Congratulations on becoming a new parent. This is the first of a series of regular check-ups with a child health nurse, who works in partnership with families to support babies and young children through their early years. For this first visit, a nurse usually comes to your home. Later appointments often take place at a local health centre.
The purpose of these visits is to check how you and your child are doing, offer advice and help with any concerns you may have.
Your child health record#
Many parents are given a personal health record book for their baby around the time of birth. It belongs to you and your child and holds useful information about early childhood development, as well as space to record your baby’s growth and development.
Try to bring this book with you each time you see your nurse, so you can note down any questions and keep your records up to date. If you do not have one, let your nurse know.
What happens at the first visit#
This visit is a chance for you and your nurse to get to know each other and talk about anything on your mind. Topics often covered include:
- safe sleeping
- safety in the home
- immunisations
- feeding your baby, including breastfeeding and bottle feeding
- how play helps learning and development
- family relationships and wellbeing
At each visit you may be given handouts about the topics discussed. One important message is around safe sleeping: settling your baby to sleep safely helps reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy. Another is that it is never okay to shake a baby.
Don’t be afraid to raise any other issues or concerns with your nurse.
What your baby is doing at this stage#
Even at this very young age, your newborn is ready to start learning about the world. They might be:
- looking into your eyes
- spending lots of time sleeping, feeding and crying
- turning their eyes towards lights and sounds
- making sudden jerky movements when asleep
- grasping your fingers when you place them in your baby’s hand
Helping your baby learn#
It is never too early to help your baby learn and develop. You may like to:
- smile and make facial expressions at them
- respond quickly and lovingly when they seek your attention
Key points#
- This first visit usually takes place at home and is a chance to get to know your nurse.
- The visits check how you and your child are progressing and offer advice and support.
- Bring your child’s health record book to each visit to note questions and record growth and development.
- Safe sleeping helps reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.
- Raise any concerns with your nurse - no question is too small.
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.