Your new birth visit

Every baby is different, and feeding can take time to learn for both babies and parents.

Your midwife or health visitor can provide information and support for breastfeeding and responsive feeding. We can also talk about how babies tell us when they are hungry, full, tired or need comfort.

Find out more about feeding your baby

Babies communicate from birth.

As you spend time with your baby, you will start to learn what they are trying to tell you. Your baby may cry, look at you, make sounds or move their body to show what they need.

Responding to your baby’s signals helps them feel safe, loved and understood. It also helps you build a strong relationship together.

Find out more about understanding your baby

Knowing how to keep your baby safe while they sleep is important.

Find simple advice about:

• where your baby should sleep
• sleeping safely during the day and night
• reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Find out more about safe sleep

Having a new baby can bring lots of different feelings.

Some days may feel easier than others. Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after your baby.

Find out more about emotional wellbeing

There are lots of groups, activities and services for families in Leeds.

Children’s centres, play groups and baby sessions are a great way for you and your baby to have fun together. They can help your baby learn new skills, build confidence and support their development through play.

They are also a good way to meet other parents, carers and families in your local area.

Find local activities and services

Our pregnancy and new baby pages cover lots more popular topics, including looking after your baby’s teeth when the first tooth appears, immunisations and much more.

Explore the pregnancy and new baby webpage

We know that life with a new baby can be busy and sometimes plans change.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please contact the single point of access (SPA) as soon as you can. We will be happy to arrange another time that works for you.

Your new birth visit is an important chance for us to see how you and your baby are getting on in the early days.

Keeping your appointment, or rearranging it if you cannot attend, helps make sure you receive the right information and support at the right time for you, your baby and your family.

Please, contact SPA on 0113 843 5683

Your baby will be weighed at birth and again at their 6 to 8 week check with your GP.

Your health visitor can answer questions about your baby’s growth and tell you where your baby can be weighed if needed.

You can also self-weigh your baby at your local children’s centre. You can record your baby’s weight in their Red Book.

Find your local children’s centre

Your next visit will usually take place when your baby is between 6 to 12 weeks old.

At this visit, we can talk about how you and your baby are getting on, your baby’s growth and learning, and any questions you may have.

If you have questions before then, you can find information and advice on the 0 to 19 information hub

You can also contact our single point of access (SPA) if you would like to speak to a member of the team.

Please contact the 0 to 19 SPA on 0113 843 5683

We want to make sure our information is useful, easy to understand and gives families what they need.

If you have any ideas about:

• information you would like to see
• things that were helpful
• things that could be improved
• problems using this page

Please tell us by completing our feedback form.

Your feedback helps us improve our information for families.