Your baby is finally here—congratulations! Between first cuddles and sleepless nights, the United States hands you a mini mountain of paperwork: Social Security, health insurance, tax credits, and more. This streamlined checklist explains what to file, when to file it, and which documents to have on hand so you can get the red tape done and return to what matters most.
1 | Establishing Paternity (if you’re not married)
Acknowledging paternity secures legal rights and responsibilities for dads and unlocks benefits for baby.
- Where: Hospital birth-certificate office, county vital-records clerk, or family court.
- When: Anytime, but doing it in the hospital keeps later forms simple.
- You need: Valid photo IDs for both parents; if filed later, a certified birth certificate.
- Pro tip: Many states let you add a custody agreement at the same appointment—ask while you’re there.
2 | Order Certified Birth Certificates
The hospital files the birth record, but you must buy certified copies.
- Timing: Request online or by mail as soon as the state lists the record (usually within 2 weeks).
- Cost: $20–50 each; order at least three—for Social Security, passport, and daycare.
3 | Get a Social Security Number
- Fastest way: Check the “Yes” box on the hospital birth-certificate worksheet. Card arrives by mail in ≈ 4 weeks.
- Later? Apply at any SSA office with baby’s certified birth certificate and parents’ IDs.
- Fee: Free.
4 | Add Baby to Health Insurance
- Employer plan: Most give you 30 days to enroll a newborn—submit the form + birth certificate.
- Marketplace: A new baby triggers a special enrollment period (60 days).
- Medicaid / CHIP: Apply any time if household income qualifies.
5 | Passport or Real ID (if you’ll travel)
- Where: Passport Acceptance Facility (most post offices). Both parents must appear or provide consent form DS-3053.
- Documents: Certified birth certificate, parents’ IDs, baby photo, fee ($135 standard, $210 expedited).
6 | Parental Leave & Pay
FMLA grants up to 12 weeks unpaid in most jobs. Nine states plus DC add paid family-leave checks—file within 30 days of leave in CA, NY, NJ, etc. Bring proof of birth & employer wage statement.
7 | Lock in Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credit 2025: Up to $2 000 per child.
- EITC: Worth thousands for low-to-moderate earners.
- How: Enter baby’s SSN as a dependent on your next 1040—credits adjust your refund automatically.
8 | Open a 529 or Savings Account
Start small, let compound interest do the rest. Most banks require baby’s SSN and birth certificate; online 529 plans open in under 5 minutes.
Don’t Forget
- Well-baby visits (first at 3–5 days, then 1 mo, 2 mo...).
- Apply for WIC if eligible—free formula and healthy foods.
- Update wills & beneficiary forms—name a guardian.
Bottom Line
One folder, one calendar, eight clear steps—that’s all it takes to tame the post-birth bureaucracy. Knock these out early and get back to baby snuggles, not phone hold music.