Countdown
Why not use the calculator to see how your income and finances might change
The first few months
Open a Child Trust Fund account
After you have claimed child benefit, you will automatically be sent a Child Trust Fund voucher for your baby. Use the voucher (or the details on it) to open an account into which the government pays money to build up a lump sum for your child by age 18. You can add extra money to the account if you want and, from April 2010, disabled children will get extra regular government payments. See Child Trust Fund and saving for children.
What next?
Are you planning to look after your child yourself, at least until they start school? Maybe you want to return to work, go to college or start your own business? Now the baby is here, you might want to revise plans you made earlier and do something different.
Gather information to help you make your choice. See Planning ahead for a new family and Going back to work?
Check your pension
Once you’ve got your breath back, check what impact the caring and work arrangements you choose now will have on your eventual pension and the steps you can take to protect it. New rules mean that state pensions for grandparents and other family carers will soon be protected too. See How children affect your pension.
You may want to
Calculators
Easy access to online calculators
Do you work with families?
If so, we have some extra information and resources for you.