Health checks in the first year

[mobear]

I'm a FTM and I'm a bit concerned my baby isn't having enough health checks. He's 6 months old, and the last time my health visitor contacted me was late December. He had a check up with the GP shortly after he was born in late October, and he's had all his vaccinations, but should he have been checked and weighed more often, or is this how things are during the pandemic?

I think that's pretty standard pandemic or not. Was certainly the case with my first DS (he is three and has not been seen by a health visitor since he was 12 weeks old! Just a telephone call at 1 year and at 2 years) The only difference I can see this time round with my 6 month old is there are no drop in clinics to weigh baby. If you have any concerns you can contact them directly.

It's a drop-in/request system.

He can have as many health checks as you like, but you have to initiate them. You can phone your HV everyday if you want, but they're not going to phone you unless he is considered an 'at risk' child. You can also take him to see the GP if you have any concerns.

In normal times HV usually run a weekly (or twice weekly) drop-in where you can get him weighed and ask any questions. You'd have to check you local clinic to see how these are working during covid.

If you have scales you can weigh him yourself. You should have the weight chart in his red book, you can plot his weight and length on the chart to make sure he is following his percentiles etc.

@mobear

I'm a FTM and I'm a bit concerned my baby isn't having enough health checks. He's 6 months old, and the last time my health visitor contacted me was late December. He had a check up with the GP shortly after he was born in late October, and he's had all his vaccinations, but should he have been checked and weighed more often, or is this how things are during the pandemic?

This is normal. If you want him weighed or have any concerns it's your responsibility to arrange this and go. They don't offer past the first few weeks.

Thanks everyone! I have no concerns, he's developing and gaining weight well, so I guess all is fine

@mobear

Thanks everyone! I have no concerns, he's developing and gaining weight well, so I guess all is fine

It's been tricky to get HV input during th pandemic but in our area they've just started doing face to face stuff again and I've just booked in DD2s 2 year check and height and weight. Give your local children's center a call if every you're worried