Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences there is — from their first word to the first steps, late-night feedings, cuddles, and everything in between, you’re in for an incredible journey.
However, parenthood also comes with less fun, but equally-important tasks…like gathering all of the necessary paperwork for your new baby!
When preparing for the arrival of your little one, it’s easy to get carried away with other matters (baby showers, decorating their nursery, and stocking up on cute newborn clothing) and overlook the administrative side of things.
But, tackling the paperwork early and knowing how to get a birth certificate, social security number, and health insurance coverage will save you stress and headaches down the line.
If you’re currently expecting a new bundle of joy, come learn about the five most important documents every parent should get for their newborn, why they’re important, and some helpful tips for the application processes.
Parental Leave
Did you know that there’s one piece of paperwork for you new baby you can prepare for before they’re born? I’m talking about parental leave!
Although the exact length of parental leave depends on your country or state, this leave gives you time to bond with your baby and adjust to life with your new family member.
Once you know your approximate due date, be sure to inform your employer about your maternity or paternity leave plans.
Most workplaces require official documentation, such as a doctor’s note confirming the pregnancy and the expected delivery date.
It’s also a good idea to check with your Human Resources department if you have one, so they can guide you through the parental leave process.
Afterwards, follow company policies and file any paperwork well in advance, to avoid any problems or delays in payments.
Birth Certificate
Without a doubt, your baby’s birth certificate is the most important document that they’ll ever have!
This is the first official record of their existence and is required for many important processes throughout their life.
A birth certificate is proof of your baby’s identity, and is necessary for enrolling in school, accessing healthcare, applying for a passport, obtaining a social security number, filing taxes, getting married, claiming inheritance, applying for a driver’s license, and much more. That’s quite the list, isn’t it?
The process of getting your baby’s birth certificate is fairly straightforward, since the hospital or maternity center will usually help you fill out and file the paperwork as soon as the baby is born.
If you’re planning to give birth outside of a hospital (as in the case of a home birth, for example), your midwife will typically have the required forms on hand when helping you deliver your baby.
In any case, it’s important to complete the paperwork and register the birth as soon as possible, since it takes up to a month to receive the physical copy of your baby’s birth certificate.
Social Security Number
In the United States, you can apply for a Social Security Number (also known as an SSN) for your baby at the same time you apply for their birth certificate.
In fact, the birth registration form has a section where you can request a social security number for your child at the same time.
By filling that out, you’ll automatically apply for their SSN when the birth certificate is filed — and as a bonus, you’ll save a trip to the Social Security Office!
This is a convenient way to handle both documents at once, and you’ll receive your baby’s SSN card in the mail in just a few weeks.
Health Insurance & Immunization Records
After getting your baby’s birth certificate and social security number sorted, the next step is making sure they’re covered under your health insurance plan.
This is especially important because your baby will need regular pediatric care during the first few months, to make sure they’re staying healthy, getting vaccines, and hitting important growth milestones.
Did you know that most insurance providers have a small window when you can add your baby to your existing plan?
The time limit to add your baby to your insurance is generally 30 to 60 days after birth, and missing this window could result in a gap in coverage (definitely something you want to avoid!)
To add your newborn to your health insurance, you’ll need to submit a copy of their birth certificate, and in some cases, their social security number.
Talk with your insurance agent before your little one is born to find out which documents you need, when to apply, and any other details to make the process go smoother.
Speaking of health insurance… As soon as your baby goes for their first check-up, be sure to start organizing their immunization records.
These records document all of your child’s vaccinations, which are essential but also for enrolling them in daycare or school.
Most pediatricians will keep a detailed record of your child’s vaccinations, but it’s a good idea to maintain your own copies as well.
Estate Planning
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about estate planning. While it’s certainly not the most exciting (or cheerful) part of parenthood, creating or updating your will is essential in protecting your family’s financial future.
Having an up-to-date will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and also allows you to designate a legal guardian for your child.
Likewise, consider setting up a trust to safeguard funds for things like education or healthcare expenses.
Trusts offer flexibility and control over how and when the assets are distributed, providing long-term financial security for your little one.
There are all kinds of different responsibilities that new parents will discover as their little ones grow and develop.
And once our children reach the school years, it may seem like the paperwork never stops!
But, you can get a great jump on the process by ensuring you get your newborn’s essential documents as soon as possible.
Having the drudgery of paperwork for your new baby taken care of will help ensure that you can enjoy more time with your precious bundle of joy!