Your baby's first weeks. We're with you.
What happens and when
A clear timeline of what the NHS offers in the first months of your baby's life.
Newborn screening and checks
Before you leave hospital (or at home if you had a home birth), your baby will have a physical examination, a heel-prick blood test (screening for nine rare conditions), and hearing and eye checks. A midwife will be in touch to check on you both.
Health visitor new birth visit
Your NELFT health visitor will come to your home to check on your baby's feeding, weight, and development — and on how you're doing too. This is also the moment to ask anything you haven't had a chance to yet.
GP 6-8 week check
You'll be invited to bring your baby to the surgery for a full head-to-toe examination. You'll also have your own postnatal check at the same appointment. This is when your baby's first vaccinations are given.
NHS vaccination programme
Your baby's vaccinations start at 8 weeks and continue through the first two years. We'll send you reminders. BCG vaccinations in Havering are delivered by Vaccination UK — a separate appointment arranged by your health visitor or GP.
Health visitor reviews
NELFT health visitors offer reviews at 6-8 weeks, 12 months, and 2-2.5 years. You can also drop in to child health clinics across Havering for weighing and advice at any point.
Key contacts
Who to call for what — in the early weeks and beyond.
NELFT Health Visiting Team
For questions about your baby's development, feeding, weight, and health visitor appointments.
0300 300 1635Vaccination UK — BCG
BCG vaccinations in Havering are delivered by Vaccination UK (from September 2024). Call to book or check your baby's BCG status.
0208 214 1380Queen's Hospital Maternity Triage
For urgent concerns about a newborn in the first days after a hospital birth, or if you're unsure whether to seek emergency care.
01708 435 076NHS 111
Available 24 hours a day if you're unsure whether your baby needs to be seen urgently. Free to call.
111Local support in Havering
Beyond your GP and health visitor, there's a growing network of local services for new families.
Best Start Family Hub
A new hub at St Kilda's, Romford (open from April 2026), bringing together health, family support, and children's services under one roof. Satellite hubs at Ingrebourne and myplace Harold Hill. For families with children 0-18.
Butterflies peer support group
A local peer support group for parents experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties — including postnatal depression, anxiety, and birth trauma. Free to attend, no referral needed.
Live Well Havering (opens in a new tab)Child health clinics
NELFT runs drop-in child health clinics across Havering where you can have your baby weighed, ask questions, and get advice from a health visitor. No appointment needed.
NELFT Child Health Clinics (opens in a new tab)Havering Child Health Hub
A new joined-up service bringing together BHRUT, NELFT, and primary care for children aged 0–18. GPs can refer children directly via the JOY app for faster, coordinated support.
Guides for new parents.
Plain-English answers to the questions we hear most often in those first weeks.
Ready to register your baby?
Get them set up with a GP so their checks and vaccinations can be booked from day one.