, etc.

  • Soak in all the love! 

HAVE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

Savor this moment - you'll never get it back.

Needless to say, photoshoots are awkward - a maternity photoshoot can definitely put you on pins and needles. Do whatever you can to relax and soak in this moment. Get inspired before your shoot - listen to music that moves you, read some poetry by Jessica Urlichs, watch Father of the Bride II - whatever you need to do! 

​

If you're doing a nude photoshoot (and you should!) make sure you have invisible, nude underwear (like this) and a few outfit options. Natural hair and makeup will look more authentic! 

PLAN FOR BABY'S FUTURE

Before Baby arrives, you'll want to discuss estate planning, legal guardianship and medical directive with your partner and a professional. More detail here.

I'm married to a Family Wealth Advisor so, naturally, topics of financial planning for our baby were discussed daily during my pregnancy...so fun! There's a lot you can do to plan for your baby's financial wellbeing, but here's what he would say is absolutely critical: 

  1. Establish a Living Trust

  2. Designate your Family Will and Legal Guardianship

  3. Define your Medical Directive

  4. Update your Beneficiaries (see Month 10)

  5. Open a 529 Plan account (see Month 10)

​

See more detail on these five items here. While most, or all, of these things fall into the category of Unpleasant But Important, they really are important to do before Baby arrives! To get started, you’ll want to find a quality Trust & Estate or Family Law Attorney in your area to prepare the above documents. A Financial Advisor can then help you organize your assets under the new family trust. For recommendations for a Financial Advisor, reach out to us here.

​

If you're also honoring anyone as Godparents, now would be a good time to choose those people with your partner and congratulate them! Honoring loved ones as Godparents is a special way to get the important people in your lives more involved in your baby's life. You may want the Godparents to be the same as your child's official, legal guardians, but this isn't always the case.

 

Either way, now is also good time to select these people and let them know.

8 Months

PRE-REGISTER AT HOSPITAL

You need to pre-register at the hospital or birthing center so they have all of your information before you go into labor. When you're fighting through contractions, you won't want to be filling out forms.

 

During the registration process, which is most likely online, you'll submit information like your health insurance policy but also preferences such as any room upgrades, etc. 

 

Ask your OB if there's anything you should know before you register. 

BOOK YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

If you want to freeze time during these early weeks, book a newborn photographer!

If you're doing this, you'll want to book around now. Capturing moments from these early weeks is really special and will be an incredible keepsake for your child when s/he grows up. 

 

Most people do about 1-2 weeks after birth, but you'll be tired and your baby may look a bit alien-like. At ~1 month, the baby is much more interactive (and cute!) so you may want to do this a little later than immediately after birth. Personal choice! 

​

In choosing a photographer, it's important that you work with someone who specializes in newborn shoots if you're looking for portraits of your baby. Working with, and capturing, a newborn is very tricky and requires specific skills to get the right shots. There is also a level of care and patience that a standard photographer will likely not have. If you're just looking for standard family photos, any family photographer should be fine. For newborn photographer recommendations, please contact us here.

DO YOUR THANK YOU NOTES!

Get this out of the way, now!

Do this now! You'll have limited time once the baby comes, so get them out of the way. You will thank yourself for it.

TOUR YOUR HOSPITAL

Don't forget to do this! You won't regret it.

DISCUSS YOUR BIRTH "HOPES"

Do away with a birth "plan" and stick with birth "hopes." Then talk through them with your partner, doctor and anyone else who will support your birth.

I firmly believe that the best birth plan is no plan - the truth is, the vast majority of births don't go as "planned." Things come up, curve balls are common, and you don't want to set yourself up for disappointment by having a meticulous plan for things that will inevitably out of your control.

 

What I would recommend is to have some birth intentions, or "hopes." For example, if you're intending to skip the epidural, that's great! But know that you may end up feeling differently in the moment, and that's OK too. You may also *hope* to have a vaginal birth rather than a C-section, but the latter may end up being what's safest for you and Baby - and you don't want to feel like your plan "failed." I've found that being open-minded and comfortable with whatever happens brings new moms most calm and joy in the process. 

