Having a baby: the money checklist.

Price your parental leave in dollars

Stack state paid-leave programs, employer top-ups, and PTO into a week-by-week number, so the gap you'll cover from savings isn't a surprise.

Start the childcare math now

In many metros, infant-care waitlists run longer than the pregnancy. Price two or three realistic options and reserve a spot early: deposits are usually small next to a month's tuition.

Open or update a dependent-care FSA

If your employer offers one, pre-tax dollars for childcare are among the easiest savings available, but elections usually only change at open enrollment or a qualifying event. A birth is one.

Get term life insurance priced while you're young

Coverage is cheapest when you're healthy and young; a new dependent is the classic trigger. Price 10–20× income in level-term coverage for each earner.

Name a guardian and write the basic documents

A will with a named guardian, plus healthcare and financial powers of attorney. Uncomfortable for an afternoon; invaluable if it's ever needed.

Reset the household budget for year one

Diapers, formula, gear, and the childcare line item change the budget's shape. Re-run it before the leave starts, not after the first surprising month.

Check the tax credits

The child tax credit and the child-and-dependent-care credit are worth real money; adjusting withholding early puts it in your paycheck instead of next year's refund.

Start the college account, even small

A 529 opened at birth gives compounding its longest runway, and many states add a deduction. Automatic $50/month beats a perfect plan that never starts.