3 Ways to Prepare for a Baby

Over 3 million babies are born in the U.S. every year. At some point – or many points – it’s likely that you and your family will be the ones welcoming a new little one into your home. Having a baby is joyous and exciting, but it requires plenty of preparation. Today, we’ll look at some crucial steps in preparing for a new baby:

Choose the Baby’s Doctor

Aside from you and your spouse or partner, a doctor will be one of the first people caring for your baby. Ask your doctor how to add your baby to your health insurance plan, and do so as soon as possible. If your current doctor won’t be taking care of your baby, ask family and friends for pediatrician recommendations. Meet with the pediatrician yourself before bringing in the baby for a checkup. When you do take the little one to the doctor, have the records you need as well as a list of questions.

Make a Baby Budget

Your baby will need plenty of baby gear – a crib, clothes, toys, a high chair, and so forth. However, these aren’t the only things you’ll spend money on. Now is a good time to start a college fund, get a life insurance plan, and think about making a will. Well before the baby is born, set a workable budget and stick to it.

Plan Your Leave

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives new parents as much as 12 weeks of unpaid leave that does not impact their job security. However, the way this plays out varies from state to state—and often company to company. Before the birth, you and your spouse should decide who will take leave and for how long. Discuss all options with your supervisor so you can choose the best one for your family, whether that’s unpaid leave, working from home, or something else.