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Newborn To Do and Timeline

Baby Preparation Master Plan

Estimated Due Date: March 28, 2027
Planning timeline for pregnancy, delivery, paperwork, newborn health, and everything we need to buy.

Pregnancy status
~14 weeks
as of Sep. 27, 2026
Third trimester begins
Jan. 3, 2027
approximately 28 weeks
Hospital bag target
Feb. 14, 2027
34 weeks
Everything ready
Feb. 28, 2027
36 weeks
How to use this page:
Dates are calculated from the March 28, 2027 due date and may shift if the obstetrician changes the official EDD.
Medical decisions and exact test timing should follow our OB and delivery hospital.

1. Pregnancy & Baby Timeline

Second Trimester

8 weeks
around Aug. 16, 2026

Early prenatal visit

  • Confirm pregnancy location, viability, fetal heartbeat and dating.
  • Receive / begin using the Taiwan maternal health booklet (孕婦健康手冊).
  • Review medications, supplements, medical history and pregnancy precautions.
12 weeks
around Sep. 13, 2026

Major early-pregnancy blood work

  • CBC / anemia screening.
  • Blood type and Rh status.
  • Hepatitis B testing.
  • Syphilis screening.
  • HIV screening.
  • Rubella antibody status.
  • Urinalysis and routine prenatal examination.
  • Review first-trimester genetic screening / NIPT results if performed.
16 weeks
around Oct. 11, 2026

Routine prenatal visit

  • Blood pressure, weight, urine, fetal heartbeat and routine examination.
  • Review genetic-screening results and whether any additional testing is needed.
  • Complete the first government prenatal health-education session if not already done.
  • Ask OB about exercise, travel, medications and any ongoing symptoms.
20 weeks
around Nov. 8, 2026

Anatomy / structural ultrasound

  • Routine mid-pregnancy ultrasound.
  • Ask whether a more detailed fetal anatomy scan (高層次超音波) is recommended.
  • Review fetal growth, placenta location, amniotic fluid and fetal anatomy.
  • If desired and visible, confirm baby’s sex.
24 weeks
around Dec. 6, 2026

Routine visit + start glucose-test window

  • Routine prenatal examination.
  • Schedule 75 g oral glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes.
  • Repeat anemia screening as directed.
  • Start researching hospital delivery procedures and postpartum care centers (月子中心) if applicable.
  • Begin comparing car seats, sleeping arrangements and larger baby equipment.

Late Second / Early Third Trimester

24–28 weeks
Dec. 6, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027

Gestational diabetes & anemia screening

  • Complete the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test.
  • Complete repeat CBC / anemia testing.
  • Review results at the next prenatal visit.
27 weeks
from Dec. 27, 2026

Tdap vaccination window begins

  • Mom: receive Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably during 27–36 weeks.
  • Ask close caregivers whether their pertussis vaccinations are current.
28 weeks
around Jan. 3, 2027

Third trimester begins

  • Routine prenatal visit.
  • Maternal RSV vaccine becomes an option from approximately 28–36 weeks.
  • Begin counting / learning baby’s usual fetal-movement pattern as instructed by OB.
  • Finalize delivery hospital.
  • Register for childbirth / breastfeeding / newborn-care classes if desired.
  • Start buying essential newborn gear.
30 weeks
around Jan. 17, 2027

Routine visit + logistics

  • Routine prenatal examination.
  • Confirm hospital admission procedure and which entrance to use after hours.
  • Save labor-and-delivery phone number in both parents’ phones.
  • Plan transportation to the hospital at daytime and overnight.
  • Decide who should be contacted when labor begins.
  • Discuss maternity leave and paternity / partner leave with employers.
32 weeks
around Jan. 31, 2027

Third-trimester ultrasound

  • Routine prenatal visit.
  • Third-trimester ultrasound as scheduled by OB.
  • Review fetal growth, position, placenta and amniotic fluid.
  • Choose baby’s Chinese and English names or create a short final list.
  • Confirm intended English spelling and name order for Taiwan and U.S. documents.
  • Begin assembling hospital bag.
34 weeks
around Feb. 14, 2027

Hospital bag should be packed

  • Hospital bag fully packed and stored near the door.
  • Baby’s first clothes washed.
  • Crib / bassinet assembled.
  • Car seat installed or installation appointment booked.
  • Diapers, wipes and feeding supplies at home.
  • Prepare a waterproof towel / pad for the car in case water breaks.
35–<38 weeks
Feb. 21 – Mar. 13, 2027

