Registering baby's birth

It's my child - and I'm proud to be his Dad!!!

The registration of births varies in different countries but a good starting point for information is your midwife, hospital or delivery unit. They can guide you where to go. Usually the baby must be registered within 42 days (six weeks) of the date of birth. Do it!

You can go to any register office, though things will take a few days longer if the one you go to is in a different district to where your baby was born. This is because the registrar will need to forward your information to the district where your baby was born in order for the registration to take place, and it is from here that the birth certificate will be sent to you.

Either parent can sometimes register the birth if you were married at the time of the birth or conception. If you were not married, but you want your details as the father to be entered in the register, then you will either both have to go and sign the birth register together, or if one of you cannot attend, then the other one must show the registrar a statutory declaration acknowledging the father's paternity (the form can be obtained from any registrar).

When you actually register your baby's birth, you will need to inform the registrar of your baby's date and place of birth (and the time of birth if you had twins or triplets), his or her sex, and their full name, as well as your own details. You must be absolutely sure that the information recorded in the birth register is correct before you sign it as it can be difficult to change.

It's your baby's right to have you acknowledged as the father so please try to register your name even if you find obstacles in your way!