When your baby reaches 3-4 months your health visitor will send you a letter in the post. You will be invited to a workshop at a local community centre or other location which you can take your baby too.
The workshop will provide you with information about feeding your baby solid food when they reach 6 months of age and other developmental advice. Some people will also have a visit at home from their health visitor if they need extra help.
We know this is a time when there are many changes coming up for your baby developmentally which you may want to discuss.
If you receive a 3-4 month review, we will weigh your baby, review their progress and discuss any concerns you may have. This is a great opportunity to discuss your baby’s progress, as professionals we understand that every child’s journey is unique to them.
Your health visitor will discuss ways in which you can promote your baby’s physical and emotional development through play and social interaction.
It is important to continue to feed your baby in response to their cues.
Solid foods
At this stage you may be starting to think about how to introduce your baby to solid foods. Start for life advice has changed over the years but research now states babies only need breast or formula milk for the first six months of life. This gives time for your baby to develop so they can cope with solid foods.
Your health visitor will send you links for information about the introduction to solid foods and face-to-face advice will be provided in the workshops offered. You will also have a chance to talk about any concerns you may have.
Teething
You may be starting to think of the teething process, all babies are different, and the likelihood is your baby will probably get their first tooth during their first year of life. We recommend taking your baby to the dentist as soon as possible. Start brushing your baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as these milk teeth break through the gums.
Sleep
You may wish to discuss sleep with your health visitor, it is important to remember every baby is different and will have their own personality! But, generally at this stage your baby will start to have a longer stretch of sleep through the night (sleeping through the night time feed).
It is important to remember babies do not sleep all night every night until they are closer to one year old.
We recommend following the safe sleep guidance, keeping the baby in your room for the first 6 months of life to pick up on their cues and needs. We do not promote sleep training at this stage.
Play
Your baby’s brain will be growing rapidly and they will be learning new things all the time. Babies really need your time and attention to play and develop and help them feel safe and secure. This is a special time as your baby will be smiling and cooing as their early communication skills are developing.
Emotional support and guidance
At any stage it can be challenging. You may feel tired and emotional. Your health visitor will sensitively review your emotional and physical well-being, providing support and guidance where necessary for you and the family.
You may be asked to complete a questionnaire at this visit which can give the heath visitor an indication of any signs of post-natal depression. Together you can discuss the support you feel you need.
As with previous visits your health visitor will discuss general health information including:
- Transition to parenthood
- Safe sleeping
- Accident and prevention
- Immunisations
- Smoking cessation
- Diet and exercise.
