What happens at your baby's check

The baby's check repeats the newborn physical examination they had within 72 hours of birth. According to the NHS, it's done again at 6 to 8 weeks because some of the things it looks for can take longer to show. You'll be asked to undress your baby, and the GP will:

• Look at their eyes with a special torch, to check how they focus and move.
• Listen to their heart and check their pulse.
• Check their hips have grown properly and move as expected.
• Check their testicles have moved into the scrotum, for boys.

Your baby's weight, length and head circumference are also measured, so bring the red book (your personal child health record) and they'll pop it all in there. The NHS is clear that the examination isn't painful and has no known risks, although your baby may still voice some strong opinions about being undressed in a cold room. You'll usually be told the results straight away, and most babies don't need anything further. If something needs a closer look, you'll be told what happens next and may be referred to a specialist.

Write your questions down before you go. Nobody remembers them once there's a naked baby on the changing mat.

What happens at your postnatal check

This one is about you, and it can vary a little depending on where you live. The NHS postnatal check page says you'll usually be:

• Asked how you're feeling, as part of a general chat about your mental health and wellbeing.
• Asked about bleeding and periods, including any discharge and whether your period has come back.
• Offered a look at your stitches if you had an episiotomy or a caesarean.
• Asked about contraception. Yes, already. Feel free to laugh.
• Given advice on vitamin D if you're breastfeeding.

Your blood pressure will be checked if you had problems during pregnancy or just after the birth, and if you were due a smear test while pregnant, it should be rescheduled for 12 weeks after the birth. We've written more on vitamin D for babies and you if you want the detail.

The bits worth saying out loud

This is the part people skip, because the appointment is short, the baby is crying and it feels easier to say "fine, thanks". The NHS specifically asks you to tell your doctor if:

• You're feeling sad or anxious. The NHS puts it plainly: it's not a sign that you're a bad mother, and you don't have to put on a brave face.
• You're having trouble controlling wind, wee or poo.
• Sex is painful.
• You're not sure you're up to date with recommended adult vaccines, such as MMR.

None of these are embarrassing to a GP. They hear them every day, and most have very fixable answers. The only way they stay unfixed is if nobody mentions them. If any of the first point feels close to home, our piece on the mental load and the honest baby sleep timeline might help you feel a little less alone in it.

How to make ten minutes count

• Book back to back. If your surgery offers it, have your check straight after your baby's, so you only have to get out of the house once.
• Bring the red book. And a spare nappy, because the undressing bit is high risk.
• Dress your baby in easy layers. Poppers you can undo quickly beat anything with seventeen buttons.
• Write a list on your phone. Feeding, sleep, rashes, that noise they make at 3am. Our guide to totally normal newborn things may cross a few off first.
• Bring a second adult if you can. The NHS notes it helps for both parents to attend reviews where possible, so you can both ask questions.

What comes next

The 6 to 8 week check often lands close to your baby's first vaccinations, which the NHS offers at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. A GP or health visitor will talk these through with you at the check. After that, the next routine health and development review is between 9 and 12 months, usually with your health visiting team. In between, you can contact your health visitor or GP any time you're worried, about your baby or about yourself.

And if the check goes by in a blur, that's fine. You turned up, with a baby, roughly on time. That counts as a win at six weeks.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Every baby and every recovery is different. If you haven't been offered a check, contact your GP surgery or health visitor. If you are worried about your baby or yourself, speak to your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.