'Baby Check' in the Inner City--use and Value to Parents

'Baby Check', an information booklet designed to aid assessment of acutely ill babies, was given to a group of socioeconomically disadvantaged families from one inner city general practice. Parents' perceptions and use of the booklet were explored in a qualitative study based on audiotaped interviews with 42 parents of 34 babies under 6 months old. Most families (26) used Baby Check spontaneously. Parents found that Baby Check was helpful, reduced anxiety and increased confidence coping with illness, seeking medical advice and communicating with doctors. Parents experienced some difficulties, e.g. they had concerns about a check for rectal temperature and they sought more information and advice about common illnesses. Parents valued and were empowered by access to 'medical' information. Further evaluation and consultation with parents is required to ensure that information is relevant to their needs.