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Congratulations. A whole new person, and a whole new kind of tired. Nobody expects you to be thinking about paperwork right now. But there are a few things that need doing in the first weeks, and a few more that people often get round to once the dust settles. Here they are, plainly, so you can tick them off and get back to staring at tiny fingers.
In the first few weeks
Register the birth. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you have 42 days. In Scotland, it’s 21 days. You’ll usually do it at the local register office.
Claim Child Benefit. You can claim once the birth is registered. Claims can usually only be backdated by up to three months, so it’s worth not leaving it too long.
Register with a GP. Your baby will need their own NHS number and GP registration. The hospital or midwife will usually start this for you.
Tell work. If you haven’t already, sort out the dates for maternity, paternity or shared parental leave with your employer.
Who’s responsible for what
In the UK, a child’s mother automatically has parental responsibility. A father usually does too if he’s married to the mother, or is named on the birth certificate. This is the legal word for the rights and duties of raising a child: decisions about their health, their schooling and so on. The rules differ a little across the UK, and gov.uk explains them in full.
The ones that can wait a little
These aren’t urgent this week. But they tend to come up once things calm down, and plenty of new parents say they’re glad they did them.
Writing or updating a will. For many parents, the biggest reason is choosing a guardian: the person who’d look after your child if you both couldn’t. In a will, you can name who you’d want that to be.
Thinking about life insurance. Plenty of new parents look at it for the first time, so the family would be looked after whatever happens.
Checking your pension and work benefits. Many schemes let you name who receives a payment if you die. It’s worth checking who’s listed.
Starting some savings for them. There are several accounts designed for children. A bit of research goes a long way.
If any of this feels like a lot, it’s fine to take it one thing at a time. Most of it isn’t going anywhere.
The fun bit
Among all the admin, there’s something lovely about this moment. A new person to share things with. Stories to pass on. Songs you’ll sing them that your mum sang to you. Everything you’ll want them to know about you one day.
Where Twentyfive fits
A new person in your life is the moment most people start thinking about the future. Twentyfive is a good place to start. Build your Twentyfive Card with the things that make you, you: your songs, your bucket list (yes, there’s room for “take them to the seaside for the first time”), your stories, and the people who matter most. Choose your gatekeepers, the people you’d trust to share your wishes when the time comes. You only share what you want to, with who you want to.
It won’t change a nappy. But it might be the nicest bit of admin you do this year.
Quick answers
How long do I have to register a birth?
42 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 21 days in Scotland.
Do I need a will when I have a baby?
Many parents write one so they can name a guardian for their child. It’s a personal choice, and a solicitor can explain your options.
What’s a guardian?
The person you’d want to look after your child if you both died while they were still young. You can name one in your will.
This article explains how things generally work. It isn’t legal or financial advice.
