New Baby Checklist: Everything to Do in the First 30 Days
3 sections · Expert-curated · Free
Within 24 Hours
Start the birth certificate application ...
Request Social Security number applicati...
Notify your employer about parental leav...
First Week
Add baby to health insurance — you have ...
Schedule first pediatrician visit (3-5 d...
Set up meal coordination so friends can ...
First Month
Update your will and name a guardian
Start a 529 college savings plan
Update beneficiaries on insurance and re...
Capture this time — photos, journal, voi...
Track your progress — assign tasks, check things off, share with family
Get my planWithin 24 Hours
Start these at the hospital if possible.
Start the birth certificate application (hospital usually initiates)
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Request Social Security number application
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Notify your employer about parental leave
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
First Week
These have tight deadlines.
Add baby to health insurance — you have a 30-day window
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Schedule first pediatrician visit (3-5 days after discharge)
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Set up meal coordination so friends can bring food
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
First Month
Important but less urgent.
Update your will and name a guardian
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Start a 529 college savings plan
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Update beneficiaries on insurance and retirement accounts
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Capture this time — photos, journal, voice recordings
Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the 30-day insurance window?
If you miss the 30-day special enrollment period, you may need to wait for open enrollment to add your baby. Some states have longer windows. Contact your insurance provider immediately.
When should I schedule the first pediatrician visit?
Most pediatricians want to see newborns within 3-5 days of hospital discharge. This visit checks weight, jaundice, and feeding. Choose a pediatrician before the due date if possible.
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