The 'Red Book': would you use an online version or do you prefer the paper copy?

[NightLark]

What do you think? Is it something you would find useful to have 'on line'?

The idea is that GPs, practice nurses, HVs etc could fill in the online version with you as needed, plus you would have your own access (just like you can write in your paper copy of the Red Book).

Apparently this idea is being discussed so I was wondering how people felt about it - would it make a difference to you to have an electronic Red Book? Why?

Never used my eldest's red book and neither did gps. Would be told randomly to record vaccination dates. Never did as ds never slept and my brain was fried. MWs put stuff in from the first 2 weeks when they were visiting but otherwise it was empty. Binned it when he was around 2 as couldn't see point since all info in it held by gp / MWs notebooks.
Ditto for ds2 and dd. Except with both binned them on handover from MW to HV. So 3 weeks and 2 weeks.
Really question what information they contain that is SO important that you musn't let this document out of arm's reach.

Paper definitely!! Great to compare children - look at with HV and as a keepsake
No no no to online

I would love an online version.

OP if they have the red book and an online version they're just doubling the workload.

There are loads of practical difficulties as well as everyone has pointed out.

But still, I would love it.

I think it would be nice to have the option.

The triplicate carbons about vaccinations seem to end up in my GP's online system eventually, so I'm not sure what else is needed. But then my GP seems remarkably well-linked to local hospitals - I was most impressed when I had hospital booking-in for dc2 and they had my new GP details and ds's info on their screen via my GP!

I like having the paper red book with useful info, even though I'm someone who does everything online. And for HVs coming to people's houses or working in crowded clinics, I think it works very well, whereas handheld computers wouldn't.

How sure can we be that the information will be safe and be accurate??

Red book lives in bedroom drawer, for all 3 DDs (DD1 more historic though as she's 18, it's just I know I made sure all vaccinations went in there so when a form asks date of last tetanus I have it to hand)

much though I am a fan of the internet, I think the books are better - visual, with health and safety tips (good for paranoid new mums!). I like the compare and contrast - particularly as DD1s book says you can wean onto solids from 3 months! And I like the growth charts, interesting to see how different the girls are at the same ages. Wasn't so good at remembering to put the milestones in on DD3 though

Never thought of carrying it around with me all the time, thought it was more for record purposes and a place to keep notes from checkups.

thanks again all - one last bump before these are passed on to the interested party (DH)...