 

What you can plan for is your mindset going into your birth, as well as the roles you, your partner and your doctor will play. For example, your partner may be responsible for making sure you're fed and hydrated during contractions. Your doctor will probably be responsible for determining what's safest for your baby given any medical needs. 

​

Once you've thought through the above, it's important to talk about your hopes and preferences with your doctor, such as choices around pain management, interventions, etc.

FINISH YOUR CLASSES

Make sure you get these out of the way before your last month! 

In case you go into labor early, try to get your prenatal classes done before the last month. Remember to make friends! 

FINISH YOUR NURSERY

Now is a good time to prep your nursery so it's all ready for Baby.

Again, now that you're entering the "s/he could arrive any week now" phase, you'll want to feel like your home is completely ready for Baby. This includes: 

​

  • Washing, folding and putting away all fabric items (e.g., clothing, blankets, swaddles, burp cloths, bath towels, sheets, stuffed animals etc.). Make sure you're using baby detergent on all fabric items that will touch Baby. It's also helpful to organize clothing by size so you know what you have and what's on deck.

  • Setting out diapering materials on the changing table (e.g., diapers, balm, cream, wipes, etc.)

  • Setting up your bassinet (e.g., putting sheets on, testing it out if you have the Snoo, etc.)

  • Prepping your bath setup (e.g., washing your baby bath, setting up your infant bath insert, placing any pouring pitchers and soaps where you plan to bathe Baby, practicing heating up the water to 95-99 degrees, etc.)

  • Washing and sanitizing all bottle parts and pacifiers

  • Washing, sanitizing and testing your breast pump and pump parts

​

Get everything done as soon as you can so you're not scrambling at the last minute.

9 Months

PACK YOUR BAGS!

Your Hospital Packing List list here.

See our Hospital Packing List for a complete list of items you'll need. While this list is comprehensive (read: long), err on the side of as few items as possible. If you're someone who gets anxious about not having everything you need, bring the full list of items. If you're someone who gets overwhelmed with a lot of stuff to lug around, bring only what you feel you'll absolutely need. 

​

Remember that if you have a scheduled C-section, you'll be in the hospital for 3-4 nights. Also remember that if you intend and hope to have a vaginal birth, you still may end up with a C-section, so bring enough to get you through 3-4 nights just in case. 

​

While you won't need to pack these things for the hospital, you'll also want to stock up on things for postpartum care. Postpartum Essentials has everything you'll need.

​

As you start setting out items to pack in your bag, now is the time to set your cord blood collection kit with your hospital items. 

NARROW DOWN YOUR NAMES

Agree on your short list! 

To avoid scrambling in the hospital when Baby arrives, especially if you have a delivery that's sooner than expected, narrow down your list of names! Sit down with your partner and discuss the pros and cons of each one.

 

One method for narrowing down your list:

  1. You and your partner should each privately write down your top 5-8 names. Then, reveal them to each other. 

  2. Discuss pros and cons of each name. Why do you love it? Why don't you love it? How does it sound with the baby's last name? Any significance to the name?

  3. Remove any names you both decide you don't like. 

  4. Combine the names into one longer list and each write down that combined list of names. 

  5. Each take the list and privately cross out the half of names that you like least. 

  6. Reveal and align on 1-3 names from which you can pick once you see Baby!

PREP YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT

Get this organized before Baby arrives.

If you plan to send a birth announce - either digital or print - get your recipient list and content organized now. Think about who you want to share this exciting news with, and who might appreciate knowing. Don't forget about those in your professional network - this is a great opportunity to share some personal news and rekindle connections that may have faded over the last year or so.

 

Put together your list of names and addresses (email or physical) so there's no thinking required when Baby arrives. Build your card design now so all you need to do is drop in the name, stats and photo. You'll be thankful you got this done early - searching for addresses is the last thing you'll want to do while recovering.

​

For digital announcements, Paperless Post has nice options. For paper, Artifact Uprising is a favorite and Minted is very popular. 

