Stay on Top of These Important and Timely Tasks
Welcoming your first child into the world is one of life’s most exciting and transformative moments. It also brings a long list of responsibilities that can easily feel overwhelming. As someone preparing for the arrival of my own first child, I’ve been navigating these same decisions and wanted to create a clear, organized guide to help other growing families stay on top of what matters most.
The list I’ll share below may feel never-ending, but remember that everything doesn’t have to be completed all at once. Instead of scrolling on your phone while your newborn is napping, put your free time (if you can call it that) on maternity or paternity leave to good use by completing the action items detailed here.
Urgent Tasks (Complete Within 30 Days of Birth)
These are essential and time-sensitive tasks. Missing the deadlines may have financial or legal consequences, so complete these as soon as possible!
Add Your Child to Your Health Insurance
You typically only have 30 days from the date of birth to enroll your child in your healthcare plan.
Apply for a Social Security Number
You’ll need this number to claim your child as a dependent on your taxes, open financial accounts in their name and more. Most hospitals offer this at the time of birth certificate filing.
Order Your Child’s Birth Certificate
Request multiple originals — you’ll use these for passports, insurance, school enrollment and more. There’s no limit on how many you can order.
Update Your Estate Plan
As a new parent, you’ll want to take the following actions:
- Add custodial provisions in your will — it may also be time for you to upgrade to a trust-based estate plan.
- Add your child or your trust as a contingent beneficiary on retirement accounts (401ks, IRAs, Roth IRAs, etc.).
- Update your life insurance beneficiaries.
Important but Not Immediate Tasks
These tasks are important for protecting your child’s future and getting your household financially prepared for the changes ahead.
Review and Adjust Your Financial Plan
- Revisit your budget to account for new expenses: diapers, childcare, medical costs, etc.
- Update your tax withholdings to claim your new dependent.
- Reassess your life insurance needs to ensure adequate coverage for your growing family.
- Re-evaluate your employer benefits (e.g., dependent care FSA, HSA contributions, or child life insurance).
Start a 529 College Savings Plan
This tax-advantaged account can grow with your child for their expected education costs. 529 plans grow similar to a Roth IRA, as the gains can be realized tax-free for tuition and various education expenses. In some states, you can receive a state income tax deduction for your contributions. Share the contribution link with family and friends for birthdays and holidays — people love gifting meaningfully.
Freeze Your Child’s Credit
Unfortunately, identity theft can start early. Freezing your child’s credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion prevents fraudsters from using your newborn’s Social Security number to apply for credit lines.
Order Your Child’s Passport and Passport Card
This step is essential if you plan to travel internationally. The passport card also serves as a handy form of identification.
Non-Urgent Tasks (That Are Still Worth Doing)
Although these next points aren’t high priority, they’re valuable ways to provide peace of mind for your family and long-term advantages for your child.
Register Baby Gear for Recall Notifications
This is especially important for items like cribs, strollers, car seats and bassinets. Hold onto instruction manuals and proofs of registration.
Create an Email Address for Your Child
Besides being required for things like Global Entry, this is a fun way to send them photos, stories and letters over the years.
Consider Global Entry for Your Child
If your family travels internationally, this makes customs a breeze. Children need their own profiles — even infants.
Carry Copies of Key Documents While Traveling
Birth certificate and immunization records may be required for certain flights, daycare enrollment or medical visits.
Check if Your Child Can Be an Authorized Credit Card User
Some credit card companies allow this even at a very young age. It can help build your child’s credit history early.
One Bonus Task
Sign Up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
This program mails a free, age-appropriate book every month from birth until age five. It’s a wonderful way to build your child’s first library and foster early literacy.
Parenthood can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring down a long to-do list. But remember: not everything has to be done at once. Prioritize the essentials, tackle the rest step by step and lean on your support system — including your trusted financial advisor — for guidance.
You’re not just raising a child. You’re building a foundation for their future. It’s never too early to get started!
