Child benefit is a tax-free payment that is aimed at helping parents cope with the cost of bringing up children. You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for one or more children under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). There’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.
Find out more and how to claim:
Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to change a baby’s nappy.
Following the arrival of your baby, the birth needs to be registered within 42 days (six weeks) at your local registry office. It is through this process that you will obtain a birth certificate.
The registration should be done in the borough you gave birth in. You may register the birth in a different area if this is more convenient, however your details will need to be sent to the borough in which you gave birth in order for them to generate a valid birth certificate.
The service is normally provided by appointment only, but this may vary from one area to the next. Please take the Personal Child Health Record (red book) and your baby’s NHS number with you, as the registrar may ask to see it.
The Personal Child Health Record, or the red book as it is often called because of its red cover, is the main record of your child’s health, growth and development from birth and through the early years.
You will be given your baby’s red book either in hospital or by your health visitor. You may be given individual sheets to put in the red book, please keep these sheets safe until you are able to add them to the book.
The red book provides guidance on screening tests, immunisation schedule, normal development and help and advice on looking after your child. Helpful tips on how to protect your child from passive smoking and how to tackle problems like constipation, crying, fever, fits, spots, rashes, sunburn and other common complaints are included.
Keep the red book safe and take it to all baby appointments. For the best long-term outcome for your child, you, and the people involved in caring for your child, it is recommended that you write down every item of relevant information in this book.
An electronic version of the red book is gradually being rolled out across the UK. You can see your child’s NHS records, and read important guidance from the NHS and other sources. In time, the eRedbook becomes a virtual keepsake that contains not only health information (such as immunisations and screening results) but also photos, notes and other information about your child.
Find out more and to register for it:
Immunisations or vaccinations are given to help prevent people getting certain diseases. It is important to make sure you and your children have their routine vaccinations delivered on time to protect against these diseases.
To find out more information on vaccinations you can visit your local GP, speak to your health visitor or Children’s Centre.
