Week-by-week library · 12 months old
Month 12: your checklist
Quick answer
What should I actually do at 12 months old?
The first birthday is a real logistics milestone too, not just a party. 4 concrete tasks below, grouped by what they're for.
What's going on this week
The twelve-month well visit typically covers another vaccine round and a broader development check-in. It is also a natural point to review the whole first year of paperwork and insurance decisions before they roll into year two.
Your checklist
This month's checklist focuses on appointments & paperwork, household & gear, partner care. The other categories from the newborn weeks are usually running on their own by this stage and do not get a new task every month.
Appointments & paperwork
- Attend the twelve-month well visit.
- Review whether your insurance plan or FSA/dependent-care elections need updating for year two; open-enrollment timing varies by employer.
Household & gear
- If transitioning out of the infant car seat toward a convertible seat, research the switch using NHTSA's own guidance rather than guessing.
Partner care
- Look back at week one together on purpose; most of this list existed because that stretch is genuinely hard, and you both got through it.
Sourced to
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Last reviewed by the First Dad Guide editorial team.