Screening tests for your baby

The newborn hearing test is done soon after your baby is born.

If you give birth in hospital, you may be offered the test before you and your baby are discharged.

Otherwise, it will be done by your health visitor or another healthcare professional within the first few weeks.

Every baby is offered a thorough physical examination soon after birth to check their eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testicles.

This is to identify babies who may have conditions that need further testing or treatment.

The examination is carried out within 72 hours of birth and then again at 6 to 8 weeks of age, as some conditions can take a while to develop.

The newborn blood spot test involves taking a small sample of your baby's blood to check it for 9 rare but serious health conditions.

When your baby is about 5 days old, a healthcare professional will prick your baby's heel and collect a few drops of blood on a special card. This is sent off for testing.

The heel prick may be uncomfortable and your baby may cry, but it's all over very quickly.