Pregnancy and your new baby

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

Note: 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.