Well-baby visit: 6-8 weeks

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By: Suzanne Dixon

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Article Summary

At 6 to 8 weeks old your baby still keeps you guessing. But their sleeping and eating habits are starting to become more predictable. You should be enjoying your baby more and more all the time. At this point, their natural eye colour will start to emerge, and their face will start looking thinner and their body chubbier than even a week ago. Size and weight may well be a key focus of this well-baby visit, along with feeding and the increase in crying that's expected at this age. This visit may also coincide with your baby's first set of scheduled immunisations.


At this visit you might find:

Your baby's weight and height will usually be recorded to make sure they're growing at a healthy, steady rate.

You may be asked about your baby's hearing, eyesight and new skill developments.

You may be given some insights into your baby's development and behaviour at this age.

Your baby may be offered their first set of scheduled immunisations.

You can talk about any minor health concerns, such as how to alleviate cradle cap or nappy rash, for example.

Your health professional can also answer any breastfeeding questions you may have, as well as how to handle minor illnesses at home.


Other things that may be discussed:

Has your baby seen a GP since the last visit? If so, why? What was the outcome of that visit, and was any medication or treatment prescribed?
Does your baby hold their head up when you put them on their tummy?
Do they use their forearms to elevate their upper chest when put down?
Do they smile on their own?
Do they make cooing sounds when you talk to them?
Do they bring their legs up when they're on their back?
Do they hold their head more steadily when you hold them up to your shoulder or pick them up?
Do they sleep longer at night and less during the day?
Do they have a crying spell at the end of the day? All of this behaviour is expected at this time.


Talk it over

How's your baby eating? How are they sleeping? What are their crying patterns like? Discuss these things at this stage. If your baby seems especially restless, your health professional may be able to show you soothing techniques.

If you are returning to work soon, discuss ways to make the transition smoother for you and your baby.

Discuss confusing or contradictory advice on how to deal with your baby. Everyone has theories about bringing up children, but your health professional is the one you should listen to for the most current recommendations.

Discuss how your family is adapting to life with the new baby and bring up any sibling issues that are becoming hard to manage.

If you haven't been out of the house with your new baby, discuss this.

Are you ready to handle minor illnesses or a fever that may follow your baby's immunisations? Get instructions before you leave


Speak up!

Many new parents notice changes in their baby's vision and hearing around this age. Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have. They will want to know if your baby:

doesn't look at you or follow you with their eyes as you move from side to side within their range of vision. At this age, their range is about 15 to 45 centimetres (6 to 18 inches)
doesn't turn towards voices, especially yours or those of familiar people such as carers or other relatives.
still feels so limp that it seems they'll slip out of your grasp, or your baby's head still wobbles a great deal
moves unevenly or moves one leg or arm more than the other
has any problems with their eyes, particularly if they're runny or have pus. They may have a plugged or narrow tear duct that needs attention
doesn't make any sounds
doesn't stay alert for more than 30 minutes at any time.


If things are not falling into place for you as a parent, or haven't improved at all, let your health professional know. If you are depressed, your baby will be able to pick up on it and it could affect their development. Your baby needs you to be at your best for their own mental and emotional growth, so get some help now.


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