Having a baby is a big responsibility, and not everyone is aware of all the things that go along with bringing a new life into the world.

When a child is born in Ontario, the birth needs to be registered within 30 days with the government of Ontario.

For some parents, registering a birth within 30 days is not always possible. In those cases, if you’re eligible, you can still register a birth online for free, within 12 months of the birth date. After 12 months, the process is longer and costs $50.

You can register your child’s birth through the online 5-in-1 newborn bundle. The newborn bundle is free, fast, and easy to use.

In one application you can register your child’s birth, apply for a birth certificate, apply for a Social Insurance Number, apply for Canada child benefits, and request an Education Savings Referral.

Registering a birth in Ontario is usually a two-step process: A statement of Live Birth Form is completed by parents of newborns and the parents submit it to ServiceOntario. A Notice of Live Birth Form is completed by qualified medical staff and these staff submit to Service Ontario.

It is quicker and easier for parents to register a birth online than to submit a paper Statement of Live Birth form by mail. If you register a birth by mail, you will need to apply for your child’s documents separately.

You can register a birth online through the 5-in-1 newborn bundle if the baby is born in Ontario, is under 12 months, and the baby’s birth has not been registered before.

Note that all parents must be present when registering online to certify the birth.

Before you register, make sure you have: the baby’s date of birth, the baby’s name, parental information, the name of the hospital or birthing centre, the name of the person who delivered the baby, the baby’s weight, and the length of the pregnancy in weeks.

If you are registering the birth of a baby that is one year or older, you need to order a birth certificate online. ServiceOntario will check to confirm that your baby is not already registered and will send you a package for delayed registration of birth in the mail. Complete the registration package and return it by mail to the address provided in the package.