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test

  • Complete vaginal / rectal GBS screening.
  • If positive, discuss antibiotics during labor with the OB.
36 weeks
around Feb. 28, 2027

Everything should be ready

  • Routine prenatal visit.
  • Finish second prenatal health-education session if not already completed.
  • Confirm baby’s presentation / position.
  • Discuss when the hospital wants us to come in for contractions or rupture of membranes.
  • Review birth preferences and pain-control options.
  • Car seat installed and ready.
  • Hospital bag in final location.
  • Charge power banks and keep phones charged.
  • Keep car fueled / charged.
  • Have a backup transportation plan.

Full Term / Delivery Window

37 weeks
Mar. 7, 2027

Weekly prenatal visits begin

  • Routine prenatal examination.
  • Baby can arrive at any time — keep hospital bag and documents ready.
  • Know baby’s normal movement pattern.
38 weeks
Mar. 14, 2027

Routine weekly visit

  • Review contractions, fetal movements and signs of labor.
  • Confirm hospital instructions for admission.
39 weeks
Mar. 21, 2027

Routine weekly visit

  • Discuss delivery plan if labor has not yet begun.
  • Ask OB when induction would be considered.
40 weeks
Mar. 28, 2027

Estimated due date

  • Routine prenatal assessment if baby has not arrived.
  • Follow OB’s plan for additional fetal monitoring and possible induction.

2. Mom’s Vaccines

Vaccine When Our Approx. Window Notes
Influenza Any trimester during flu-vaccine season From Oct. 1, 2026 Pregnant women are included in Taiwan’s government influenza vaccination program.
COVID-19 Can be given during pregnancy Discuss at next prenatal visit Follow the current Taiwan CDC program and OB advice.
Tdap Preferably 27–36 weeks, every pregnancy Dec. 27, 2026 – Mar. 7, 2027 Protects newborn through transferred maternal pertussis antibodies.
Maternal RSV 28–36 weeks Jan. 3 – Mar. 7, 2027 Optional / self-paid in Taiwan; discuss with OB.
MMR After delivery if rubella non-immune Postpartum Live vaccine — not given during pregnancy.
Important: Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella are generally avoided during pregnancy.
If prenatal blood work shows that Mom is not immune to rubella, ask about postpartum MMR before leaving the hospital or at the postpartum follow-up.

3. Hospital / Water-Break Emergency Bag

Target: Start packing around 32 weeks and have the bag completely ready by
34 weeks (Feb. 14, 2027).

Documents & Essentials

  • Mom’s National ID / ARC as applicable.
  • Dad / partner ID.
  • NHI card.
  • 孕婦健康手冊 / maternal health booklet.
  • Hospital registration information.
  • Any test reports the hospital asked us to bring.
  • Medication and allergy list.
  • Wallet / cash / credit cards.
  • Birth preferences / birth plan if using one.

Mom

  • Loose going-home outfit.
  • Nursing bras.
  • Comfortable underwear.
  • Slippers.
  • Socks.
  • Hair ties / clips.
  • Toothbrush / toothpaste.
  • Face wash / moisturizer / toiletries.
  • Glasses / contact-lens supplies.
  • Lip balm.
  • Postpartum pads if hospital does not supply them.

Baby

  • 2–3 newborn outfits.
  • Going-home outfit.
  • Receiving blanket.
  • Diapers if hospital requests them.
  • Baby wipes if hospital requests them.
  • Rear-facing infant car seat installed in car.

Dad / Support Person

  • Change of clothes.
  • Toiletries.
  • Phone.
  • Long charging cable.
  • Power bank.
  • Water bottle.
  • Snacks.
  • Camera + charged battery if wanted.
  • Important phone numbers.

If Her Water Breaks

In Taiwan’s maternal-health guidance, suspected rupture of membranes is a reason to go to the hospital even if regular contractions have not started.
  • Note approximately what time it happened.
  • Notice whether the fluid is clear, pink, green/brown, bloody or unusual-smelling.
  • Use a sanitary pad / towel to manage the fluid.
  • Reduce unnecessary walking.
  • Call the delivery hospital / labor ward.
  • Take the hospital bag and maternal health booklet.
  • Go to the hospital according to the hospital’s instructions.

Go for urgent assessment for: water breaking, significant vaginal bleeding, clearly reduced fetal movement, severe or persistent pain, regular labor contractions, or another symptom the obstetrician has told us is an emergency.

