6 - 8 Week Check

From Page 65 of your Personal Health Record (PHR or 'Blue Book')

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/Publications/blue-book.pdf

Topics for discussion may include any issues arising from:  

• my development (Learn the Signs. Act Early.)  
• additional parent/carer questions  
• child health check 

Health and Safety  

• feeding your baby (including breastfeeding)  
• vaccinations - the first scheduled vaccinations start at 6 weeks of age to protect against serious preventable diseases, including whooping cough (pertussis) and pneumococcal  
• safe sleeping and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI)  
• how to be sun smart  
• growth

Development  

• crying  
• comforting your baby  
• talking to your baby – communication, language and play

Family  

• parent groups  
• mother’s health (diet, rest, family planning, exercise)  
• parents’ emotional health  
• smoking and/or vaping  
• positive parenting and developing a close relationship with your baby

Milestones:  

I am 8 weeks old  

My development – Learn the Signs. Act Early. (what most babies do at this age)  

Social/Emotional Milestones 

• Calms down when spoken to or picked up  
• Looks at your face  
• Seems happy to see you when you walk up to them  
• Smiles when you talk to or smile at them  

Language/Communication Milestones  

• Makes sounds other than crying  
• Reacts to loud sounds  

Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)  

• Watches you as you move  
• Looks at a toy for several seconds  

Movement/Physical Development Milestones  

• Holds head up when on tummy  
• Moves both arms and both legs  
• Opens hands briefly  

Other important things to share with your Child and Family Health Nurse or GP  

• What are some things you and your baby do together?  
• What are some things your baby likes to do?  
• Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?  
• Has your baby lost any skills they once had?  
• Does your baby have any healthcare needs or were they born prematurely?  

You know your baby best. Don’t wait. If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your Child and Family Health nurse or GP, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.