Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

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Newborn behavioural observation (NBO)

Between days 10 and 14 after the birth of your baby your health visitor will arrange to visit you at home to complete your baby’s new birth visit and the Newborn Behavioural Observation (NB0).

NBO allows parents to explore their baby’s individual behaviour alongside the Health Visitor. A newborn baby’s method of communication is their behaviour and taking time to observe and understand these signs , movement and response means understanding what the baby is saying.

We hope that understanding your baby’s behaviour and responding to their needs will enhance your relationship and your sense of confidence as a parent.

What is the newborn observation?

Tuning into your newborn baby’s behaviour:

Find out more about the newborn behavioural observation.

ChatHealth Logo

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-5 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a health visitor within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the service reopens.

  • ChatHealth messaging service:

    text

    07480 635164
  • Family Centre Service (Health Visiting and Family Support):

    phone

    0300 123 7572

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

This page was last reviewed on 23-01-2023

This page will be next reviewed on 23-01-2026