4. Delivery Day & Before Leaving the Hospital

Baby: First 24 Hours

  • Confirm baby’s birth time, weight and length.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours.
  • If Mom is HBsAg-positive, confirm appropriate hepatitis B immunoprophylaxis including HBIG.
  • Confirm newborn physical examination.
  • Confirm vitamin K according to hospital protocol.
  • Start feeding plan / lactation support.

Before Discharge

  • Newborn metabolic screening / heel-prick screening.
  • Newborn hearing screening.
  • Ask when results will be available.
  • Get baby’s child health booklet (兒童健康手冊).
  • Confirm first pediatric follow-up.
  • Confirm jaundice / bilirubin follow-up if required.
  • Request needed copies of the hospital birth certificate.

5. Official Documents, Citizenship & Legal Tasks

Before Baby Arrives

  • Choose baby’s legal name.
    Decide Chinese name and exact English spelling / order before filing government documents.
  • Decide whose Taiwan household registration the baby will join, if applicable.
  • Confirm what the household registration office requires if either parent’s nationality / household-registration status makes the case non-standard.
  • Collect parents’ passports, Taiwan IDs / ARCs, household-registration documents, and marriage certificate.
  • For U.S. citizenship paperwork, start collecting proof of the U.S.-citizen parent’s physical presence in the United States.
  • Examples: school transcripts, university records, employment records, tax documents, leases, medical records, passport entry/exit evidence and other dated U.S. residence records.
  • Check both parents’ employer leave rules before approximately 32–34 weeks.

After Birth — Suggested Order

Hospital
Birth – discharge

Obtain birth records

  • Obtain hospital-issued birth certificate(s).
  • Verify parents’ names and baby’s name are spelled correctly before leaving.
  • Ask for several originals / certified copies if available.
Step 1
Preferably within the first few weeks; legal deadline 60 days

Taiwan Birth Registration / Household Registration

  • Register baby’s birth at the household registration office if applicable.
  • Complete the child’s surname agreement / documentation if required.
  • Add baby to household registration.
  • Carefully verify Chinese and English / romanized name information.
Step 2
At / immediately after birth registration

National Health Insurance

  • Enroll baby as a dependent in NHI.
  • Apply for baby’s NHI card.
  • Until baby’s card is available, follow NHI rules for using a parent’s card for the newborn.
Step 3
Within the applicable application window

Birth Subsidies / Insurance Benefits

  • Check Taipei City childbirth subsidy eligibility if household-registered in Taipei.
  • Apply for Labor Insurance maternity benefits if Mom qualifies.
  • Check the current Taiwan childbirth subsidy / labor-worker benefit programs.
  • Check employer-specific childbirth benefits.
Step 4
Ideally during baby’s first 1–2 months

U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

  • Confirm baby’s U.S. citizenship-at-birth eligibility.
  • Complete the current DS-2029 / online CRBA process.
  • Prepare evidence of U.S.-citizen parent’s citizenship.
  • Prepare evidence of U.S. physical presence required for citizenship transmission.
  • Prepare parents’ marriage certificate as applicable.
  • Prepare Taiwan birth / household-registration documents required by AIT.
  • Prepare parents’ passports / identification.
  • Schedule the required appointment with the American Institute in Taiwan.
  • Baby and required parent(s) attend the appointment.
Step 5
Same general period as CRBA

Baby’s First U.S. Passport

  • Prepare current DS-11 application.
  • Prepare compliant passport photo.
  • Bring citizenship / CRBA documentation required by AIT.
  • Follow the special parental-consent requirements for a passport applicant under age 16.
Step 6
After citizenship documentation is available

U.S. Social Security Number

  • Apply for baby’s Social Security number.
  • Use CRBA or U.S. passport as citizenship evidence.
  • For Taiwan residents, check the current instructions from the Social Security Administration / Federal Benefits Unit serving Taiwan.
Step 7
After Taiwan registration

Taiwan Passport, if applicable

  • Apply for baby’s Taiwan passport if the baby will hold Taiwan nationality and needs one.
  • Use the same chosen English spelling consistently where possible.
  • Check both passports carefully when received.

Work / Leave Rights to Plan Ahead

Item Current Taiwan Rule / Planning Point
Mom’s prenatal leave 7 days of paid prenatal-examination leave for eligible employees.
Partner’s prenatal + paternity leave 7 paid days total for accompanying prenatal examinations and childbirth for eligible employees.
Mom’s maternity leave 8 weeks for childbirth under Taiwan labor rules; pay treatment depends on applicable employment law and seniority.
Parental leave Eligible parents may apply before the child reaches age 3; current employment-insurance benefit plus government supplement can total 80% of insured salary for up to 6 months per eligible parent.

6. Mom’s Postpartum Timeline

1–2 weeks
after delivery

First postpartum check

  • Recovery / wound or C-section incision assessment.
  • Blood pressure and physical recovery.
  • Feeding / breastfeeding problems.
  • Sleep, mood and emotional health.
  • Discuss any concerning bleeding, pain, fever or other symptoms.
6–8 weeks
after delivery

Second postpartum check

  • Overall physical recovery.
  • Pelvic / wound recovery as applicable.
  • Mental-health screening.
  • Contraception / family-planning discussion.
  • Exercise and return-to-activity guidance.

7. Baby’s First-Year Health & Vaccine Schedule

This is a planning overview using the current Taiwan childhood immunization program.
Always follow the baby’s 兒童健康手冊 and the Taiwan CDC schedule in effect in 2027–2028.

Age Vaccines / Health Tasks
Birth ☐ Hepatitis B #1 within 24 hours
☐ HBIG as indicated by mother’s hepatitis B status
☐ Newborn examination
☐ Newborn metabolic screening
☐ Newborn hearing screening
2 weeks – 2 months ☐ First government child preventive-health visit
☐ Feeding / weight / jaundice / development assessment
1 month ☐ Hepatitis B #2
2 months ☐ 5-in-1 DTaP-Hib-IPV #1
☐ Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine #1
4 months ☐ 5-in-1 #2
☐ Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine #2
5 months ☐ BCG, according to Taiwan schedule
6 months ☐ 5-in-1 #3
☐ Hepatitis B #3
☐ Influenza vaccine when seasonally appropriate
12 months ☐ MMR #1
☐ Varicella #1
☐ Pneumococcal booster
15 months ☐ Japanese encephalitis vaccine according to current schedule
18 months ☐ 5-in-1 booster
☐ Hepatitis A #1 according to current schedule

8. Things to Buy Before Baby Arrives

Buying strategy:
Don’t buy everything immediately. Get the safety-critical and large items first, then buy consumables gradually.
Avoid stocking large quantities of newborn-size diapers, formula or bottles until we know what works for the baby.

Sleep & Safety MUST HAVE

  • Crib, bassinet or bedside sleeper approved for infant sleep.
  • Firm, flat mattress that fits tightly.
  • 2–3 fitted sheets.
  • 2–3 appropriate sleep sacks.
  • Waterproof mattress protector.
  • Room thermometer.
  • Digital baby thermometer.
  • Smoke detectors checked.
  • Carbon monoxide detector if relevant to home.

Do not buy for sleep: baby pillows, positioners, crib bumpers, weighted sleep products or loose comforters.
Baby should sleep on the back, on a firm flat surface, with the sleep space clear.

Diapering MUST HAVE

  • Small pack of newborn diapers.
  • 1–2 packs of size 1 diapers.
  • Unscented baby wipes.
  • Changing mat / changing pad.
  • Diaper barrier cream.
  • Portable changing mat.
  • Diaper trash can or normal covered trash can.
  • Disposable diaper bags for outings.

Clothes & Laundry MUST HAVE

  • 6–8 short/long-sleeve bodysuits.
  • 5–7 zip sleepers.
  • 3–4 pairs of pants.
  • 4–6 pairs of socks.
  • 1–2 lightweight hats for outdoor use.
  • 2–3 swaddles / receiving blankets.
  • 8–12 burp cloths.
  • Baby laundry detergent or mild fragrance-free detergent.
  • Laundry bag / basket.

Don’t buy too much newborn-size clothing; babies can outgrow it very quickly.

Feeding MUST HAVE

  • 4–6 bottles to start rather than a huge set.
  • Newborn / slow-flow nipples.
  • Bottle brush.
  • Bottle drying rack.
  • Breast pump if planning to pump.
  • Milk storage bags / containers.
  • Nursing bras.
  • Breast pads.
  • Nipple cream if breastfeeding.
  • Burp cloths.
  • Bibs.

Wait before buying a large supply of one bottle, nipple or formula brand. Babies can have strong preferences.

