Frequently Asked Questions

NewMums.com is a UK-based support site offering free tools and gentle guidance from pregnancy through to the toddler years. We provide calculators, checklists, trackers, and advice — all written specifically for UK mums with NHS guidelines in mind.

Yes, all our tools and resources are completely free. We don't require registration or payment to use any of our calculators, checklists, or guides.

Absolutely. We take your privacy seriously. NewMums.com does not collect, store, or share your personal data with any third parties.

All our tools save information locally on your own device using your browser's storage. Nothing is ever transmitted to our servers — your data belongs entirely to you.

For full details, please see our Privacy Policy.

We have created a special Share page with a QR code that links directly to NewMums.com. You can download or print the QR code and share it with:

• Friends and family who are expecting or have a new baby
• Your antenatal class or NCT group
• Mum WhatsApp groups or Facebook communities

No — we guarantee complete privacy, and you retain full ownership of your data.

NewMums.com does not collect, transmit, or share your personal information with any third parties. We believe your data should always remain yours, and we've designed our site with this principle at its core.

No, we don't. NewMums.com does not collect or transmit any of your data to our servers. All information you enter into our tools and trackers is stored locally in your browser on your own device.

This means:

• We never see what you enter
• Your information never leaves your device
• You have complete control over your data
• You can clear it at any time through your browser settings

You can rest assured that your privacy is fully protected. For more details, please read our Privacy Policy.
This approach allows you to use our tools with confidence, knowing your information stays private and under your control.

It's easy to feel like you need to buy everything, but newborns actually need very little. We've created a Preparing for a Newborn Guide which covers the absolute essentials for your hospital bag, sleeping, and clothing, plus tips on what to borrow or buy second-hand.

• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: Within 42 days of birth.
• Scotland: Within 21 days of birth.

You typically need to make an appointment at the local register office in the area where your baby was born. Take photo ID and any paperwork your hospital provided (if applicable).

If you cannot attend the register office where the baby was born, another register office can take the details and forward them.

You should claim Child Benefit as soon as you have registered the birth. It can be claimed online (using the HMRC app or website) or by post using form CH2.

The first round of NHS vaccinations is offered when your baby is 8 weeks old. This includes:

• 6-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib, polio, tetanus, whooping cough)
• Rotavirus vaccine (oral drops)
• MenB vaccine

You will usually receive an invitation from your GP surgery to book this appointment.

Your GP surgery will invite you, and schedules can vary slightly — always follow your NHS appointment plan.

You need a Maternity Exemption Certificate. Ask your midwife or GP to complete form FW8 for you. The certificate entitles you to free NHS prescriptions and dental care. It usually lasts until 12 months after your baby's due date (or from the date of birth in some cases). If your baby is born later than expected, you can ask for it to be extended.

In England, the free childcare hours depend on your child's age and whether you're working:

• All 3 and 4 year olds: 15 free hours per week (universal entitlement)
• Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds: 30 free hours per week
• Working parents of 2 year olds: 15 free hours (from September 2024)
• Working parents of 9 month olds: 15 free hours (from September 2025)

Some 2 year olds also qualify for 15 free hours if the family receives certain benefits.

Use our Childcare Funding Checker to see what you're entitled to.

Most children are ready to start potty training between 18 months and 3 years old. Every child is different, so look for signs of readiness rather than focusing on age alone.

Signs your toddler may be ready:

• Staying dry for longer periods (1–2 hours)
• Showing interest in the toilet or potty
• Telling you when they have a wet or dirty nappy
• Being able to follow simple instructions
• Wanting more independence

Try our Toilet Readiness Checker to see if your toddler might be ready.

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development — they're learning to manage big emotions with a brain that isn't fully developed yet.

Tips that can help:

• Stay calm (easier said than done, we know!)
• Acknowledge their feelings: "I can see you're really upset"
• Keep them safe but don't try to reason mid-tantrum
• Offer comfort when they're ready
• Look for patterns — tiredness, hunger, and overstimulation are common triggers

Our Tantrum Tracker can help you spot patterns, and the Positive Discipline Toolkit offers gentle strategies.

Speech development varies hugely between children, but here are some general milestones:

• 12 months: 1–3 words, babbling with expression
• 18 months: Around 10–20 words
• 2 years: 50+ words, starting to combine two words
• 3 years: Simple sentences, strangers can understand most speech

If you're concerned about your child's speech, speak to your health visitor or GP. Early support can make a big difference.

Our Speech & Language Log can help you track progress.

Yes! Fussy eating is extremely common in toddlers and usually peaks between 18 months and 3 years. It's often linked to their growing independence and natural caution about new foods.

Things that can help:

• Keep offering a variety of foods without pressure
• Eat together as a family when possible
• Let them explore food with their hands
• Offer small portions so it's less overwhelming
• Stay calm — battles over food can make things worse

Our Fussy Eating Tracker can help you see the bigger picture over time.