First Baby on way, what to do ...........?

ffacoffipawb · 26 April 2004 at 9:36PM

This is all new to us. First baby and all that.

What months do we do what, eg apply to get child benefit / tax credits / anything else from birth in 6 months time?

Thanks

Excited Brian

tru · 26 April 2004 at 9:47PM

My kids are teens now, but when no.1 was born, we registered him first, then applied for everything straight away. Can't comment on tax credits, they weren't around at the time. I'll see if I can find anything for you.

tru · 26 April 2004 at 9:58PM

Go to the main site, then type "tax credits" in the search. It's the second article. I tried to copy the address, but for some reason it wouldn't work ::)

babymassage · 26 April 2004 at 11:47PM

You should receive a 'Bounty Bag' when you are in hospital having had you baby. This should include (amongst lots of freebies and vouchers!) a form for your child benefit. I had my last baby 18 months ago, just before tax credits so can't be sure about that. You can't apply for anything until your baby has arrived as you will need his/her date of birth!
Good luck with your baby.

babymassage · 26 April 2004 at 11:50PM

Couple of other things I just thought of (!). Remind your good lady that she is still entitled to free dental treatment for a year after the baby is born (I didn't know that until I went for my checkup when my baby was 13 months old - doh!). If you are lucky enough to be goin gon a foreign holiday this summer you will need to get a passport for your baby - have fun getting the photo.

Yoga_Girl · 26 April 2004 at 11:51PM

I applied for tax credits as soon as I could after baby was born, I think you have to wait until after the birth to apply.

Yoga_Girl · 27 April 2004 at 12:10AM

Forgot to add - there is a good website which has a lot of info on benefits, maternity rights etc

https://www.maternityalliance.org.uk/

mini · 27 April 2004 at 12:44AM

Congratulations excited Brian ;D

May be worth looking at Sure start, there are maternity grants in some circumstances of £500 if I remember correctly, worth investigating, also worth checking out what Surestart offer locally, I know in some areas they will make your house safe with child safety gates and cupboard locks without any charge, you wont need those just yet though!

http://www.surestart.gov.uk/communications/surestartfaq/

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/sure_start_maternity_grant.asp

mistral_2 · 27 April 2004 at 11:33AM

Remember to register at Pampers online and get everyone you know to do the same .

You will get £4 of vouchers .

That is unless you want to try the eco friendly route

jo_b_2 · 27 April 2004 at 12:15PM

Make sure you sign up to the BabiesRUs club (part of ToysRUs.) They send you loads of magazines and vouchers throughout your pregnancy and afterwards. They are one of the cheapest places for cots, car seats etc, etc, especially with the money off vouchers.

You can usually get a catalogue free with the many baby/pregnancy mags around and sign up using the form at the back. You can also sign up online.

http://www.toysrus.co.uk/framestatic.aspx/Controls/Global/MotherAndBabyClub.ascx?zone=Bru

Also join Sainsbury's Little Ones Club, Tesco Baby Club etc.

Sarahsaver · 27 April 2004 at 12:28PM

They give you the form for child benefit when you go and register the birth, and it does come through fairly quickly, unlike most other state benefits in my experience!
Is the mum to be getting free folic acid supplements?
If you are on a low income you can get vitamins and milk vouchers too, until your child is 5.
Several local authorities provide free or heavily discounted washable nappies.
You can have a family railcard even though the littlun is under 5 you can still get rail fares cheaper.
If you go abroad go to Spain where they LOVE children, took my daughter there aged 10 months.
Good luck, ask if you need any more hints, I know what im doing now Ive had 3 kids, i wish id have had this site to help when i had the first

First Baby on way, what to do ...........?

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