Understanding What a Health Visitor Does
1. Overview of the Health Visitor Role in 2026
A health visitor is a qualified healthcare professional who works with families to support the health and development of young children. In 2026, health visitors are more important than ever, helping to guide parents and ensure every child gets a healthy start in life. They visit families at home or in clinics and provide expert advice and support.
2. Key Responsibilities of Health Visitors
- Carrying out child health checks and development reviews.
- Advising parents on feeding, nutrition, and sleep routines.
- Supporting families with emotional and mental health challenges.
- Safeguarding children and identifying any concerns early.
- Helping parents access wider health and community resources.
3. Required Qualifications and Training
- A degree in nursing or midwifery.
- Specialist training in public health.
- Registration with a professional health body.
- Ongoing training to keep skills up-to-date.
How Health Visitors Support Families: Core Services Explained
1. Child Development and Health Assessments
Health visitors perform regular checks on children to ensure they are growing and developing well. These include measuring weight and height, checking motor skills, language development, and reviewing immunisation records.
2. Parental Guidance and Emotional Support
Parents can talk to their health visitor about any concerns, from sleep problems to feeding routines. Health visitors listen, offer practical advice, and connect families with extra help if needed.
3. Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Families
Health visitors are trained to notice signs that a child or family may need extra protection or support. They work closely with other professionals to keep families safe.
4. Health Education: Nutrition, Immunisation, and More
They teach parents about healthy eating, safe sleeping, the importance of immunisations, and accident prevention in the home. This helps parents make informed decisions for their child’s health.
What to Expect During a Health Visitor Visit: Step-by-Step Process
1. Preparing for Your First Visit: Checklist for Parents
- Note down any questions or worries you have about your child’s health or development.
- Gather your child’s health record book or red book.
- Have details about feeding, sleeping, and any medication ready.
- Ensure a quiet space for the visit.
2. Typical Structure of a Health Visitor Appointment
- Introduction: The health visitor explains the purpose of the visit.
- Discussion: You talk about your child’s routine, feeding, sleeping, and development.
- Assessment: The health visitor may weigh, measure, and carry out simple tests with your child.
- Advice: They share tips specific to your child’s age and needs.
- Planning: They help set goals or suggest next steps, and arrange follow-up visits if needed.
3. Common Tools and Assessments Used
- Baby scales and height charts
- Development checklists
- Immunisation schedule
- Questionnaires for parental mood and mental health
- Vision and hearing screening tools (where needed)
How to Communicate with Your Health Visitor Effectively
1. Scripts & Questions to Ask Your Health Visitor
- “Can you explain the next set of vaccinations for my baby?”
- “I’m worried about my child’s sleeping patterns. What can I try?”
- “What should I look for to be sure my child is developing on track?”
- “Where can I get more support with feeding?”
2. Addressing Your Concerns: Example Conversations
| Parent | Health Visitor |
|---|---|
| I’m feeling overwhelmed after the birth. Is this normal? | Many parents feel this way. Let’s talk about how you’re coping and what support is available. |
| I think my baby is not speaking as much as others. Should I be worried? | Let’s look at your child’s communication and discuss if extra support is needed. |
3. Tips for Building a Positive Relationship
- Be open and honest about your concerns.
- Ask questions, even if they seem small.
- Keep appointments and share updates between visits.
- Remember, health visitors are there to help, not judge.
Real-Life Scenarios: How Health Visitors Make a Difference
1. Supporting New Parents with Postnatal Challenges
Maria gave birth three weeks ago and feels overwhelmed. Her health visitor notices signs of postnatal depression during a routine visit. She provides listening support and helps Maria access counselling and local parent groups. Maria begins to feel more confident and connected.
2. Identifying Developmental Delays: Case Example
During a check-up, a health visitor observes that Sam, aged two, has not started talking. She uses a development guide and refers Sam to a speech and language therapist. Early support helps Sam catch up and eases his parents’ worries.
3. Guiding Families Through Difficult Circumstances
Health visitors help families facing homelessness or domestic violence by connecting them with shelters, social services, and legal advice. Their early intervention keeps children safe and supports family stability.
Downloadable Resource: Health Visitor Visit Checklist for Parents (2026)
- Bring your child’s health record book.
- Prepare a list of questions and concerns.
- Make a note of your child’s feeding and sleeping routines.
- Have records of any recent illnesses or medication.
- Keep the area quiet and free from distractions for the visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Health Visitors Do
- Q: How often will my health visitor visit?
A: Visits are planned according to your child’s needs—more often during the first year, then as needed. - Q: Is everything I say confidential?
A: Yes, except in cases where there is a risk to your child’s safety. - Q: Can I ask for extra help?
A: Absolutely. Health visitors can connect you with specialist services. - Q: What if I miss a visit?
A: Contact your health visitor to reschedule as soon as possible.
Beyond 2026: How the Health Visitor Role is Evolving
Looking to the future, health visitors are working more closely with digital health records and virtual consultations, making it easier for families to get support quickly. Their focus on emotional wellbeing and prevention remains strong, helping every child thrive.
Summary and Next Steps
- Health visitors are key to guiding families through early child development.
- Prepare for visits by keeping records and questions ready.
- Use each visit to ask about concerns and track your child’s progress.
- Stay open, ask for help, and use resources provided by your health visitor.
For further support, reach out to your local health visiting team and make use of online resources and parenting groups in your area.