INSTALL YOUR CARSEAT

Do this at least a month before your due date. This is a must.

Well before you due date, install your car seat and learn how to properly secure it in the base and remove it. Make sure each of you is comfortable doing this, as you never know when you may need to rush your baby do the doctor.

 

Note that the hospital will not let you leave with Baby unless your carseat is properly installed. If you want to have it professionally installed and/or inspected, you can do so here in Los Angeles and here in New York.

CHECK YOUR PETS

Visit your vet to take care of any lingering issues and protect Baby!

This may feel random, but if you have pets, make sure to take them to the vet. Make sure they're up-to-date on their vaccines and get them checked for any bacterial/skin infections that could spread to Baby.

 

Stool testing is also great idea to make sure they aren't carrying any parasites or pathogens. This sounds pretty neurotic, but you'd be surprised what even the cleanest pets can carry! 

10 Months

HELLO, BABY!

DON'T FORGET!

Quick reminders before you leave for the hospital.

You've hit month 10! Baby is almost here (if not already!).

​

Before you go to the hospital, don't forget to do these few things:

  1. Bring! Your! Cord! Kit! This is the thing that everyone forgets, and you really don't want to. Make sure you have it when you head out the door.

  2. Run through your hospital packing list quickly and make sure you have everything. Don't forget your phone charger (or phone...)!

  3. Make sure you have your carseat properly installed.

  4. Start a text thread of VIPs (e.g., grandparents, godparents, siblings) to send updates as labor progresses. It'll be easier than texting a bunch of people, and there will be no hard feelings of someone finding out before another.

  5. Start a shared photo album with the same people so you can upload photos of baby from the hospital for everyone to see in one place. Again, this is easier than sending to everyone in bits and pieces.

  6. Ask someone to pick up the newspaper from that day, or to do it tomorrow, depending on the time of day. 

​

Because of COVID, your partner may not be able to leave the hospital and return once you get there. A few other things you may want to do before you run out, if you have time: 

  • Take a shower! It will be much more pleasant to feel clean going into the hospital, and you may not want to shower there, depending on how many nights you stay.

  • Take the trash out. If you're gone more than a couple of days, better to have the house clean and ready when you get home.

  • If it's cold out, leave the heat on. If it's hot out, leave the A/C on. You don't want to bring Baby home to an overly hot or cold home.

​

ANNOUNCE YOUR BABY

Share the love!

Congrats! Baby has arrived! One you've finalized your name and feel ready to share the news, send out the announcement you prepped a few weeks ago. Add a cute photo and his/her birth stats, if you're comfortable.

​

Don't forget to think about your network when sending this out - it's a great way to reconnect with people and involve them in your journey.

ADD BABY TO YOUR HEALTH POLICY

You have 30 days, but do it now.

Call your medical insurance provider and add Baby to your plan. Most plans give you 30 days to do this, but it's worth getting it done as soon as possible.

 

Once you've added Baby, the coverage may take a couple of weeks to kick in, but you should be good. The hospital (and NICU) know to wait a while before sending your bill since families are often changing medical coverage during this time. Just make sure to confirm they have Baby's (and your) plan information once it's settled. Confirm this with your pediatrician's office, too.

UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARIES

Make sure your beneficiaries for any assets are updated.

Now that you have a dependent (!), you may want to update the beneficiaries on your life insurance, 401k, or any existing trusts. 

​

See more info in Planning for Baby's Future.

OPEN BABY'S EDUCATION FUND

Start saving (pre-tax) for Baby's education with a 529 Plan.

This sounds premature, but it's not. Starting to set aside pre-tax funds for Baby's education is one of the best tax advantages out there. This money can grow immensely over the 18-year period, and Baby can use it for educational expenses when the time comes.

 

See more info in Planning for Baby's Future.

FINISH YOUR THANK YOU'S

Get. It. Done.

Seriously, just get this done.

...so, now what?

You made it through your pregnancy, and now Baby is here!
Wishing you had a monthly guide for that, too? Good news: it's coming soon!

bottom of page