The health visitor holds a baby clinic at the surgery every second and fourth Thursday between 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. You don't need an appointment, just come along.

You can weigh your baby, meet other mothers and discuss any problems with the health visitor.

Regular check ups are recommended for babies and children at the following ages

• about 10 days old
• 6 weeks
• 7-9 months
• 27 months
• 3 years 6 months

The first check is usually performed by the doctor when the mother is visited at home after the baby is born.

The 6 week check is combined with the routine post natal check on the mum, by the doctor at the surgery.

It is helpful if you complete the questions in the child's "red book" before each regular check up

All the other checks are performed by the health visitor, and she will visit you at home for the 27 month check.

At 10 days and 6 weeks the baby has a physical examination, and at all checks the child's development is assessed, with a special emphasis on speech and hearing at 27 months.