New & expecting parents
New & Expecting Parents Cost Checklist
Free programs and simple steps that can take some of the cost out of having a baby.
Email me updatesBy the ForLowerBills team · Last updated: October 14, 2026 · Sources checked: October 14, 2026
No paid links on this page. Every program we mention is free to apply for. ForLowerBills.com is an independent website, not a government agency. How we make money.
Babies are wonderful, and expensive. The good news is that several official programs exist just for this stage, and some of the biggest savings come from simple deadlines, such as adding your baby to health insurance in time. Here's what we'd check, in order.
1. Apply for WIC
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals. It's for women who are pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months after the end of a pregnancy) or breastfeeding (up to the baby's first birthday), and for infants and children up to their fifth birthday.
If you or your children get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, USDA says you may already be income-eligible. When counting your household size, a pregnant woman can add one person for each expected baby. Applicants get a free, simple health check from WIC staff.
2. Health coverage for you and the baby
Medicaid and CHIP offer free or low-cost coverage for children and teens, and many states cover pregnant women at higher incomes than other adults. Find your state's program at InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
Add your baby to your plan on time. Having a baby qualifies you for a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period. You can enroll up to 60 days after the birth, and coverage can start on the day of the birth. If you have job-based insurance, ask HR about its deadline, which is often short.
Breast pumps: most health plans (except grandfathered plans) must cover breastfeeding support, counseling and a breast pump, either a rental or one you keep. Call your plan to ask how to get it.
New & expecting parents checklist
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During pregnancy
After the birth
At tax time
From ForLowerBills.com · General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
3. Tax credits and everyday costs
- Child Tax Credit: your new baby may qualify you for the credit when you file. Amounts and rules have changed in recent years, so check the current details on the IRS Child Tax Credit page (opens in a new tab). Get a Social Security number for your baby (usually requested at the hospital) so you can claim it.
- Free tax help: IRS VITA sites prepare basic returns for free for many families. IRS: Free tax return preparation (opens in a new tab)
- SNAP: your household size just grew, so check eligibility again. USDA SNAP state directory (opens in a new tab)
- Diapers, cribs and car seats: call 211 or visit 211.org (opens in a new tab) to find local diaper banks, baby pantries and programs that may provide car seats or safe-sleep items.
- Lifeline: if you qualify through SNAP or Medicaid, you can get up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet. FCC: Lifeline (opens in a new tab)
4. Spend less on baby gear
- Ask your health plan what it covers before buying (breast pump, lactation visits).
- Borrow or buy gently used clothes, swings and bouncers, but buy car seats new or from someone you trust, and check that any used item hasn't been recalled.
- Start with fewer items: babies outgrow newborn sizes fast.
- Use a subscription audit to free up room in the budget for the new costs.
Get updates: New & Expecting Parents Cost Checklist
Related guides
FAQ
Who can get WIC?
USDA says WIC serves women who are pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months) or breastfeeding (up to the baby's first birthday), plus infants and children up to age 5, who meet income rules. If you get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already be income-eligible.
How long do I have to add my baby to health insurance?
For Marketplace plans, you can enroll up to 60 days after the birth and coverage can start on the birth date. Job-based plans set their own deadline, often shorter, so ask HR right away.
Will my insurance pay for a breast pump?
Most plans must cover one, either a rental or one you keep, except grandfathered plans. Your plan may have rules about the type and timing.
How much is the Child Tax Credit?
The amount and rules have changed in recent years. Check the IRS Child Tax Credit page for the current figures before you file.
Disclaimers
General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
- ForLowerBills.com is an independent website. We are not a government agency, a law firm or a debt-relief company, and we don't charge for any of this information.
- Programs, income limits and rules change. Always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.
Read our full affiliate disclosure (How we make money).
We hope this helps. — the ForLowerBills team