Based on the national Red Book it does have some local changes and information. This is regularly reviewed so you might see changes in the books between your children. The book is for you to write in as well as professionals. At the back of the book there’s space for you to record their developmental firsts for example when they first smile.

The book contains a record of your child’s injections (immunisations and vaccinations). It is important that you have a record of these, and you should take this book to any appointments for these injections.

There are growth charts in the Red Book to help see how your baby is growing.  Having this with you when you see the health visiting team, go to baby clinic or attend other appointments, means that you can keep an accurate record of your baby’s weight.

The book contains lots of useful health information and links to helpful websites.

It’s important that you keep the book safe and bring it with you to appointments when you can. Different people will write in the book, for example when your child has their hearing test when they’re born and the GP when they have a baby check at six to eight weeks old.