Prepare for a new baby
I am having a baby
Prepare for leave and financial support before the birth, then register the birth and arrange your child’s documents and health coverage. These services have different applications and eligibility rules.
Where to begin
- Review maternity and parental benefits and plan time away from work. Quebec residents use the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan for the corresponding benefits.
- After a birth in Canada, register it with the province or territory where it occurred. Check whether its newborn service can also request a SIN or child benefits.
- Use the provincial or territorial instructions for a birth certificate and health coverage; these are separate services even when applications are combined.
- Check Canada child benefit eligibility and the appropriate application route. The federal welcoming-a-child guide also covers childcare and health support.
Before you open the official service
- The province or territory of birth and residence.
- Your work and leave plans; the benefit applications’ requested information.
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
The correct birth-registration, health coverage and leave routes depend on location and circumstances. A checklist does not confirm eligibility.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
canada.ca · Official websiteCanada.ca — Register your child’s birthRegister a birth in Canada with the province or territory where it occurred. Some provinces combine newborn birth registration with SIN and child-benefit applications. Birth certificates and health insurance cards use provincial or territorial services; the official guide links to each jurisdiction.Checked
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.