Birth / New Child Checklist
A new member of the family is arriving or has arrived.
12 expert-curated steps · Organized by urgency · Free preview below
What most people ask first
What do I need to do legally right away?
What paperwork matters most?
How do I prepare financially?
Choose a pediatrician before the due date
Interview pediatricians in your area and confirm they accept your insurance. The baby will need a visit within the first week.
Why this matters: You don't want to be searching for a doctor while sleep-deprived with a newborn.
Understand your parental leave and notify your employer
Review FMLA eligibility, company policy, and state-specific paid leave programs. Submit paperwork before the due date.
Why this matters: Protects your job, ensures you get paid, and reduces last-minute stress.
Review your health insurance plan
Understand your deductible, out-of-pocket max, and how to add the baby after birth. Most plans give you 30 days.
Why this matters: Missing the 30-day enrollment window means waiting for open enrollment — potentially months without coverage for your baby.
Create or update your will and name a guardian
Decide who would raise your child if something happened to both parents. This requires a legal document.
Why this matters: Without a named guardian, the court decides. This is the single most important legal step for new parents.
Set up the nursery and stock essentials
Car seat (required to leave the hospital), crib, diapers, basic clothing, feeding supplies.
Why this matters: Having the basics ready means one less thing to worry about when you're exhausted.
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