Birth registrations – restrictions lifted

Parents can register their children's births again from today after restrictions were lifted – but families should expect a high demand for appointments.

Birth registrations were temporarily stood down due to the pandemic following an announcement from the General Registrar's Office in March.

But now Sunderland City Council is taking appointments for birth registrations again, with members of the Registrations Team taking face-to-face appointments at Sunderland Civic Centre.

Appointments can be bookedviawww.sunderland.gov.uk/births but parents are being warned that there is likely to be a high demand for appointments.

To minimise the number of people who are in contact with each other at a time when restrictions are still in place around social distancing, parents are being advised:

:: Not to bring their baby with them unless they must

:: Not to bring any other children or family members with them unless they must.

:: For married couples, only one parent registers the birth, and staff ask that only one parent attends

:: For unmarried couples, both parents register the birth and both parents are required to attend the appointment together.

:: To arrive five minutes early for appointments and bring proof of ID/address. Anyone who is late may have to reschedule.

Due to the restrictions, customer toilets and baby feeding and changing facilities are out of action. Full details about registering a birth can be found at www.sunderland.gov.uk/births