You have open access to the health visiting service (Mon-Friday 8.30am-4pm) by calling the Single Point of Access 0191 282 3319 if you need support or guidance.
This appointment will usually take place within your home or a clinic when your child reaches 2-2.5 years (24 – 36 months).
We will send you an appointment letter in the post along with ‘ages and stages questionnaires’ (ASQ-3) for you to fill in before your visit.
The questionnaires cover different areas of development including:
- Speech and understanding
- Motor skills
- Problem solving
- Social skills
- Emotional skills and behaviours.
This allows you time to try some of the activities with your child.
This visit gives you an opportunity to discuss any worries or concerns you have, these may include:
- Specific health concerns
- Developmental concerns
- Diet and nutrition
- Behaviour
- Toilet training
- Sleep.
We understand everyone’s journey and situation is unique to them, it is important to remember this visit is an opportunity for you to talk about your child’s progress, learn more about what you can do to help their development and make sure you have the support you need.
You may be starting to think about potty training, there is no perfect time to start potty training and every child is different. However most children are ready between 18 months and 3 years, we will discuss how to get your child ready for potty training and signpost you to useful links.
This stage of your child’s development can be challenging, the health professional will sensitively review your emotional well-being, providing support and guidance where necessary to yourself and the family.
As with previous visits the health professional will discuss generic health information including immunisations, dental care, smoking cessation, safety and health promotion. 
Your next routine visit with a health professional will be just before they go into school.
Useful links
APP
Poo Goes to Poo Land
Basis
BASIS – Baby Sleep Information Source (basisonline.org.uk)
BBC Tiny Happy People
Child development and milestones – BBC Tiny Happy People
Breastfeeding Network
Home – The Breastfeeding Network
Child Action and Prevention Trust
Child Accident Prevention Trust (capt.org.uk)
Eating well
Eating Well resources — First Steps Nutrition Trust
ERIC: Guides to Children with Bowel and Bladder Problems
Guides to children’s bowel and bladder problems | ERIC
First Steps Nutrition
Health for Under 5’s
Health for Under 5s | For healthy, happy early years
Learning through play 1-2 years | Toddler | Health for Under 5s
ICON
NHS
Children’s teeth – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
North East Autism Society
North East Autism Society (ne-as.org.uk)/ 01914109974
NSPCC: Positive parenting
Positive parenting | NSPCC Learning
Solihull Approach
Free Downloads (solihullapproachparenting.com)
Start4life
Vaccinations & Immunisations | Baby | Start4Life (www.nhs.uk)
Start4life what to feed you baby 12 months +
What To Feed Your Baby | 12 months plus | Weaning | Start4Life (www.nhs.uk)
The Little Orange Book
CCG_Booklet_v3_aw_pr_v1.8 (newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk)
Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep for babies, Support for families
UNICEF: Developmental Milestones
Your baby’s developmental milestones | UNICEF Parenting
UNICEF: Support for Parents
Support for parents – Baby Friendly Initiative (unicef.org.uk)
