Maternal and child health - visit 4 - eight week visit

This is one of the regular check-ups with your child health nurse, usually taking place when your baby is around eight weeks old. The nurse works in partnership with families to support a child’s health, learning and development through the early years.

What happens at the eight week visit#

This visit often focuses on topics such as:

• safe sleeping
• registering your baby’s birth
• feeding your baby, including breastfeeding and bottle feeding
• how play helps learning and development
• immunisations
• your baby’s safety
• newborn hearing screening
• family relationships and wellbeing

If your baby has had a newborn hearing screen, it is worth checking that the result has been recorded in your child’s health record book. As always, you and your nurse can talk about any other issues or concerns that come up.

What your baby is doing at this stage#

At this age, your baby is constantly learning about the world. They are showing more emotion and starting to communicate with you in new ways. They might be:

• copying your facial expressions
• smiling
• bringing their hands together
• making sounds as though they are “talking”
• looking at you when you talk to them

Please tell your nurse if your baby is:

• NOT looking you in the eyes
• NOT making any sounds
• NOT beginning to smile

Helping your baby learn#

Try some of these ideas to help your baby learn and develop:

• cuddle and talk to them in a soothing voice
• sing to them during feeds, bath time and nappy changes
• play with them when they are on their tummy on the floor
• take them for walks outside and chat with them
• smile at them

How often should I visit?#

Child health nurses typically see families at a number of key ages and stages through a child’s early years, from a visit soon after coming home from hospital through the first few weeks and months and on into the toddler years. Between scheduled visits, families can usually contact the service for advice and book additional appointments if needed. Many services offer a mix of scheduled appointments, drop-in sessions and some after-hours options. Check what is available in your area.

Key points#

• The eight week visit covers feeding, safe sleeping, immunisations, hearing screening and your baby’s safety and development.
• Around this age, babies often smile, copy expressions, bring their hands together and make early sounds.
• Tell your nurse if your baby is not looking you in the eyes, not making sounds or not beginning to smile.
• Simple everyday activities such as talking, singing, tummy time and walks help your baby learn.
• You can contact your child health service between visits if you have concerns.

Where to get help#