The period following the birth of your baby is a bit of a rude awakening from the slow pace of pregnancy. Being at your baby’s beck and call 24/7 takes time to get used to! But none the less, life goes on and there are things you have to do before you can get settled into a routine of parenthood.

Signed and Sealed
By law, you have to register your baby within 42 days of their birth with a registrar in England and Wales and within 21 days in Scotland. You will then get a birth certificate. You'll get a short-form one containing only your baby's details free of charge, and a full certificate containing your details for a small charge. The hospital will usually be able to provide you with details of where to find your nearest register office.

Who's On The Form?
If you're married, either parent can register your baby, but if you're not, and you would like the father's details on the birth certificate, you both have to do it together. If one of you is unable to attend, then the other will have to show the registrar a form (available from the registrar's office) called a Statutory Declaration which says who the father is.

For further information, contact the main General Register Office on 0151 471 4805 or click any of the following links.

Registering a child born in England and Wales.

Registering a child born in Scotland.

Registering a child born in Northern Ireland.

• Signing up for child benefit
  
• Announcing your baby's birth
  
• Baby Naming - the dos and don'ts