GTKY: Your To-Do List

ramzlau · October 2017

As we are rounding the corner into the third and last trimester, I am realizing how quickly time is passing for this pregnancy, and the urgency to get things done is starting to set in.

I know if I make a to-do list MH will help get it done. For our wedding I felt like I had 4-5 websites with decent to-do list examples that gave me a good outline to start my list, but as a FTM I haven't found a very comprehensive list anywhere.

So what is on your to-do-before-baby arrives list? Are you doing maternity photos? Have you found a pediatrician? Are you setting intentional time to connect with your LO and imagining life after baby arrives? Prepping freezer meals? Having more sex? Birthing classes? Infant CPR class? Reading/watching specific books/DVDs? Installing car seat? Packing bag for hospital?

Curious what the other type A personalities have on their lists!

winnie1122 · October 2017

I tend more towards the Type B side, haha, but I like lists so yay! I had a long list with my first which included setting up his room, cleaning all his newborn clothes, organizing shower gifts and getting anything I still needed, and making freezer meals. I didn’t do classes but in the last couple months I watched lots of birth videos on YouTube (mostly the ones from vloggers who document the whole experience, not just weird snippets of babies coming out lol) That actually helped me a LOT preparing for birth/recovery. This time my list is shorter but here’s what I have currently:
-Make freezer meals for at least a few weeks, maybe two months if I can get rolling here soon
-Clean R&P and car seat
-Clean pump and order new pieces if needed
-Clean bottles and organize breastfeeding supplies
-Clean closet in nursery and split into two sides since DS1 will be sharing with baby.
-Talk to family about hospital visiting (my parents divorce has changed dynamics since last birth, plus winter baby this time so I’m more worried about sickness)
-Buy newborn-3mo clothes and diapers
-Give the house a good cleaning
-Pack hospital bag
-Book newborn photos
-Mentally prepare for breastfeeding again haha
-Stock PP recovery essentials

That’s what I plan on for now, I haven’t really started on it just yet but it will probably kick into high gear after Christmas for me.

jennifer_m21 · October 2017

Thanks for starting this thread! It's giving me some good ideas on what to put on my list. I am also Type A, and used Google Docs to help organize and plan my wedding. I plan to do the same for this baby! As a FTM, I'm sure I will have a long list!

I haven't really thought about a To-Do list, and will probably get more motivated after my shower and seeing what essentials I'll still need to get. As for looking for a pediatrician, when should I do that?!

magnolia305 · October 2017

@jennifer_m21 I called the pediatrician I wanted in the 32-34 weeks pregnant range to make sure he was taking new babies. In the hospital, they will ask you who the pediatrician is that you are seeing, as well as their contact information--so have that available.

Right now, they only thing I think to add to these lists is to have a folder with insurance information ready when you go to the hospital. I had coverage for hospital stay that needed to be filled out by the hospital. I kept ALL important information in that folder and DH knew where to look for stuff when I was sleeping or out of it PP. I also had a folder to put anything they game us for the baby--which was nice to reference when we came home.

eggplantface · October 2017

These questions/lists are giving me heart palpitations. My only to-do is to clean out the room that will be the nursery and set up all the baby stuff in it. And buy a new, good camera. Freezer meals--do frozen chicken breasts count? Otherwise I'm just hanging out, waiting for February.

Megzb510 · October 2017

@winnie1122 - I second mentally preparing for breastfeeding! i'm trying to set myself up for breastfeeding longer than I did last time (4 months).
@jennifer_m21 - For DS, I didn't get a pediatrician until later. You do need to put the pediatrician on the hospital admittance paperwork. I got a referral from a close friend who recommended, so I didn't visit the office prior. I put the name on the hospital paperwork and the dr magically showed up at the hospital to check on DS.

To-do:
-I need to measure the nursery and figure out how much paint I need. Sherwin Williams is having a 40% off sale so I want to at minimum buy the right amount of paint and pick up some paint chips, and then we can tint it later.
-Find DS's old newborn clothes, wash and clean it. Then figure out how much I need to buy. DS was born in August so I am not sure how much long sleeve stuff I have.
-Figure out the breast pump stuff.
-Check if my old cloth diapers are in good shape/need new elastic. If all of them have bad elastic, I might not CD at all -- it's been 5 years so not super hopeful. Any one ever changed elastic on Bum Genius diapers? Is it tricky/ time consuming?
-I really want to figure out what random stuff I need to buy so I can set up some deal alerts. I'm thinking I will buy a lot of this stuff around Black Friday as there might be a lot of good deals then. We need baby bottles but have decision paralysis when I see all the options.
-We need to rearrange the downstairs area because there really isn't room for me to be on maternity leave and recovering with a baby. It's sort of cluttered / cramped right now.
-I do want to prep freezer meals this time around!
-need to do more reading on how to prep a 5 year old to meet a new sibling. Do we get a baby doll to practice? I can just see him ignoring the doll. He isn't gentle with things. I had asked his dr about it, and they said babies look delicate, so while it takes a lot of talking through how to hold properly, kids are instinctively gentle. I'm still sort of nervous though!
-DS & DH need a flu shot.
-i want to prep a Netflix to watch list. I know i'll have a lot of time to watch shows. Maybe I'll finally watch Game of Thrones?

