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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Baby six-week developmental check

​​​​​​​​​​​​Why your baby needs a six-week check

Your baby will have a complete physical examination within their first three days and regular medical checks.

When your baby is six to eight weeks old, your doctor (GP) will examine him / her at your GP surgery. This is known as the six-week check.​​

If your child was born in Jersey, you'll automatically get a reminder letter when your six-week check is due. ​​The six-week check is free. 

Children born outside Jersey 

You should register with a GP as soon as you arrive in Jersey. You'll get a reminder letter by post when your baby's six-week check and immunisations are due.

​I​f you've been on the Island less than six months, and do not have a health card yet, you may have to pay the health insurance contribution (up to £20.28). Check with your GP.​​​

Doctors (GPs) fees, prescriptions and health cards

Baby / child immunisations​​

Change of address

If you change address, you should tell your GP and Health Visitor. They'll tell the child health team to make sure the six-week check and​ immunisation letters are sent to your new address.

Personal child health record ‘red book’

When your health visitor first visits you, they'll give you a 'red book'.​ It explains the different examinations your baby will have. It also has space for recording growth and developmental milestones and immunisations.

When you go for your baby’s six-week check, remember to take your 'red book' with you.

What happens at the six-week che​ck

Your baby has a six-week check to make sure they are fit and healthy. There is no reason to be nervous. This is a chance for your GP to get to know your baby and for you to discuss any worries you may have. 

​It will include the following checks:

Weight Your baby will be​ completely undressed and weighed
Feeding

You'll be asked about any feeding problems and your method of feeding (breast or bottle, or both)​

GrowthYour baby's weight will be plotted on a growth chart in your red book 
Vision and hearing You'll be asked about your baby's vision, hearing ​and general responses

Sleeping

You'll be asked:
  • about how well your baby is sleeping 
  • if your baby is sleeping on their back. Young babies should never sleep on their tummies or their ​side as this increases their risk of cot death 
  • if there is a passive smoking risk to your baby. Babies should not be in a room where anyone is smoking as this increases their risk of cot death 

Physical examination

For the physical examination, your baby will be checked from head to toe. Your GP will:
  • examine their eyes, mouth, ears and neck
  • feel the pulses in their groin and listen to their heart 
  • feel their tummy
  • check their hips for any signs of instability or dislocation 
  • check their hands and feet
  • test their head control and limb tone to look for any neurological problems 
  • turn your baby over to examine their spine and anus
  • examine a baby boy's penis and scrotum

When the physical examination is complete, your GP will discuss any findings with you. Your GP will record the findings in your baby’s red book.

​Immunisation programme​

Your GP will discuss the immunisation programme with you. Your baby's first immunisations will be due when they're 8 weeks old. You could book the first immunisation appointment before you leave the surgery.

Safety in the home 

Your GP may talk about safet​y in the home and how to prevent accidents.

Your health and wellbeing​

The 6-week check is for your baby. Your GP will probably want to see you at a separate visit to check your health since the birth. They may charge you for your own health check - check with your GP.































Your baby's health and development reviews on NHS Choices website

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