0-4 years - Pregnancy and early years

The Bexley 0 to 4 service is for parents and carers of babies and children from birth until just before they start school. The service supports parents and carers to give their babies, children and young people the best possible start in life. We will provide a series of 10 health checks starting with an antenatal contact, and you will be given advice and support about your child’s development and growth, healthy eating, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and immunisations.

We’ll support you to become confident in looking after the health and development needs of your child from when they are born to when they transition into adulthood. We will also provide support to children and young people as they grow and develop, offering information and advice as and when needed.

Whether you’re concerned about feeding, sleeping, behaviour or development our team of fully qualified and experienced Health Visitors and healthcare professionals are here to advise and support you with bringing up your child to be healthy and happy. Whatever your concern, no matter how small you think it may be, we are here to help.

Midwives are specialists in pregnancy and birth and will look after mother and baby during pregnancy, labour and birth, and up to 28 days after baby is born. When your baby is 10 days old the Midwives will handover care to the Health Visitors.

Health Visitors are qualified Nurses or Midwives who have completed further training. The Health Visitor is there to support you as a parent in raising a happy and healthy child; working together with you to give your child the best possible start in life. As far as possible we will try to ensure that you see the same Health Visitor at each visit so that you know who to expect.

Find out more about our Health Visitors and how they can support you.

Known as the ‘red book’ due to its red cover, the Personal Child Health Record will be given to you by the Midwife at the hospital following your baby’s birth. It is where the Health Visitor will record your baby/child’s height and weight, vaccinations, and other important information, along with their name, NHS number, date of birth and useful contacts. You can write in the red book yourself about any illnesses or accidents your baby/child has, and about their development milestones such as their first words and the first time they walked.

Healthy Start helps you give your family the very best start in life

If you’re pregnant or have a child under 4, you could get Healthy Start vouchers to help buy some basic foods. This important means-tested scheme provides vouchers to spend with local retailers.

Find out more about the Healthy Start scheme