Car & Going Outside MUST HAVE

  • Rear-facing infant car seat.
  • Stroller.
  • Baby carrier / wrap.
  • Diaper bag / backpack.
  • Portable changing mat.
  • Stroller rain cover.
  • Stroller mosquito protection if useful.
  • Sunshade.

Bath & Grooming USEFUL

  • Infant bathtub.
  • 2–3 hooded / soft towels.
  • Washcloths.
  • Mild fragrance-free baby cleanser.
  • Baby nail file / clippers.
  • Soft baby brush.

Health & Sick-Day Supplies MUST HAVE

  • Reliable digital thermometer.
  • Nasal aspirator.
  • Sterile saline for nasal use.
  • Small first-aid kit.
  • Medicine dosing syringe.
  • Humidifier if home air becomes very dry.

Do not routinely give a newborn medication without pediatric guidance. Fever in a very young infant requires medical advice promptly.

Mom’s Postpartum Supplies MUST HAVE

  • Large postpartum pads.
  • Comfortable high-waisted underwear.
  • Peri bottle.
  • Nursing bras.
  • Breast pads.
  • Nipple cream.
  • Loose sleepwear.
  • Comfortable slippers.
  • Large water bottle.

Home Convenience USEFUL

  • Night light with very dim setting.
  • Baby monitor.
  • Small bedside diaper / feeding station.
  • Extra charging cables near feeding locations.
  • Storage bins for baby clothes.
  • Small laundry basket.
  • Blackout curtains if needed.

Optional / Buy Later WAIT

  • Bottle warmer.
  • Bottle sterilizer / dryer.
  • Wipe warmer.
  • Baby swing / bouncer.
  • Play gym.
  • High chair — not needed for several months.
  • Baby food equipment — not needed yet.
  • Large toy collection.
  • Large stockpile of any one diaper brand.
  • Large stockpile of formula.

9. What to Buy / Finish by When

Now – 24 Weeks | Sep.–Dec. 2026

  • Research car seat.
  • Research crib / bassinet.
  • Research stroller.
  • Research baby monitor.
  • Decide where baby will sleep.
  • Research postpartum center / postpartum arrangements.
  • Make a baby budget.

24–30 Weeks | Dec. 2026 – Jan. 2027

  • Buy car seat.
  • Buy crib / bassinet and mattress.
  • Buy stroller.
  • Buy feeding basics.
  • Buy diapering basics.
  • Buy first batch of clothes.
  • Buy postpartum supplies.

30–34 Weeks | Jan.–Feb. 14, 2027

  • Assemble baby’s sleeping area.
  • Wash newborn clothes and sheets.
  • Pack hospital bag.
  • Set up changing area.
  • Set up feeding station.
  • Install baby monitor if using one.
  • Prepare newborn health supplies.

34–36 Weeks | Feb. 14–28, 2027

  • Install and test car seat.
  • Finish hospital bag.
  • Buy remaining diapers and wipes.
  • Charge power banks.
  • Finalize hospital route and backup route.
  • Save hospital phone numbers.
  • Prepare documents folder.
  • Prepare waterproof car-seat / passenger-seat protection for the ride to hospital.
  • Everything essential should now be ready.

10. Safe Sleep Rules

For every sleep:

  • Baby sleeps on the back.
  • Use a firm, flat sleep surface.
  • Baby has their own sleep space, ideally in the parents’ room initially.
  • No pillows.
  • No crib bumpers.
  • No stuffed animals.
  • No loose blankets or quilts.
  • No sleep positioners.
  • Avoid overheating.

11. Final “Baby Could Arrive Tonight” Checklist

  • Hospital bag packed.
  • NHI card + IDs + maternal health booklet ready.
  • Hospital number saved.
  • Hospital route known.
  • Car fueled / charged.
  • Rear-facing car seat installed.
  • Baby sleeping space assembled.
  • Newborn clothes washed.
  • Diapers + wipes at home.
  • Feeding supplies ready.
  • Mom’s postpartum supplies ready.
  • Important family contacts ready.
  • Baby name / spelling decided or final shortlist prepared.
  • Taiwan registration document folder prepared.
  • U.S. CRBA citizenship / physical-presence evidence folder prepared.

Last reviewed: September 27, 2026.
Medical and government programs can change. Recheck Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare /
Health Promotion Administration, Taiwan CDC, household registration, Ministry of Labor,
AIT / U.S. Department of State and Social Security Administration requirements when the relevant date approaches.

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