NHS health visitor checks for your child
Which reviews the health visiting team offers you, when they happen and what they cover, from the new baby review to the 2 to 2 and a half year review.
The health visitor reviews at a glance
In England, every family is offered a set of reviews as part of the Healthy Child Programme, from pregnancy until your child is two and a half. They are run by your local health visiting team, and the first ones usually happen at home.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| From 28 weeks of pregnancy | Antenatal contact The health visitor may offer to visit you at home before the birth. |
| 10 to 14 days | New baby review Health visitor, usually at home. Feeding, safe sleeping, vaccinations and how you are adjusting. |
| 6 to 8 weeks | 6 to 8 week check A physical check of your baby, usually by the GP, plus a review with the health visiting team. Your own postnatal check can be at the same visit. |
| 9 to 12 months | 9 to 12 month review Health visiting team. Language, learning, safety, diet and behaviour. |
| 2 to 2 and a half years | 2 to 2 and a half year review Health visitor or nursery nurse, sometimes at nursery. Development, growth, behaviour, sleep, teeth, safety and vaccinations. |
The exact timing can vary a little by area. The 12 month review, for example, may take place any time between 9 and 15 months. Your health visiting team will get in touch to arrange each one.
Newborn screening in the first weeks
Alongside the reviews, every baby is offered three screening tests shortly after birth. They are usually arranged for you by the hospital or your midwife.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Within 72 hours | Newborn physical examination Eyes, heart, hips and, for boys, testicles. |
| Usually at 5 days | Blood spot (heel prick) test A few drops of blood on a card, usually taken at home by a midwife or health visitor. Screens for rare but serious conditions such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and congenital hypothyroidism. |
| Usually before 4 weeks | Newborn hearing screening In hospital, at home or at a clinic. It can be done up to 3 months of age. |
Results of the blood spot test should reach you by the time your baby is 6 weeks old.
The red book
Shortly before or after the birth you are given your child's personal child health record, usually a red book. Weight, length, reviews and vaccinations are recorded there. Take it with you to every review and GP visit, and feel free to add your own notes.
Vaccinations alongside the reviews
The first vaccinations are due at 8 weeks, close to the 6 to 8 week check. You can see the whole NHS schedule on our page about the UK childhood vaccination schedule.
Sources
- NHS: Baby reviews
- NHS: Services and support for parents
- NHS: Your 6 week postnatal check
- NHS: Newborn blood spot test
- NHS: Newborn hearing screening
- DHSC: Healthy child programme, public health nursing commissioning guidance
Information as of November 2026. Recommendations can change; if in doubt, the current version from the source above applies. heyshary is an independent app and is not endorsed by the NHS. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Common questions
What is a health visitor?
A health visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife with extra training in child and family health. They support you from pregnancy through the early years, and you can contact them between reviews too.
When is the first health visitor visit?
The new baby review takes place within 10 to 14 days of the birth, usually at home. Some health visitors also offer an antenatal visit from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Who does the 6 to 8 week check?
The physical examination of your baby is usually done by a GP. It checks the eyes, heart, hips and, for boys, testicles, and measures weight, length and head circumference. Your own postnatal check can be done just before or after it.
Do I need to prepare for the 9 to 12 month and 2 year reviews?
You will usually be sent a short questionnaire, the ASQ-3, about what your child can do. Fill in what you can, it does not have to be complete. Bring the red book.
Are the reviews compulsory?
They are offered to every family, and it is your choice. They are a good chance to ask questions and spot anything early, and many parents find them reassuring.
You do not have to keep track of it
heyshary works out these dates from your child's date of birth and reminds both parents in good time, so it is not just one of you holding it all in your head. No account, free to try.
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