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.
If 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 check
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 |
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Feeding | You'll be asked about any feeding problems and your method of feeding (breast or bottle, or both) |
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Growth | Your baby's weight will be plotted on a growth chart in your red book |
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Vision and hearing | You'll be asked about your baby's vision, hearing and general responses
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Sleeping | You'll be asked:
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about how well your baby is sleeping
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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
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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
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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.
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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. |
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Safety in the home |
Your GP may talk about safety in the home and how to prevent accidents. |
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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. |
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Your baby's health and development reviews on NHS Choices website