Things I can see myself waiting til the last minute for:
-installing infant seat. It's gonna take up space in the car, so why do it until we need to. DH knows how to install.
-packing a hospital bag. I'll have a scheduled c-section so I bet I'll procrastinate until I know that date.

What we won't be doing:
-baby/CPR classes/hospital visit - we did that with DS.
-we won't have a big shower since this is baby 2. I might get a small work shower though.

meatballs37 · October 2017

For us, we are in such a weird place. We have so many twin things that we now need to sell (stroller, twin z pillow, extra crib).

Our MFM feels pretty confident that we will be able to carry baby A to a viable gestational age, that I know at some point we will have to start prepping for just him.

I'm not sure where to begin. But on average, women who have had the laser surgery to split the placenta go into labor ten weeks after. So that means I have about 8 weeks before he might be here. Granted he will probably be a NICU baby, so I have some time before he comes home. Although I'm having a c-section and will be planning Shepherd's memorial after their birth. So I'm not sure when we should start. I'm not even sure there is a right answer. I'm usually pretty type A, so it's conflicting.

Eta: I almost feel like we should start some of this, this week since DH is still on FMLA for my bed rest. So basically it would be me telling him what to do.

clc515 · October 2017

I love lists! This is our first so using all the feedback from online to create a list. I still feel like we have a lot of time, but it's really only a bit over 3 months at this point... DH was gone for 2 months earlier and I only did 10% of the things I wanted to do before his return, so really should prepare better lol.

> Clean baby room. It's overcrowded and messy. DH is getting stressed out about it, which is stressing me out (he's much MUCH neater than I). This includes subtasks a) sell desk, b) put chest/books/bookshelf into storage to make room.
> I LOVE the idea of an insurance folder @magnolia305 and will have to steal that idea. I'll be switching over to DH's insurance in January, so hopefully I don't pop too early to get all that in order!
> Find a pediatrician. The hospital gave us a list of everyone who's approved there, so will pick from there based on insurance.
> Take a baby first aid/CPR class. DH is certified in that stuff, but I haven't done any first aid type training in years.
> Take inventory after shower to see what else we actually need and get all that.
> Maybe find a newborn photographer. Up in the air about this one still.

pandappanderson · October 2017

Oh god. I need to do so much. Hahaha.

Finish nursery. We have a crib without a mattress and a dresser. So we need to at least get a mattress and room darkening blinds. And a bassinet so that baby at least has somewhere to sleep.

Hospital visit - although my ob schedules that so I’m just waiting for her to tell me when. Probably in November or December

prenatal classes - start in November

find a family doctor in my town - my OB is in the neighboring city as mine doesn’t have a hospital and we will have to go there to deliver. I would like to have a family doctor for after care in my town obviously.

My my mother is hosting me a baby shower but we don’t have any plans yet so maybe figure out when that will be

I’m sure there is way more. We really haven’t done much!

momto4-2 · October 2017

I'm a huge list maker! But, haven't made a to-do list. Beings this is baby #5 we really have everything we'll need. I just need to get gear out of storage and cleaned up. I have purchased a car seat, a few outfits, and a set of muslin blankets. I really want a Haaka (sp?) breast "pump"! So, that'll be something else to purchase. My mind has been so wrapped up in having complete placenta previa and mentally preparing for bleeding and a csection that I haven't done much planning/prepping for baby.

Keep sharing your lists and things you may add!!

GoogleMD · October 2017

I feel like I am so much more chill this time around.
i am far more worried about find a house and the prospect of moving either very pregnant or with a newborn on top of our toddler

my list:
continue to nag my friend to give me our swing back ( going to be so annoyed if I have to buy one)
clean the pack and play and infant car seat
buy more cloths
buy lots of bows and head bands
buy coming home outfit
Confirm newborn pic reservation with photographer
Get more nipple butter/ extra pump parts
Get son a big brother gift from baby
decide what I am going to do with DS during delivery

ldawngirl781 · October 2017

I don't have my list in front of me, but other than the common ones that have been mentioned (clean up nursery, buy x, y and z), I'm on a huge mission to purge our house and do smaller fix-it jobs so I don't have to worry about them with a baby around.

