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All children are encouraged to have regular health check-ups, from birth until they start school. Monitoring their growth and evaluating their growth are important ways to ensure that children are growing as they should.
Regular health check-ups, especially in the first 12 months, also help in early detection of problems.
When your baby is born, you will be given a Child Health Record. Each state and territory has its own style even though they share the same information. In NSW it is called the “Blue Book”, in Western Australia it is the “Purple Book”. In QLD it is called PHR (Personal Health Record) or “Red Book” and in Victoria it is called “Green Book”.
You should keep this book as a record of your child’s health and growth, from birth to school.
Regardless of race or where you live, your child’s health record will contain a variety of topics.
- What to expect at each stage of your baby’s development.
- How to protect your child.
- Developmental.
- What to do if your child is sick including signs and symptoms of illness.
- Total care for your child.
- Breastfeeding, bottle feeding and nutritional information.
Who can check my child’s health?
Child health nurses, also known as early childhood nurses, often research children’s health. They are employed by the Government and work in children’s hospitals. Some nurses work in community pharmacies. General Practitioners and paediatricians also research children’s health. It is important that the baby’s physical examination, weight and measurements are all recorded.
Many health care providers can also access medical records electronically with your permission, sharing information about your child’s health.
What will happen during my child’s health screening?
Your child’s weight, height (height) and body mass index (BMI) will be checked. Their breathing, eyesight, reflexes and reflexes, vision and hearing can also be checked.
You will be asked if you have any concerns about your child. These questions will be about your baby’s diet, sleep, elimination (roots and poos), behavior and growth. And most importantly, you will have the opportunity to talk about your own progress.
In most children’s health books, there are sections where parents and carers can fill in the ‘Generations and Stages’ ‘tick’ questions. Writing this before the health check helps the nurse or doctor follow up on any concerns. The questions will also be an opportunity for you to look at specific events and milestones according to your child’s age.
Every child develops in their own way. However, the process is the same, for example, children learn to smile, then cry and then “talk”.
Measuring health is not just measuring and measuring. It is a great opportunity for parents to ask questions and find out more about their child’s growth and/or development. There is no easy question to ask.
It is important that you feel comfortable talking to your child’s health nurse or doctor so that they can provide you with up-to-date, evidence-based information to help you care for your child.
Remember, you are the expert when it comes to knowing your little one. A health care professional’s job is to work with you.
How often should I go for my child’s health check-up?
There are ‘major ages and stages’ recommended for health screening; however, not every parent wants, or needs, their child to be screened according to this policy. Some want a guarantee that their child will be tested more often, or less often. You know your child better than anyone and you should do what is right for both of you.
Health and development assessments are recommended for:
- Being born
- 1 to 4 weeks
- 6 to 8 weeks
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years or before starting school
Postnatal health screening
A midwife and/or doctor will look at your baby at birth. Before being discharged from the hospital, they will be re-evaluated. In the early period of birth, your baby will have infant hearing test and routine vitamin K and Hepatitis vaccines.
Health checks between 1-4 weeks
Your child will be measured, his height and head circumference. They can also stare at their hips and look, all over, from head to toe. Expect your baby to regain their birth weight within two weeks of birth.
You can also receive a home visit, depending on where you live and how convenient it is for you to go to your local children’s clinic.
Health check between 6-8 weeks
A more thorough examination is done at this time, with a doctor or pediatrician looking at your child carefully. Their two-month vaccinations are also due. Your child’s hearing, vision, flexibility, weight, height and head circumference will all be checked.
Health check at 4 months
Weight and other tests will be done at four months of age and your baby will be given many vaccinations. The child health nurse/doctor will ask if your baby is smiling and crying and showing other signs of development.
Health check between 6-9 months
This check includes normal weight, head circumference and height as well as hearing, vision and oral health. Does your child have teeth? Look to the dentist for advice on how to care for your child’s teeth and prevent early decay. Additional vaccinations should be given after 6 months.
They have a health check after 12 months
Your baby is one year old! Another opportunity for weight, height and head height to be checked at this time. And more vaccines as your child gets closer to completing their first vaccination course.
Health goes beyond the first year
Health screenings are less common as children age. Their growth tends to slow down and there are certain patterns in their movements, eating and sleeping patterns.
Your child will also need vaccinations at 18 months and at 3.5-4 years of age.
Talk to your Child Health Nurse, GP and/or pediatrician if you are not sure what to do with your child. And check out Nourish Baby if you want to learn more.
About the Author:
Written by Nourish Baby and Jane Barry. Jane is fully qualified in paediatrics, immunisation, midwifery and pediatric nursing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Nursing) and has approximately 35 years of pediatric health nursing experience. She is a member of a number of professional associations including AHPRA, The Australasian Medical Writer’s Association and the Australian College of Children and Young People’s Nurses.
References
Issues related to child and childhood health and anxiety | Health and Wellness | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
Issues related to child and childhood health and anxiety | Health and Wellness | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
Immunizations for babies and children | Australian Government Department of Health
Newborn hearing test | Pregnancy and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)