How to register a birth with Leeds City Council
If you have recently had a baby in Leeds, by law you must register the birth with Leeds City Council within 42 days.
If you are married to the baby’s mother or father, you can choose to register the birth together or on your own. If you are not married, both parents can register together, but only the mother can register on her own.
You will need to provide certain information about the baby, yourself and the other parent, including full names, dates of birth, home address and your employment.
You will also need to provide ID for yourself and the baby’s other parent:
- Photo ID (e.g. passport, driving licence, biometric residence permit, permanent residence card)
- Birth certificate
You can find out more and make an appointment (online only) on the Leeds City Council website:
How to register your baby with a GP
You should register your baby with your GP as soon as possible. You can use the pink card you are given when you register your baby’s birth. Sign the card and take or post it to your GP.
If you want the GP to see your baby before you’ve registered the birth, you can go to the GP surgery and fill in a registration form there.
Health visitors
Health visitors are qualified NHS nurses or midwives who work in the local community to support the health of babies, young children and their families.
If you have had your baby in Leeds, you will automatically get referred to the health visitor team. If you are new to Leeds and your child was not born here but is under 5 years old, you can ask your GP to make a referral for you. Or you can contact the health visitor team directly.
You will meet your health visitor first when you are 28-34 weeks pregnant. After this, they will visit you at your home when the baby is around 10-14 days old and 6-8 weeks old. They will also do 2 health reviews for your child up to the age of 2 years old. Health visitors can provide lots of guidance on caring for your baby including:
- baby’s health and development
- immunisations
- breastfeeding
- supporting your emotional health
You can find out more about health visitors and read useful guides on caring for your baby on the Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust website:
Health Visitors for children aged 0-19
You can find the contact details for your local health visitor team on Leeds City Council’s Family Information Service website:
Parenting
The Family Information Service website also has information about health and wellbeing for you and your baby, toddler or young child. It also lets you search for family groups and activities you can do together and there is also a list of ‘breastfeeding friendly’ places.
Children’s centres are a really good place to get support and guidance with caring for your baby or child, but also look after your own health and wellbeing, meet other parents, make friends and get support. Find out more about Children’s Centres here.
The Baby Buddy app offers lots of support during pregnancy and after the baby is born until it is 6 months old. The app has lots of videos and information to support you to care for yourself and your baby. Baby Buddy is available as a website as well an app.
Immunisations
Find out about immunisations here.
Mental Health
Did you know, it is actually quite common to have problems with your mental health during pregnancy or afterwards?
If you are a mum or a dad and you have been feeling low, depressed or anxious, you should not feel embarrassed or ashamed. It does not make you a bad parent and it is ok to ask for help.
You can speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP, and they will help you find ways to feel better. They can help you access support including groups with other new parents, practical support and ways to feel less stressed.
Find out more on the Mindwell website, which is run by the NHS to support people in Leeds with their mental health.
Support with money
Caring for a baby or small child can be very expensive. The Money Helper website has helpful tips on ways you can save money. It also has information about welfare benefits and grants you may be able to access.
If you don’t not have enough money to buy essential items for your baby such as nappies, infant formula or bigger items like a baby mat, Leeds Baby Bank can help you by providing free items.
Leeds Baby Bank on Facebook
Leeds Baby Bank
