The Red Book
WHAT IS THE RED BOOK?
The red book is your child’s personal health record. It is also known as the PCHR. It is given to the mother, the parents, or carer of the baby just before or when the baby is born.
WHAT IS THE RED BOOK FOR?
The red book is a record of your baby’s growth and development, screening tests and any vaccinations given from birth to 4 years of age.
Measurements of length, weight, circumference of the baby’s head and more are all noted down in the red book.
WHAT FORMAT DOES THE RED BOOK COME IN?
There is a paper version and the digital app version.
HOW DO YOU GET A RED BOOK?
You will be given a paper version by your midwife, the hospital or your health visitor.
You can also download a digital version of the red book from the following link. It is free to register and join.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE DIGITAL E-REDBOOK?
- The digital e-redbook app version of the red book contains information and advice about your child until the age of 5 years.
- You can access your baby’s NHS records through your e-redbook once it is linked to the NHS.
- The e-redbook has interactive growth and development charts.
- With your permission, healthcare professionals and any carers for your child can access the e-redbook.
- Unlike the paper version, you cannot lose the digital e-redbook version.
SHOULD I TAKE MY BABY’S RED BOOK EVERY TIME I VISIT THE GP OR BABY CLINIC?
Yes you should. All healthcare professionals including your GP and practice nurse will write down details of your child’s health, growth, development and vaccinations in your baby’s red book.
You should also take your red book with you to any hospital visit.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PAPER VERSION OF YOUR RED BOOK?
You can ask your local health visiting team for a replacement paper version. Or you can go online and download the digital e-redbook and use that instead.