Registering Your Baby’s Birth and NHS Number
To register your baby’s birth, you will need to make an appointment at the local Registry Office. All births must be registered within 42 days with a Registrar of Births and Deaths. For more information about registering your baby’s birth and to book an appointment, please contact the following office: 03000-415151 or www.kent.gov.uk or www.bexley.gov.uk. All these offices are open Monday to Friday during normal office hours. If you are a resident of the London Borough of Bexley, you may now be registered either by the Kent Registration Service or Bexley Registration Office.
Who Can Register a Birth?
Either parent of the baby can register the baby’s birth, provided they were married to each other at the time of the birth. If the parents are not married, only the mother of the baby can register. If the father’s details are to be recorded both parents need to be present. If you are unsure, our staff will be pleased to explain the requirements to you.
Information you will need to provide
- The place and date of birth of the baby.
- The baby’s name, surname and sex.
- The baby’s parents’ names, surnames, places of birth and occupations.
- The baby’s mother’s maiden surname (if applicable).
What will you be given?
- A form which allows you to register the baby with your Doctor.
- A short copy of the Birth Certificate – which is a part copy of the entry in the Birth Register.
Special Kentish Commemorative Birth Certificates are available from the Registrar and you will also be given a copy of our “Kentish Welcoming Ceremony” booklet. Welcoming ceremonies are special non-religious ceremonies that allow parents and their friends and relatives to welcome the new Baby into the family. For further details, telephone: 03000 415151.
Registration Offices
- Dartford: Dartford Library, Market Street, Dartford, Kent DA1 1EU
- Swanley: Swanley Library, Swanley Town Centre, Swanley, Kent
- Gravesend: Gravesend Library, Windmill Street, Kent DA12 1BE
- Rochester: Northgate, Rochester ME1 1LS. Book online www.kent.gov.uk to register a birth. Tel: 03000-415151
- Bexley: Danson House Register Office, Tel: 03000-411103. www.bexley.gov.uk
- Woolwich: Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6PW. Tel: 03000 415252
- Essex: Thames Side Complex, Orsett, Grays, Essex RM17 5DX. Tel: 0345-603-7632 Website: www.essex.gov.uk
When you baby is born, an NHS number is generated
This number will be on your notes. You will need this to register your baby at a GP surgery - please do this as soon as possible. The NHS number is used as the common identifier for patients across the different NHS organisations. Babies born in England and Wales are allocated an NHS number soon after birth, issued by Maternity Units at the point of Statutory Birth Notification.
The Midwife will inform you of the baby’s NHS number. For more information visit: What is an NHS number? - NHS
Child Benefit
Almost everybody who is responsible for a child under 16 is entitled to child benefit and in some cases for children who are 16, 17 and 18. It is a means-tested benefit, meaning that your entitlement is based on your income. Child benefit pack is available on line at: www.gov.uk. If you require further information or help contact your local Social Security Office, which has details of child benefit and other benefits.
Relationships
Parenthood can put a strain on relationships, regardless what they were like before. Part of the problem is that you have less time to spend with each other than you did before baby arrived and it’s much harder to get out together and enjoy the things you used to do together. Your partner may feel left out and you may feel resentful at what appears you see as a lack of support. Try to make time for each other and do little things to make each other feel cared for, remember to give each other a hug.
Please remember you’re Midwife and Health Visitor is always there to listen.
Pets
Please keep all pets in a different room from your baby unless you are in the room. Never leave them together unattended.