Sunderland parents can now register children's births again - but appointments expected to be in high demand

Birth registrations were temporarily stood down due to the pandemic following an announcement from the General Registrar's Office in March.But from Monday 8 June, 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 booked via www.sunderland.gov.uk/births but parents are being warned that there is likely to be a high demand for appointments due to the service being out of commission for the last two months.Cabinet Secretary Councillor Paul Stewart, said: "It's inevitable that there's going to be high demand following the reopening of the service. So we would ask parents to be patient with us while we do our best to work through the backlog of birth registrations as quickly as possible."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.Parents are also being warned that due to the Covid 19 restrictions the customer toilets and baby feeding and changing facilities are currently out of action.Full details about registering a birth can be found at www.sunderland.gov.uk/births.If baby’s mother lives in the South Tyneside area and has given birth at Sunderland Royal Hospital, then from Monday June 22, they can register at South Tyneside register office.

Appointments can be booked by telephoning 0191 4277000.