Family health visits
Health visitors support families and children during pregnancy and up to the age of 5.
Our health visitors are registered nurses or midwives who can support with:
- feeding
- safer sleeping
- minor illnesses
- immunisations
- keeping your child safe
- mental wellbeing
The early years are an important time in children's development. Your health visitor will explain which services are available in Camden and answer any questions.
How it works
You can speak with your health visitor during pregnancy, and you will meet them at key points in your child's development. They will visit you at home or your local Children's Centre & Family Hub.
If you have a question at another time, you can:
- call the health visiting service for advice on 020 3317 3032
- email [email protected]
Getting to know your baby
After the birth, your health visitor will visit you at home. This visit takes about 30 minutes and can help you get to know and understand your baby.
This visit will look at your baby's:
- response to sounds, faces and objects
- physical activity and reflexes
- sleeping and crying
- sounds, signals and cues
Safer sleep
Many parents feel anxious about their baby's safety during sleep due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
This is rare and the risk to your baby is low. Your health visitor will give you advice for safer sleep, such as placing them on their back and keeping them at a comfortable temperature.
Visit the Lullaby Trust website for more advice about safer sleep.
Coping with crying
All babies cry. This can be upsetting and frustrating, but it is a normal way for your child to communicate when they need comfort and care.
Your health visitor is there to help you with any concerns you have. The NHS also has advice for soothing a crying baby.
Your child's development
As your child grows, your health visitor will continue to meet with you regularly. They will give advice on different topics, such as early speech and language development.
Book a child developmental review
When your child turns one and 2 years old, your health visitor will book appointments to check on your baby's growth and development.
If you’d like to book a developmental review yourself, you can:
- call 020 3317 3411
- email [email protected]
Appointments can be made for the following locations: