Getting ready for life with a baby: 33-34 weeks

The final countdown: Getting ready for baby

The countdown is well and truly on. With just a few weeks until you meet your baby, now's a great time to sort those final essentials, from packing your hospital bag to preparing your home for those first precious days together.

What’s happening at 33–34 weeks?

Your baby: Your baby is now about the size of a pineapple and taking up more room than ever. You might even look down and spot a little elbow or knee pushing out, one of those brilliantly strange reminders of the little person in there. They’re also practising sucking and swallowing, ready for life on the outside.

“We were lying in bed when suddenly a very distinct, hard little knuckle pushed right across my wife's bump. We both just stared at it in shock, then started laughing in amazement.”

Liam, dad to Arthur, 4 months

You: As your body prepares for birth, your baby may move lower into your pelvis to get into position. While this can offer a welcome bit of breathing room around your ribs, it often brings more toilet trips and a heavy ache in your hips or lower tummy.

You might also notice Braxton Hicks, often called ‘practice contractions’, which are signs your body is prepping for labour, or a little leaking colostrum, your baby’s first milk. Or you might not experience any of this every body and every pregnancy is different.

Your 34-week midwife check

At around 34 weeks, you’ll have another antenatal appointment. At this point, you might want to ask about early signs of labour and discuss your birth preferences and what to expect after birth. It’s also a chance to discuss recovery, feeding support, community midwife visits and who to contact with questions once you’re home.

Getting ready at home

Now’s a good time to set up baby’s cot or bedside crib, choose some fitted sheets and a suitable newborn sleeping bag, and work out where you’ll keep the nappies and wipes you'll be reaching for several times a day.

Whether you plan to breastfeed, formula feed, or combine the two, get everything ready in advance, create a cosy feeding spot with a supportive pillow and nightlight, and set up your steriliser or bottle prep gear so night-time feeds feel as seamless as possible.

You can also start washing those first tiny sleepsuits, bodysuits and socks, using a detergent that’s gentle on delicate newborn skin. There’s something particularly exciting about seeing that first load of baby clothes hanging up to dry.

And this is often where perfectly sensible preparation can tip into full nesting mode… You might find yourself tackling household jobs you’ve never contemplated before, like steam-cleaning the curtains, reorganising the spice rack in alphabetical order, or scrubbing skirting boards with a toothbrush. Will baby notice? Maybe not. But will it feel amazing? Absolutely.

“I went totally OTT and wiped down every single light switch, door handle and cupboard handle in the house with a disinfectant wipe at 34 weeks pregnant. Looking back, it was just peak nesting energy.”
Olivia, mum to Willow, 2 months

Packing your hospital bag

Packing your bag is such an exciting milestone – it’s the moment ‘being pregnant’ gently turns into ‘meeting your baby soon’. Aim to have everything packed by week 37 (earlier if you’re expecting twins or more) so you’re ready to go.

For you:

Your birth plan, if you’ve written one, and maternity notes: Keep your physical notes – or charged phone if your Trust uses an app – right at the top of your bag.
Something comfortable to wear: A loose nightshirt gives easy access for early feeds and skin-to-skin, plus some comfy pyjama trousers. Comfort first, always.
Little necessities: Check whether you need to bring a towel, and pack slippers or flip-flops, warm socks, lip balm, hair ties, a mini fan (hospitals can be hot and breastfeeding sweats are real) and an extra-long phone charger. Remember to bring any regular medication, too.
Postnatal recovery items: Pack supportive nursing bras, breast pads, soothing nipple balm, plenty of comfortable pants, ultra-absorbent maternity pads and a loose-fitting going-home outfit to keep you feeling as comfortable as possible after birth.
Drinks and snacks: A big water bottle with a straw, electrolyte drinks and high-energy snacks you’ll actually want to eat.

For your baby:

Babywear: 3-4 sleepsuits and bodysuits with front poppers or zips. Pack Tiny Baby and Newborn sizes if you’re unsure what will fit.
Going-home cosy: A soft cardigan, scratch mitts, hat, socks and a snuggly blanket for the trip home. Layers are always best.
The basics: Newborn nappies, water-based wipes or cotton wool, nappy bags and half a dozen muslins – you’ll be surprised how useful these are.

We’ve put together a guide for what to pack in your hospital bag here.

Getting your car seat ready

If you’re taking your baby home from hospital by car, having the seat sorted early helps clear your mind. Practise clicking it in and out and adjusting the harness until it feels second nature.

If you haven't bought one yet or want a quick check before the big day our trained experts can help you choose the right seat and show you how to fit and adjust it properly.

The first days at home

Bringing your baby home for the first time is a moment you'll never forget. But alongside the excitement, there's a lot to get used to – from round-the-clock feeds and broken sleep to recovering from birth and finding your feet as a new family.

You don't need to have everything worked out. Your midwife and health visitor will be there to support you, whether you have questions about feeding, recovery or your baby's wellbeing. For now, focus on getting the essentials ready and making those first few days as comfortable as possible.

When you’re ready, we’re here

There are so many options when it comes to cots, bouncers and travel systems, and it’s completely normal to want a little help. Our team can talk you through it, in store or virtually, with relaxed, one-to-one advice.

Book a free Buying for Baby appointment

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