How Often Should You See a Health Visitor in 2025?

By Dr. Leo Bennett, Child Development Advisor | Expert Advice Column | Childcare Standards Council

If you’re a new or expectant parent in 2025, you may be wondering how often you should see a health visitor and what they actually do. With NHS services evolving, virtual appointments on the rise, and more families seeking support than ever, it’s important to understand the role of your health visitor and when you can expect their input.

In this article, we’ll explore the latest UK guidelines, what has changed in recent years, and what to expect at each stage of your child’s early development. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s birth or navigating toddlerhood, you’ll find clear, evidence based advice on how health visitors support families and how often you should be in touch.

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What Is a Health Visitor?

A health visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife with specialist training in public health and child development, typically supporting families from pregnancy until a child reaches age five.

Their role is to provide expert guidance on:

• Infant feeding

• Growth and development

• Sleep and routines

• Emotional wellbeing

• Safety in the home

• Behaviour and parenting

• Referrals to specialist services if needed

  
  

They are a key part of the Healthy Child Programme, which underpins early years health support in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (with similar programmes in Scotland).

Health Visitor Contacts: The Current Schedule (2025)

As of 2025, the NHS continues to recommend five core health visitor reviews between pregnancy and age 2½. These are known as universal visits and are offered to all families, with extra support for those who need it.

Here’s what the typical contact schedule looks like:

1. Antenatal Visit (around 28 t o 36 weeks pregnant)

This optional visit focuses on preparing for parenthood, discussing emotional wellbeing, feeding plans, and support systems.

2. New Birth Visit (within 10 to 14 days after birth)

A crucial first meeting where the health visitor checks your baby’s weight, feeding, and early bonding. They’ll also assess parental mental health and safety at home.

3. 6 to 8 Week Review

Focuses on your baby’s development, early communication cues, and your own recovery and mental wellbeing. This visit may be in person or via video in some areas.

4. 9 to 12 Month Review

Looks at gross motor skills, feeding patterns, early speech and sleep. Health visitors may ask about safety (e.g., stair gates) and screen for any concerns.

5. 2 to 2½ Year Review

A developmental review covering language, behaviour, potty training, social interaction and emotional health. It helps identify any areas where additional support may be needed before starting preschool.

Additional Visits: What If You Need More Support?

The universal schedule is a minimum offer. In 2025, health visitors continue to tailor support based on individual family needs.

If you are experiencing:

• Feeding difficulties

• Sleep issues

• Concerns about your child’s development

• Postnatal depression or anxiety

• Domestic abuse

• Housing instability

  
  

…you can expect more frequent or targeted visits, either at home, at a clinic, or through virtual appointments. Some areas also offer drop in clinics or parenting groups run by health visiting teams.

You don’t need to wait for a scheduled check you can contact your local health visitor for advice between appointments.

Has Anything Changed in 2025?

While the five core visits remain the standard, several updates in 2025 are worth noting:

More Digital Access

Many local authorities now offer a mix of in person and online appointments, depending on the family’s preferences and the nature of the check up. Parents can also message their health visiting team through secure NHS platforms or local apps.

Refined Developmental Tools

Updated tools such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ 4) are used more widely to assess developmental progress in a sensitive, family friendly way.

Mental Health Focus

Increased attention is being given to the mental health of both parents and children, with health visitors playing a growing role in early identification and referral to specialist support.

Integrated Services

In many regions, health visitors now work more closely with early years educators, speech and language therapists, and social care professionals. This joined up approach helps ensure families don’t fall through the cracks.

Why Regular Health Visitor Reviews Matter

These regular check ins are not just about weighing your baby or ticking developmental boxes.

Health visitors are trained to:

• Spot early signs of developmental delays or health concerns

• Support emotional wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation

• Provide practical advice on feeding, sleeping, and behaviour

• Refer you to relevant local services, support groups or specialists

• Monitor safeguarding and family health holistically

  
  

Even if everything feels fine, regular reviews offer reassurance and help build trust with your local healthcare team.

What If You Haven’t Heard from a Health Visitor?

Unfortunately, staffing shortages and high caseloads in some areas have led to delays or missed contact for some families. If you haven’t received your scheduled review:

1. Contact your GP surgery they can connect you to the right team.

2. Check your child’s red book health visitor contact details are usually listed inside.

3. Search your local council website most have pages for “health visiting service” with phone numbers or online forms.

   
   

Remember: you are entitled to these core visits, and following up is not an inconvenience it’s your right as a parent or carer.

Final Thoughts: A Partnership for Healthy Development

In 2025, the role of the health visitor remains essential not just for your child’s growth, but for your whole family’s wellbeing. These professionals offer trusted, evidence based support during the most important years of life.

So how often should you see a health visitor?

At minimum, you can expect five visits from pregnancy to age 2½, with more available if needed. These regular touchpoints help ensure that your child is developing well, that your needs are being heard, and that support is available early if anything feels off.

Don’t hesitate to reach out between appointments. Your health visitor is there to support, not to judge. Parenting is a journey and no one is meant to do it alone.