Health and Development Checks
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The first five years are very important for lifetime development as this is when the brain and body grows rapidly, regular health and development checks are recommended for all babies and young children.
While children between birth and 5 years can be seen at any time if you have concerns or questions, CaFHS also offers key health and development checks at the following ages:
- 1 - 4 weeks
- 8 weeks
- 6 - 9 months
- 18 to 24 months
- 3 years
- 4-5 years
Some of these checks may be done by your family GP or paediatrician.
Children can also be seen at any age when parents have concerns, questions or issues. To make an appointment with CaFHS nurse, call 1300 733 606.
1-4 weeks old Health and Development Check
The 1-4 weeks health and development check is offered by CaFHS either in your home or in one of our clinics, shortly after you leave hospital. If you have not heard from CaFHS by the time your baby is 4 weeks old, please call 1300 733 606 to make an appointment.
What it involves:
- Weighing your baby
- Measuring your baby’s head circumference
- Measuring the length of your baby
- Complete physical check of your baby
We will focus on:
- How your baby is feeding (breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding)
- Sleep and settling support
- Safe sleeping for your baby
- How to keep your baby safe
- Immunisations
- You and your family’s emotional health, along with your baby’s wellbeing
We’ll talk about:
- Parenting support
- Community supports such as Parent Helpline, Early Parenting Groups, playgroups
- Importance of play and development, including tummy time and reading to your baby
8 weeks old Health and Development Check
CaFHS provides an 8-week health and development check, which is a good opportunity to also check in with how you are managing as a parent in the first couple of months.
What it involves:
- Weighing your baby
- Measuring your baby’s head circumference
- Measuring the length of your baby
- Complete physical check of your baby
We will focus on:
- How your baby is feeding (breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding)
- Sleep and settling support
- Safe sleeping for your baby
- How to keep your baby safe
- Immunisations
- You and your family’s emotional health, along with your baby’s wellbeing
We’ll talk about:
- Parenting support
- Community supports such as Parent Helpline, Early Parenting Groups, playgroups
- Importance of play and development, including tummy time and reading to your baby
6-9 months old Health and Development Check
As your baby grows and reaches different milestones, it’s important that you book your child in for a 6-9-month health and development check.
What it involves:
- Weighing your baby
- Measuring your baby’s head circumference
- Measuring the length of your baby
- Complete physical check of your baby
- A development assessment that looks at your baby’s milestones
We will focus on:
- How your baby is feeding (breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding)
- Starting solids – when and how
- Sleep and settling support
- Safe sleeping for your baby
- How to keep your baby safe
- Immunisations
- You and your family’s emotional health, along with your baby’s wellbeing
We’ll talk about:
- Parenting support
- Community supports such as Parent Helpline, Early Parenting Groups, playgroups
- Importance of play and development, including rolling, safe play environments, and the importance of talking, singing and reading to your baby
- Healthy teeth
18-24 months old Health and Development Check
Between 18 and 24 months, we recommend that your child visit CaFHS for a key health and development check.
What it involves:
- Weighing and measuring your toddler
- Complete physical check of your toddler
- A development assessment that looks at your toddlers milestones
We will focus on:
- Eating family foods
- Drinking from a cup
- Sleep and settling support
- How to keep your toddler safe
- Immunisations
- You and your family’s emotional health, along with your toddler’s wellbeing
We’ll talk about:
- Parenting support
- Community supports such as Parent Helpline, playgroups
- Importance of play and development, including learning to talk and toddler play
- Healthy teeth
- Toddler behaviour
- Toilet training
3 year old Health and Development Check
At 3 years, it is recommended that your child visits CaFHS for a health and development check.
What it involves:
- Weighing and measuring your child
- Complete physical check of your child
- A developmental assessment that looks at your child’s milestones
We focus on:
- Eating healthy family foods
- How to keep your child safe
- Immunisations
- You and your family’s emotional health, along with your child’s wellbeing
We’ll talk about:
- Parenting support
- Community supports such as Parent Helpline, playgroups
- Bedtime routines
- Importance of play and development including safe ways to explore the world around them
- Dental health
- Getting ready for kindy
- Child development at 2-3 years
- Child development at 3-4 years
- Reading and storytelling with toddlers: 18 months - 3 years
- Play and learning with preschoolers: 3-5 years – video
- 3 year old milestones
- Play activities for your child at 2-3 years
- Developmental delay 0-8 years
- Developmental delay: Parent Easy Guide
4-5 year old Health and Development Check
Health and development checks are offered to all 4-5 year old’s at your local CaFHS clinic and at some preschools/kindergartens. Please contact CaFHS or your preschool/kindergarten to find out more.
What it involves:
- Weighing and measuring your preschooler
- A development assessment that looks at your child’s milestones
- Vision and hearing check
We will focus on:
- Eating healthy family foods
- Keeping your child safe
- Immunisations
- You and your family’s emotional health, along with your child’s wellbeing
We’ll talk about:
- Community supports such as Parent Helpline, playgroups, preschool/kindergarten
- Bedtime routines
- Importance of play and development
- Dental health
- Getting ready for school