Baby's first year : Health Checks

How many routine health checks will my child have?

From birth onwards, your child will have the health development checks/reviews at the following ages. Do note that the schedule may vary slightly from one place to another:

• Birth Screening
• 6-8 weeks
• 8 months
• 18-21 months
• 3-3.5 years
• 4.5-5.5 years

Who carries out these health checks or reviews?

The health checks on your child may be carried out by the health visitor, doctor or both. Most surgeries have special child clinics on certain days when a health visitor is present.

What happens at these health reviews?

These developmental reviews or health checks are an excellent opportunity for you to discuss any of your concerns regarding your child's development with the doctor or the health visitor. Even if you think your child is doing fine and putting on weight sensibly, it is highly recommended that you attend these reviews when invited to do so. Apart from the weight and height, a variety of other skills are tested so that if there is a problem, it can be identified and attended to as early as possible.

Click here for details of what is checked at each developmental review

Can I get my little one weighed outside these scheduled health checks?

Yes. Till the time your baby is two months old, you will be asked to come to the baby health clinic (either at your surgery on certain days or in special clinics) to get the baby weighed every week. After that you may go every other week and then once the baby's routine is established and she is putting on weight satisfactorily, you may wish to go the clinic not less than once a month. Once your baby crosses the one year mark, your health visitor will advise you on the number of weight checks required. Please remember that these sessions are by no means written in stone. If your baby has not been feeding well and you are concerned about her weight, do visit the health visitor or the doctor.