For parents in England
Every baby money deadline, in one timeline
Enter your due date or your baby's birthday. See exactly when to claim Child Benefit, when free childcare starts, when to apply for school and more.
What's on your timeline
- Telling your employer, maternity and paternity leave
- Registering the birth
- Child Benefit and grants
- Free childcare hours and Tax-Free Childcare
- School applications and start dates
Guides
When does free childcare start?By birth month, from 9 months to age 4.Child Benefit for a new babyHow much, how to claim, and the 3-month deadline.When does my child start school?Reception start dates by birthday, deadlines and summer-born rules.Maternity pay and leaveHow much you get, when to tell your employer, and leave dates.Paternity leave and payDay-one leave, pay, notice dates and shared leave.Tax-Free Childcare£2 added for every £8 you pay, up to £2,000 a year.Grants and payments for new parentsSure Start Maternity Grant, Healthy Start and more.Registering your baby's birthThe 42-day deadline and what you need.Choosing a nursery or childminderOfsted ratings explained and what to ask.
Common questions
Is Baby Timeline free?
Yes. It's free to use and you don't need to sign up. Your dates stay in your browser.
Where do the rules come from?
From GOV.UK and other official sources, checked in October 2026. Each guide links to the official page.
Does it work in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
The timeline follows the rules for England. Some things, like Child Benefit and maternity pay, are the same across the UK, but childcare and school starting rules are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Is my due date stored anywhere?
No. Your timeline is worked out in your browser. We don't see or store your dates.