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Regular health and development checks are recommended for all babies and young children to ensure they are growing and developing normally, and to treat any health problems early. At a Queensland Children’s Clinic routine check-up, the paediatricians and nurses will also be interested to know about you too in case we can offer you any advice or support.
Here are some commonly asked questions:
What happens at the appointment?
Your child health nurse or paediatrician will ask how your child is going and if you have any concerns. They will check your child’s hearing, vision, height, and head circumference, and will be happy to discuss those results with you. Your baby will usually be weighed regularly – especially in their first year of life – and at the time of routine vaccinations.
You will have been given a Child Health Record booklet before or after your baby was born, and you can bring this to your appointments to track your child’s progress. You baby’s health nurse and paediatrician will use the book to record your child’s weight and other measurements, vaccinations, and other information. You can also add notes yourself, including recording any illnesses, injuries, accidents, or medications your child has taken.
When should children have routine check-ups?
Children’s health and development should be checked at:
- Birth
- 1 to 4 weeks
- 6 to 8 weeks
- 6 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years.
Be sure to take your child to your doctor/paediatrician at these ages. Some children may also need additional visits. If, too, you have concerns at any time, it is important to consult a medical professional.
After the birth
Maternity services will support you with caring for your new baby, establishing breastfeeding and adjusting to life as a parent. Your baby will receive an examination and undergo some tests, including a hearing test. Routine vitamin K and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended when baby is born.
At 1 – 4 weeks
Your health nurse, midwife, doctor, or paediatrician will advise you on feeding your baby and how to help baby grow up healthily. Child health centres may also offer home visits as it can be difficult to travel when you have a new baby.
Between 6 and 8 weeks
Baby will have several tests and a full physical examination to monitor how baby is growing and to check if certain conditions are present so they can be treated. Checks include your baby’s hearing, vision, development, height, weight, and head circumference. The two-month-old vaccinations are given too.
At four months
Your baby’s four-month-old vaccinations are given. Baby’s appointment is always a chance for you to ask any questions, raise any concerns, or ask for any information you need.
Between 6 to 9 months
Your baby’s oral health will be checked along with normal developmental checks. The visit also focuses on family health and wellbeing, poisons information, injury prevention, sun safety, communication, language, and the importance of play. The six-month immunisations are administered now too.
At 12 months
Your child will receive their 12-month vaccinations. Your child’s growth and development will be discussed, and it is also a great opportunity to discuss any child health or parenting issues you may have.
After the first year
Routine children’s health checks happen at 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years of age.
Before staring school, we recommend your child has a health assessment with their GP or paediatrician to check your child’s eyes, vision, and hearing. You can then discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s wellbeing with their teacher.
Immunisations are scheduled for 18 months and 4 years of age, though the latter vaccination can be given about six months earlier. Before school starts, it is also good to have a dental check-up.
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