Baby checklists
Third trimester
Nursery Final Setup & Safety Checklist
25 items · 21 must-haves · Weeks 28–36
General info, not medical advice. Your OB, midwife or pediatrician knows your situation; check with them. Learn more about our medical disclaimer
Final assembly, safety checks, and finishing touches before baby arrives
Furniture
- Crib AssembledFollow the manual step by step — no shortcuts. Check for CPSC recalls at cpsc.gov after assembly. Slat spacing must be under 2-3/8 inches. No drop-side cribs, they're banned.
- Mattress InstalledThe "two-finger test": if you can fit more than two fingers between mattress edge and crib side, it's too small. Firm is non-negotiable — soft mattresses are a suffocation risk.
- Glider/Rocker PlacedOPTIONALPlace the glider near the crib but not touching it. You'll do 3-5 night feeds daily for months — make the path from bed to glider to crib muscle memory in the dark.
- Changing Table/DresserAnchor it to the wall with anti-tip straps regardless of weight. Secure the changing pad with screws or straps, not just friction. Keep one hand on baby at ALL times during changes.
Supplies
- Diapers StockedDon't overbuy newborn size — many babies skip it entirely. Stock 1 pack newborn + 2 boxes size 1. Keep them within arm's reach of the changing area, not across the room.
- Wipes AccessibleOpen the packs and pull up the first wipe in each BEFORE baby arrives. Fumbling with a sealed pack one-handed while holding a squirmy, poopy baby is a rookie mistake.
- Diaper CreamApply before every diaper change, not just when redness appears — prevention is easier than treatment. Zinc oxide (Desitin, Boudreaux's) works best. Keep it at arm's reach during changes.
- Clothes OrganizedSort by size with the smallest sizes in the most accessible drawers. Remove tags and wash everything in baby detergent before first use. You'll be grabbing these bleary-eyed at 3 AM.
- Burp Cloths ReadyYou need 10+ burp cloths minimum. Station them everywhere: crib area, glider, changing table, living room, your shoulder. Cloth diapers work as the best burp cloths — absorbent and cheap.
- Swaddles ReadyWash all swaddles in fragrance-free baby detergent before first use. Pre-fold them so they're grab-and-go at 2 AM. Velcro swaddles (like Halo) are easier than traditional wrapping.
- Sound Machine TestedTest all settings and timers. At least 7 feet from the crib, never on the rail, at the lowest volume that works (aim for about 50 dB at the crib; a free phone decibel app can check).
Tech
- Monitor Set UpSet up and test both units before baby arrives. Check WiFi interference, range to your bedroom, and night vision quality. Charge or plug in the parent unit where you sleep.
- Night Light InstalledRed or amber light only — blue/white light suppresses melatonin and wakes everyone up. Dim enough to see for feeds and changes but dark enough to signal "it's still nighttime."
- White Noise MachineOPTIONALAt least 7 feet from the crib, never on the rail, at the lowest volume that works (aim for about 50 dB at the crib; a free phone decibel app can check). Continuous sound, not ocean waves or music — steady white/brown noise works best.
Environment
- Blackout Curtains HungTotal blackout is the goal — run your hand along edges to check for light leaks. Darkness triggers melatonin production. This single investment will pay for itself in better naps.
- Room Temperature CheckKeep room between 68-72F (20-22C). Dress baby in one layer more than you're comfortable in. If their chest feels hot or sweaty, remove a layer. Overheating increases SIDS risk.
- Fan for Air CirculationOPTIONALOptional. A fan keeps air moving and helps keep the room from overheating. One 2008 study linked fan use with lower SIDS risk, but AAP doesn't list fans as a SIDS-prevention step. Back to sleep, a bare crib and no overheating are what matter. Air doesn't need to blow directly on baby — just circulate it in the room.
- Humidifier ReadyOPTIONALCool-mist only — warm mist is a burn risk. Clean it weekly to prevent mold buildup. Keep humidity between 40-60%. Place it near the crib but not close enough to get the crib wet.
Safety
- Cords SecuredBlind cords are a top strangulation hazard for kids. Switch to cordless blinds or install cord cleats at minimum. Do this before baby arrives — it's easy to forget once the chaos starts.
- Furniture AnchoredAnchor every dresser, bookshelf and TV, whatever the height. Babies pull up on anything once they can stand. Use the included anti-tip kit or buy L-brackets — $5 prevents tragedy.
- Outlet CoversSliding plate covers are better than plug-in caps — caps are choking hazards when pulled out. Cover every outlet within 3 feet of the floor in the nursery and adjacent rooms.
- Smoke Detector TestedTest it monthly by pressing the button. Replace batteries yearly. Install one inside the nursery and on each floor. Interconnected alarms (one triggers all) are worth the upgrade.
- Carbon Monoxide DetectorCO is odorless and deadly. Place a detector within 15 feet of every sleeping area. Combo smoke/CO units save space. Test monthly. If it ever goes off, get baby out first, ask questions later.
- No Loose Items in CribNothing in the crib except baby and a fitted sheet. No bumpers, no blankets, no stuffed animals, no pillows. This is the #1 safe sleep rule and it's non-negotiable until age 1.
Organization
- Hamper in RoomPACKDirty baby clothes pile up unbelievably fast. A hamper with a removable liner right in the nursery means you can grab and carry the whole load to the washer without dropping socks.
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