Stuff like
- re-caulk the tub
- putty and paint the window sill (our dog really hates the mailman!)
- organize our sunroom
- sell misc. stuff we never use

pandappanderson · October 2017

ldawngirl781 said:

I don't have my list in front of me, but other than the common ones that have been mentioned (clean up nursery, buy x, y and z), I'm on a huge mission to purge our house and do smaller fix-it jobs so I don't have to worry about them with a baby around.

Stuff like
- re-caulk the tub
- putty and paint the window sill (our dog really hates the mailman!)
- organize our sunroom
- sell misc. stuff we never use

Same on the house things! We moved into this house in the spring so we’ve been picking away at the things that need to get done but there are still some jobs I’d like to get done before baby comes. My parents are coming this week to help us re do the laundry room as it makes no sense for efficiency, and apparently babies mean lots of laundry?!? Haha

karcerplus3 · October 2017

There a handful of things on my list that MUST be done before baby is born. DH is a bit of a procrastinator and I've stressed this to him a number of times. Most of the stuff that sound unrelated to baby is actually quite important since the bedrooms became our storage areas for all that crap.

Our headboard needs to be attached to our bed
My desk needs to be moved to the garage to be sold
bookshelf to be basement
crib assembled
DS2s bed assembled
Wash and put away all baby clothes
Start registry
install car seat
schedule c-section
Let pedi know I've got another one on the way

i know there is more but those are the things that must be done or I might hurt my DH.

lucylou214 · October 2017

Gah! So many things! @ramzlau , I love this thread, and will be frequently checking back in! I am a big list maker, so this is my jam.

We need to:
- paint the nursery
-assemble the crib, bring the changing table (adopted from a friend) upstairs
-decorate the nursery, including hanging up the shelving DH made
-(after shower) organize things into meaningful systems
-I need to write a note to my school board detailing my intent for maternity leave
-figure out how getting a pump from my insurance works, and do that
-schedule (and do) a hospital visit and the birth class (and maybe a breastfeeding one?)
-actually get, wash, organize the baby clothes and nighttime swaddle things that two friends have offered to loan us
-(after shower), figure out what we still need?
-find a pediatrician.
-I'm sure 100 more things?

SunflowerMama428 · October 2017

Wow I feel so under prepared. The only thing I’ve been honestly doing is prepping my nipples of breastfeeding again. They bled and were in extreme pain last time. I’ve been stimulating the milk production which started last week so I feel confident by the time baby is born my colostrum won’t be so difficult like it was last time and in hopes my milk will come in sooner.

I also got pregnant with low intervention medication and not IVF this time so hoping my hormones are more in line with what they need to do when it’s time for milk production.

I’m sure once I’m done with working in a month I’ll start nesting and I’ll start panicking

SarahFoley725 · October 2017

My literal only item on my to do list is to hopefully please please pleaseeeeee find a house to move into so we don't have to bring this baby home to my parents.

chucksmom15 · October 2017

I have all the other stuff everyone else has. We are currently discussing wills and who we want to be his guardian if something happens to us. Thankfully we knocked painting the nursery off the list this weekend bc got the call today that our nursery furniture is in!

Mekimchiie · October 2017

To do list:
- finish registry (shower will be mid december)
- buy what's left over
- organize baby clothes by size and wash the newborn and 3 month clothing
- donate all clothing that I haven't touched in over a year before I got pregnant
- put together nursery
- install car seat (will have DH do this closer to the end. Car seat test isn't necessary to leave the hospital where I am. I also love a block away from the hospital so carrying the baby home would be perfectly easy)
- meet with pediatrician (already picked one. I'm a med student so I just picked the one I liked working with most) to go over what happens after baby is born and tour the post partum floor
- discuss with DH about whether or not to circumcise
- call insurance to let them know about baby and get baby's insurance started
- ask insurance/ob about breast pump coverage
- decide who gets baby should som9ething happen to DH and me
- set up wills
- pack hospital bag

Starynightsky24 · October 2017

I had all that with number 1. I guess I’m lazy this time bc no extensive lists here. If he came now (assuming at term of course) I could manage haha!

I have an an amazon list of things I need to buy

I need to wash the baby clothes

Deep clean the house

hopefully buy a new car

make sure there is food around the house

I’m feeling a lot more confident this time so here’s hoping it sticks.

clc515 · October 2017

Just thought of more...

> buy hostess gift for baby shower (my SIL is going all out so would like to get her something on the nicer side)
> order/get breast pump via insurance (already started process, just need to choose one and they ship in Dec)
> get/hang black out curtains for baby room
> clear out space in kitchen for baby bottles etc
> research term life insurance

chucksmom15 · October 2017

I didn't even think of clearing space in the kitchen for bottles and other stuff @clc515. Thanks!

