Our health visitors offer every family a new birth visit appointment. This is normally between 10 and 14 days after your baby is born.
This appointment is at the baby's home and normally after your midwife has handed over your care to the Health Visiting team.
You will receive your Personal Child Health Record 'Red book' from your midwife. This is your book to record details about your child's health, growth, immunisations and development milestones.
If you have not already received your child's Red book, your health visitor will give you one at this new birth appointment.
The Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922 is available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and provides support on all aspects of child health, development and parenting.
You may feel emotional after having your baby which might include anxiety and feeling low.
If you feel you need additional emotional advice or support please speak to your health visitor or contact our Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line.
You can also find emotional wellbeing advice, support and information through the Surrey perinatal mental health service.
Watch the video to find out more about this service.
During this visit we will offer you and your family information and advice on:
- Infant feeding (including breastfeeding)
- Baby jaundice
- Sleep and your baby and Safer sleep
- Information on safe bedding for your baby
- Coping with a crying baby
- UNICEF guide to 'building a happy baby'
- Child development and Growth and your baby
- Talking to your baby
- The effects of smoking on your child's health and support to quit smoking
- Immunisations
Do you know why Vitamin D supplements are important for you and your child?
Please read more on our Vitamin D page where you can also find information about the Healthy Start Scheme.
If you and/or your children are scared, frightened, being controlled or hurt by someone you know or live with please contact:
- Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline on 01483 776 822 (9am to 9pm, 7 days a week)
- Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340 922 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays) to contact the Health Visiting team
- Your GP
In an emergency, call 999.
Visit the Healthy Surrey website for advice, advocacy, practical help and support.
Baby Buddy is free a pregnancy and parenting app which provides trusted, evidence-based information and self care tools for parents, co-parents and caregivers in Surrey.
It aims to empower you to build your knowledge and confidence, from early pregnancy to your child’s first birthday with:
- Fun, engaging interactive features to ‘learn without the burn’
- A huge video library – including tips on breastfeeding and the Small Wonders Change Programme for premature and low birthweight babies
- Out of the Blue – videos promoting mental health
- Support and advice particularly tailored to dads
- ‘Today’s information’ - personalised, bite-size daily updates
Watch the video to find out more
99% of parents using the app say that it’s easy to use and has helped them to take care of their children.
Download the app from your usual app store by searching on ‘Baby Buddy’.
Families living in Surrey can get access to free online guides that include top tips from childcare, education and NHS health experts.
Visit our Free guides: understanding your baby, child or teenager page to find out more.
- Advice for partners
- DadPad - The Essential Guide for New Dads: DadPad is a free easy-to-use app for dads-to-be and dads with new babies in Surrey. DadPad can be downloaded free onto any smartphone from app stores. Dads and their partners just need to put in their postcode and select their local hospital trust.