Weeks 30 to 36: a two-week-at-a-time plan
The last stretch feels like a long list because it is usually written as one. Split across three fortnights it is about four decisions a week.
Weeks 30–32: decide, do not buy
- Choose your hospital and the route there at two times of day.
- Write down who is driving, and the backup.
- Pick your own clothing sizes — one size up from usual.
- Choose newborn size 0–3M and how many pieces.
Weeks 32–34: buy and wash
Order clothing now so there is time to exchange a size. Wash everything newborn once, fold it into one drawer, and do not add to it. This is also the fortnight to pack the hospital bag while standing is still easy.
Ready by week 34
Hospital bag packedThree bags, per the packing guide
Newborn clothes washed0–3M, one drawer
Feeding corner set upChair, lamp, table
Documents in one folderID, reports, insurance
Nothing on the list needs to be perfect. It needs to be findable by somebody who is not you.
Weeks 34–36: hand it over
Show one other person where the bag is, where the newborn drawer is, and where the documents are. Write the hospital address and your doctor’s number on paper and put it on the fridge. Then let the last weeks be slow.
The fridge notePhones get left on chargers. A paper note with the hospital name, doctor’s number and your blood group on the fridge has helped more families than any app.
Late-pregnancy comfort