Can my qurbani count as my baby's aqiqah?

Two different acts of worship

Qurbani is the sacrifice offered during the days of Eid al-Adha. Aqiqah is the sacrifice made to thank Allah for a newborn baby, ideally on the seventh day. The Prophet ﷺ said every child is pledged by its aqiqah, which is slaughtered on the seventh day, when the child is named and its head is shaved (Sunan Abi Dawud 2838). See What is an aqiqah? and What is qurbani and do I have to do it?

The question only comes up when the baby's aqiqah and Eid al-Adha fall around the same time, or when parents who missed the aqiqah want to combine it with a later qurbani.

What the scholars say

• Combining is allowed: one narration from Imam Ahmad, and early scholars such as al-Hasan al-Basri and Ibn Sirin, held that one sacrifice can cover both, much like one ghusl can cover Friday and janabah. Many Hanafi scholars also allow you to take one share for qurbani and another share for aqiqah in the same cow or camel.
• Keep them separate: the Maliki and Shafi'i schools, and another narration from Ahmad, say each has its own purpose and its own animal, so one sheep can't count for both.

Both views are respected. If you're unsure, ask your local imam which school your community follows.

What to do in practice

• If you can afford two: do them separately. It's the safest option and fulfils every view.
• If money is tight: following the view that allows combining is valid; make the intention for both before the slaughter.
• Using a cow or camel: a large animal has seven shares, so you can book one share for qurbani and one or two for aqiqah.
• Late aqiqah: if the seventh day has passed, many scholars say you can still do it later.

Choosing your baby's name is separate and can be done on the seventh day or earlier. See How do I choose a Muslim baby name?