SquirrelsRWatching · October 2017

We are currently getting estimates to have our basement finished, including a guest room and en suite bathroom, as well as a multipurpose room. I know...i might be crazy having a remodeling going on in my house 3rd trimester.

Once we figure out our finances for that, I need to buy a dresser and go through all of DS's old clothes/ baby things and whatever my mom sends (we're having a girl this time, so she's getting us stocked... maybe a little too excited...lol). Other than the dresser, I just need to buy more hangers and washcloths (toddlers destroy washcloths with their gigantic messes...lol).

jenniferjoy37 · October 2017

Oh my... all of your lists are making me think I need one too. Crud... I know there’s a lot to do, but damn.

rainafire77 · October 2017

My to do list? Everything!

Repair floor in nursery
Paint nursery
Buy rug for nursery
Buy curtains for nursery
Buy dresser
Buy bassinet
Remodel kitchen

That's all I can think of but we have soooo much to do!

**TW** Since we never made it this far before we didn't want to rush things. Now we've put things off for too long! **End TW**

ash0625 · October 2017

Um...we've picked a name and secured a daycare. I've done literally nothing other than that. So, whatever should be on a list for a FTM I need to do it.

ETA: I did finish my registry!

clc515 · October 2017

Oh. Yeah gotta add locking in day care to our list, too...

lucylou214 · October 2017

@clc515.. oh, same. That seems like such a monumental task, I have no idea even where to start!

ramzlau · October 2017

Love all these lists! Thank you everyone who is sharing! So many ideas and things I haven't thought of or forgot.

babymakes9 · October 2017

Omg! Now i feel even farther behind. We have a car seat, and 1 outfit in each of the "starter " sizes. Plus, a handful of diapers that came in the target registry bag. And s name.

We still have to relocate my office and granola business to a new location if we want a nursury, and are mid dining room remodel.

We haven't signed up for classes, dh doesn't want to and feels i should know what I'm doing by now (which is greatly annoying btw).

I'm not sure when to start buying stuff as we have been told we are getting hand me downs - a bassinet, a swing, and a whole winter baby boy wardrobe. And dh's mom keeps saying she's throwing a baby shower for us.

katefb17 · October 2017

These lists are definitely making me feel like I should be doing more!! lol

I'm a pretty type-A person, but just have so much other stuff going on right now (work, job search, toddler) that I feel like I'm in mental triage mode. We've moved since I had my daughter, so there is actually some logistical stuff I should figure out sooner rather than later.

I will probably do all of this in January, tbh:
- sort through DD's clothes for the gender-neutral ones (there should be quite a bit) to keep, give away girly stuff to colleague's daughter who just had a baby girl
- purchase a few cute boy outfits
- potty train DD so that I can clear out her diaper drawer for DS (in progress!)
- purchase/ borrow newborn sized cloth diapers... clean larger sized cloth diapers
- stock freezer with single-serving meals (casseroles in ramekins, hand pies, beef chili that I really craved after birth last time)
- line up childcare for DD for when I go in to labor
- confirm that the hospital's outdated visitors-during-labor policy ("only the father may be present"... seriously?? what about single moms? what about female partners? what about doulas?) is no longer accurate, along with the rest of the information packet my doctor gave me ("you will receive an episiotomy"... oh REALLY now)
- confirm doula
- schedule tour of hospital
- re-read birthing book that I liked last time, review pain management strategies (Mindful Birthing, in case anyone is curious)
- adjust mattress in crib back to newborn level
- clean Pack n' Play + set up in my/ DH's bedroom as bassinet
- put together postpartum supplies (or dig them out of storage): supersized pads, witch hazel wipes, peri-bottles, stiz bath, some Mama's Milk tea, all the chocolate covered pretzels
- clean + sanitize bottles, pump parts
- find a local compounding pharmacy so that I'm 100% sure I can get some Jack Newman's APNO (which saved my nipples last time)
- decide if the mini-swing will be enough, or if we should splurge on a new full-sized one
- switch toddler into new front-facing car seat, clean rear-facing infant seat
- dig the rest of the baby toys out of basement storage
- sort through the toys that DD never plays with to give away and make room for baby toys in the playroom
- figure out a way to fit the glider into my/ DH's bedroom
- make/ purchase a few things specific to DS to decorate the room he'll share with DD
- purchase (make?) gifts for siblings to "give to each other"
- recruit mom/ grandma to assemble a "big sister kit" treat bag for DD to receive while I'm in the hospital
- clean out my closet, coat closet, DD's closet
- buy fancy soap for first post-birth shower (there's one brand I really really like, but it's so expensive that I've only ever purchased it once... for after my daughter was born

)

Want a personalized experience?

GTKY: Your To-Do List

Re: GTKY: Your To-Do List

Choose Another Board

Search Boards