What happens at your child’s yearly check-up

A yearly check-up is one of the best things you can do for a healthy child. It is a chance to follow growth and development over time, catch small problems before they become big ones, and ask the questions that come up between visits. Here is what to expect, and how to make the visit easy for everyone.

Before the visit

A little preparation goes a long way:

• Bring your child’s vaccination card and any letters from school or other doctors.
• Jot down questions as they come up in the weeks before – about sleep, eating, behaviour or anything else.
• For younger children, explain simply what will happen: “The doctor will check how tall you are and listen to your heart.”
• Bring a favourite toy or book for the waiting room.

Growth and development

The nurse measures your child’s height and weight (and head size for babies) and plots them on a growth chart. A single measurement says little; what matters is the pattern over time. The pediatrician will also ask about milestones such as talking, playing, reading and making friends, depending on your child’s age.

The physical examination

Your pediatrician checks the heart, lungs, ears, eyes, throat, tummy, skin and spine, and watches how your child moves. For older children, part of the conversation may happen without parents in the room, so teenagers have a safe space to ask their own questions.

Screening tests

Depending on age, the visit may include:

1. a vision and hearing check
2. blood pressure measurement
3. a dental check, or a reminder to see the dentist
4. a simple blood test, only when there is a reason for it

Vaccinations

The doctor reviews the vaccination card and offers any vaccines that are due. Vaccines protect your child and the children around them who are too young or too unwell to be vaccinated. If your child is nervous about injections, tell the nurse: holding them on your lap, distraction and numbing cream all help.

“The best check-ups feel like a conversation. Parents know their children better than anyone, so we always start by listening.” — Dr. Emily Carter, Pediatrician

Topics worth raising

Use the time for anything on your mind. Common topics include:

• sleep routines and screen time
• picky eating and healthy snacks
• bed-wetting, which is common and treatable
• moods, worries and friendships
• safety in the car, at home and online

After the visit

You will leave with a summary of what was checked, any vaccines given and the date of the next visit. If a follow-up is needed – an eye test, a hearing check or a visit to a specialist – our team will help you book it before you go.

At Healora, the Exclusive Child Health Check-Up package brings all of these checks together in a single relaxed appointment.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the advice of your child’s own doctor.