A 2026 baby checklist should cover antenatal care, birth planning, registering the birth, parental leave, benefits, childcare, feeding, safe sleep and essential equipment. There is no single nationwide checklist, and rules or support schemes may change during the year, so check the latest NHS and GOV.UK guidance for your circumstances. You may also need to tell your employer, update tax or benefit claims, and arrange a health visitor appointment. For complicated employment, benefits or immigration questions, consider advice from a suitably regulated professional.