Learn tips for you to do for new mom with free PDF checklist.
10 Essential To-Dos for New Parents in the First Month After Birth (From a Mom of Three)
As a mom of three beautiful boys, I know how overwhelming those first few weeks can be after bringing a new baby home. With this list, I’m sharing my own experiences and some logistical must-dos for the first month postpartum. 🤎🙏🏾👶🏾
Congrats moma!! And welcome to the world new baby!
At the time of this post, I’m 2 months into welcoming a new bundle, and wanted to share while it’s fresh. I also have been sharing resources with other new moms at the time of this post, and it’s been amazing!
Hopefully, this can be a helpful resource for new parents (especially moms!) as you adjust to your new family life.
Please feel free to share your own experiences in the comments and let me know if these tips are helpful. I’ll also link additional resources at the end.
Oh, and here’s the super simple PDF Checklist.
1. Prioritize Rest and Nutrients
Your body has done a lot of work, and now it’s time to recover! Sleep whenever you can, even if it’s just short naps, and make sure to fuel up with nourishing foods.
I had meals ready before birth, and it was a lifesaver. Have family and friends stock your fridge and freezer with easy-to-reheat meals and snacks. A balanced diet and lots of rest will support your energy levels during this intense time.
2. Complete Birth Certificate and Social Security Paperwork
This can vary by hospital or birth center, but paperwork for the birth certificate and Social Security card usually starts right after birth. For us, everything was handled at the birth center, so all we had to do was double-check and sign.
Make sure you know where this paperwork stands before you leave so everything’s set from the beginning. Also, you’ll likely need to wait a couple of weeks before the birth certificate comes to apply for a social security card.
You will have to pay for the birth certificate and verify information when you purchase the actual copies, the medical team will help submit the application but it’s your responsibility to order (this was done online for us). We order two original copies. We had them send and it cost us $73 bucks and we got them within days.
Also, If you are planning to get an infant passport, I suggest you wait.
3. Soak Up Time with Your Partner
Spending quality time with your partner is so important. For me, the first few weeks were about cozy moments together with our new baby.
We set aside time to just be in bed, relax, and get comfortable in our new role as parents of another little one. Don’t rush to get out and about—enjoy bonding and let the healing process take its time.
4. Organize Help for Meals, Laundry, and Chores
If family or friends offer help, make a list of tasks they can take over, like laundry, cooking, or grocery shopping.
We had a wonderful support team of family who pitched in, and having a plan made it easier to delegate.
It’s a relief to have meals prepared and household tasks managed so you can focus on the baby and yourself.
5. Establish or Update Your Will
With a new baby, updating or creating a will is a must. We did this after each of our boys was born. Some employers offer resources for this process, and it’s a way to make sure your family’s future is secure.
You’ll usually need a birth certificate, so once that’s ready, you can add baby to your will.
6. Add Baby to Your Health Insurance Plan
Don’t skip this step—adding your baby to your health insurance plan is key to making sure all medical care is covered.
Most plans require you to do this within a specific timeframe (often 30 days), so call your provider to confirm. Missing this can lead to gaps in coverage, so check it off early!
7. Book a Lactation Consultant Appointment
Breastfeeding can be different with each child, and a lactation consultant can make a big difference.
I booked my lactation appointments early, and even if I didn’t end up needing them, having support in place was reassuring.
It’s easier to cancel than to book last minute, so plan ahead if you can. Virtual works too! You gotta do what works best for you. After my second, I’ve continued lacation appointments, and yes my insurance covers it!
8. Schedule the First Pediatrician Visit
Scheduling that first pediatrician visit early ensures you’ll have a spot. I chose a pediatrician in advance, and it made things so much simpler.
You may also want to ask if they perform circumcisions, if that’s something you’re considering, as this procedure is typically done within a specific timeframe.
Make sure to bring any paperwork from the hospital, including an immunization card if opt in for any vaccinations.
9. Arrange Follow-up Appointments with Your Midwife or Doctor
Your postpartum recovery is just as important as the baby’s care. Expect multiple follow-ups for yourself and baby in the first month. You may be able to schedule virtual appointments, which can be convenient.
If you have a blood pressure cuff or other tools at home, you can share vitals from home if in-person visits are hard to manage. Give yourself time and grace during this period.
10. Stock Up on Essentials Like Clothing and Nursery Items
If you didn’t stock up before birth, now’s the time to get the basics: clothing, diapers, and nursery essentials. We bought just a few items to avoid excess and picked up more as needed. This approach helped us avoid overbuying and kept things simple.
Congratulations AGAIN on this beautiful new chapter! I hope these tips make things a bit easier.
If you found this helpful, please let me know in the comments, and feel free to share what your experience has been like as well.
Love and blessing!
For all my second time moms, what other tips do you have! Comment below.
Additional Resources
- https://www.ssa.gov