by Dr J Cornell

Created on: July 27, 2010   Last Updated: August 11, 2010

You've spent nine months creating your gorgeous baby, now you've met them for the first time.  In between feeds and visitors there are lots of things to do.  Whether your new baby is your first or you fifth there's a whole host of things that you're responsible for.  Even if your children are close together regulations and advice may have changed since last time. 

Amongst the myriad of other things that you need to do, whilst celebrating your new arrival, is registering the birth.  Although it seems quite daunting it's very simple.  Read on to find the various ways and requirements to register the birth of your new arrival. making them an official member of the British Public.

Any child that is born in the United Kingdom must, by law, be officially recorded by an appointed registrar within six weeks, or 42 days, of the birth. 

There is a choice of three places to register your baby’s birth: a Hospital, a Registry office or a Sure Start Centre.

Not all hospitals provide the opportunity to register the birth of a baby, you have to ask if the hospital that you have chosen offers this service.  Most hospitals offer a chance to tour to help you decide whether they’re best or not, this gives you a good opportunity to ask any questions you like.  Registering a birth at the hospital can be a good service for the parents of still born babies as this means that they can get this task out of the way and grieve without having to think about this again.  It may not be the best solution for those that haven’t yet decided on a name.  You midwifery team should give you the contact details of the appropriate Registry Office upon discharge from hospital.

Registry Offices are generally located in most towns and citys, there should be one within easy reach of your home.  To register the birth at the Registry Office within the area where you had your baby simply phone for an appointment some Registry Offices are also currently trialling online booking, check their website for details.  To register your baby in another area you need to contact the Registry Office that covers the area where the birth took place and they will arrange to send you the necessary paperwork, you will then need to make an appointment with your desired registry office.

If it is difficult for you to go into your local town to register the birth you may be able to register at a local Sure Start Centre. 

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