“Adulting” for Expectant Parents Checklist

There is so much to think about and consider when having a baby!

Checklist

In this checklist, I’ve included some basic information and resources to get you started on some of the less than exciting but very important responsibilities that come with expecting a baby. Some of these topics can get complicated, so make sure to consult the professionals for more detailed information and assistance! The goal of this list is not to be overwhelming, though. If you have a spouse or partner, work together to accomplish your financial goals and tackle the other important tasks. Remember, it’s not necessary to do all of this at once. Start by choosing one item to focus on at a time. Also, some of these tasks can be done during pregnancy and some can (or need to) happen after baby arrives.

✔️ Budget and Save

Having a baby will lead to extra expenses (in addition to possibly taking unpaid time off work). Make time to examine your current expenses and make a budget. If necessary, what expenses could be reduced or eliminated to ensure there is enough to pay for your baby’s needs, as well as any out-of-pocket medical costs? Start saving up now, if you can. Save up for those additional expenses, for that unpaid time off work, and for an emergency fund to help in managing life’s unexpected moments.

✔️ Stick to the Essentials and Buy Used

There are so many cute and seemingly useful baby gadgets, but, in reality, babies don’t need much. Less is honestly more. Having too many baby outfits and toys will increase your workload when it comes to household chores. Also, buying used is a great option, because baby supplies are typically used for such a short time. Check out local buy/ sell/ trade groups, yard sales, resale shops, and thrift stores to see what’s available. For safety reasons, use caution when it comes to cribs (and other infant sleep/ nap products) and car seats. Some older cribs may not meet current safety standards, and purchasing used car seats is not recommended (there is no way to ensure they haven’t been involved in a car accident). The link below can be used to research safety standards and check for product recalls, if you have any questions or concerns.

🔗 Consumer Product Safety Commission

✔️ Work Hours and Schedule

Having a baby is obviously life-changing. Do you have any concerns about managing your work schedule once baby arrives? Are there any changes that could be made? Do you want to work reduced hours or switch to part-time employment? Do you want to stop working altogether? How would these changes affect your budget? If you want to or need to continue working full time, are there any changes you would like to make (like adjusting start and end times or days worked), if you could? Who can you talk to about this? Regardless of what you decide, there are challenges with every option. But, both working and stay at home parents can raise healthy and happy children.

✔️ Maternity/ Paternity Leave

Options for maternity/ paternity leave are limited for many people in the United States. Paid leave is not available to most people. Six weeks of unpaid leave after a vaginal birth and eight weeks of unpaid leave after a cesarean section is common but not nearly enough. And some people have to return to work even earlier because of the lack of paid leave options. Twelve weeks of unpaid leave may be available, thanks to the Family and Medical Leave Act, but you do have to meet certain requirements to qualify. Some employers do offer some form of paid leave option, though it may not be fully paid. It often requires using sick time or short-term disability. Others may offer leave for a longer period of time, whether it be paid or unpaid. It’s best to check with your employer to see what will be available to you.

🔗 The Employee’s Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act | United States Department of Labor

✔️ Insurance

Health insurance isn’t the only kind of insurance you will need. Life insurance protects your family in the event of an unexpected death. Short and long-term disability insurance can help in paying the bills if you or your spouse/ partner experience an illness or injury that affects employment. Employers sometimes offer these types of insurance plans or you can purchase them on your own. IMPORTANT!!!: Once your baby arrives, make sure to add them to your health insurance plan. This must be done within a specific time frame. Check with your health insurance provider to find out what that is and set a reminder for yourself.

✔️ HSA/ Health Care FSA/ Dependent Care FSA

It’s possible to use pre-tax dollars for certain expenses. Health Savings Accounts are only available to those with a high deductible health insurance plan. These allow you to save money for qualified medical expenses, and unused funds can be rolled over for future use. A Health Care Flexible Spending Account may be available through your employer and can be used for certain health care expenses. A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account can be used for certain child care expenses. You can only open up or change these accounts during the annual open enrollment period OR if you have a qualifying life event (like having a baby). Make sure you are familiar with the details before signing up. IMPORTANT!!!: With a Health Care FSA or Dependent Care FSA, you have to use your contributions by a certain date or you will lose the money.

✔️ Child Care

It’s a good idea to plan ahead in regards to child care. Daycare centers, in-home providers, and friends/ family are common options. Besides potentially being a huge expense, you may have more choices available the further out you start to plan. Spots often fill up months in advance. It’s really never too early to start thinking about this, especially if you work non-traditional hours.

✔️ Will

A will is a legal document that specifies your wishes in the event of your death. Who would you list as a beneficiary and what would them to get (money and/ or things)? Who would you want to care for your child(ren)? If you don’t have a will, it will be up to the courts to decide this for you. You can hire a lawyer to help with this or research how to do this on your own. If you already have a will, make sure to update it once baby arrives.

✔️ Saving for Education

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan that allows you to save for your child’s education costs in the future. It’s never too early to start saving. Even adding small amounts on a regular basis can be so beneficial for the future. It’s even possible for friends and family to gift money to your child’s account electronically. Available 529 plans will vary by state.

🔗 An Introduction to 529 Plans | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

✔️ Birth Certificate and Social Security Card

These are important documents you will need for your child. Hospital staff or your care provider (for out of hospital birth) will report the birth to the appropriate office in your state. It’s up to you to order a copy, and you should be provided with that paperwork. You also will have the option to apply for a social security card. Talk to your care provider if you have any question or concerns. If you’re planning an unattended birth, you need to contact the appropriate office in your state during your pregnancy (don’t wait until after the birth). In Ohio, this office is called the Bureau of Vital Statistics, which is part of the Ohio Department of Health. This office in other states will have a similar name. This office can give you specific guidance, but you’ll need to report the birth once it happens. Once you receive the birth certificate, you can apply for a social security card at any Social Security Office.

🔗 Social Security Numbers for Children | Social Security Administration

✔️ Taxes

Having a baby can have tax benefits. As long as you meet the criteria, claiming your child as a dependent will reduce your tax liability. File a W-4 form with your employer to update your number of dependents so that less money will be withheld from your paycheck. Your baby will need a social security number in order to claim them as a dependent. Make sure to check out any other credits and deductions that might apply after baby arrives. Consult a tax professional to answer any questions and to help with the details and specifics.

🔗 Tax Information for Parents | Internal Revenue Service

A printable version of this checklist (and more) is available in my Free Resource Library.

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