Pregnancy and your new baby

A 0 to 19 specialist public health nurse (health visitor) will receive information about your pregnancy from your midwife.

All expecting parents will receive a Personal Child Health Record (PCHR), also known as the Red Book. (See Red book section below).

Antenatal resources

You will receive a text message with a link to this website, giving you access to antenatal resources to read through. These are designed to help prepare you for the start of your parenting journey.

We will visit you at home to:

• talk about feeding, safe sleeping, and caring for your baby
• check your baby’s early development
• see how you are feeling
• discuss any extra support you may need

We will visit you at home when your baby is between 6 to 12 weeks old.

We will:

• review your baby’s health and development
• talk about feeding, immunisations and sleep
• listen to how you are feeling physically and emotionally
• talk about your relationship with your baby

We will send you appointment details inviting you to your child’s first development review when they are between 9 to 12 months old.

We will talk about:

• behaviour, growth, sleep, and eating habits
• potty training, dental health, vaccinations, and safety
• screen time, keeping active, and school readiness
• we’ll also check in on your wellbeing as a parent

See what to expect at your child’s development review for more information.

All expecting parents will receive a Personal Child Health Record (PCHR), also known as the Red Book.

The Red Book allows you to record:

• your baby’s growth measurements
• immunisations
• new born screening results
• developmental milestones

This is an important record that you and the professionals working with your family will use throughout your child’s early years.
It also includes:

• useful information about local services
• parenting advice and guidance
• space to keep track of health appointments, support contacts and early development

Take your Red Book with you to the hospital when you have your baby and to all health appointments after birth, including visits with your midwife, health visitor, GP, or any specialist services.

All births in England must be registered within 42 days (6 weeks) of your baby being born.

Where to register

You can register your baby’s birth:

• At the local register office for the area where your baby was born.
• In some hospitals, before you go home (staff will tell you if this is available).
• At another register office, if needed they will send the information to the correct district (this is called registering by declaration).

Who can register the birth?

• Married or civil‑partner parents
  • Either parent can register alone.
  • Both parents’ details can be included.
• Unmarried parents
  • Both parents should attend together to include both names.
  • If the mother attends alone, the father’s details can only be added:
    • if he is present, or
    • via a signed legal declaration.

Information you will need to provide

The registrar will ask for:

• baby’s date and place of birth
• baby’s full name and sex
• parents’ full names, addresses, places of birth and occupations
• mother’s maiden name (if applicable)

Documents to bring

Bring at least one form of ID for each parent attending:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Birth certificate
• Deed poll (if your name has changed)
• Proof of address (utility bill or Council Tax bill)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)

You should also bring:

• Your baby’s Red Book (some registrars may ask to see it)

Booking the appointment

You can book an appointment on the Leeds City Council website.

What you receive after registration

You will be given:

• a short birth certificate
• a form to register your baby with your GP

Your baby will also be issued with an NHS number, usually shortly after birth. It will appear in their medical records and in their Red Book.