Routine child health checks in Australia are a series of assessments intended to monitor and promote optimal growth and development in children. These checks are typically conducted by GPs or child health nurses.
Here’s an outline of the routine checks typically recommended in Australia:
Birth:
- Newborn screening tests, including the Guthrie card (heel prick test) to screen for metabolic disorders including:
- phenylketonuria,
- hypothyroidism,
- cystic fibrosis,
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Hearing screening.
- Physical examination including checking hips, heart, eyes, and for any birthmarks.
- Weight, length, and head circumference measurements.
By Two Weeks:
- Review feeding (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding).
- Check growth and general physical health.
- Discuss parent well-being and provide support for adjusting to parenthood.
- While newborns lose 7-10% of their birthweight in the first few days of life they should be back around birth weight by 2 weeks.
By Six to Eight Weeks:
- Immunisations as per the National Immunisation Program Schedule.
- Physical examination, growth, and development assessment.
- Review feeding and sleeping patterns.
- Discussion of parental health and well-being.
- We expect to see a 150-200g weight gain each week for the first 6 months
Four Months:
- Immunisations.
- Developmental screening (social smiles, cooing, etc.).
- Review nutrition and introduction of solid foods when appropriate.
- Monitor growth parameters.
Six Months:
- Routine immunisations.
- Physical health check.
- Developmental screening (rolling over, sitting, etc.).
- Continued nutritional assessment.
- At 150-200g/week weight gain rate we expect baby to be double birth weight
Twelve Months:
- Immunisations.
- Developmental screening (waving, standing, first words, etc.).
- Check on nutrition, growth, and general development.
- Dental health discussion.
- Weight gain slows (85-140g/wk) but we expect to be around 3 x birth weight
Eighteen Months:
- Immunisations.
- Developmental assessment, including speech and social skills.
- Review of feeding and growth.
Two Years:
- Developmental assessment, focusing on speech, hearing, and social skills.
- Discussion of toilet training.
- Growth measurements and general physical examination.
Three and a Half to Four Years:
- Immunisations.
- Vision and hearing assessments.
- Developmental assessment, focusing on readiness for school, fine and gross motor skills, and speech.
- General physical health check and growth measurements.
Before Starting School:
- Immunisations, if due.
- Final pre-school health check, including an overall physical assessment and review of any concerns before entering school.
Throughout School Years:
- Annual or biennial checks may be recommended, including vision and hearing screening, updates on growth and development, and immunisation boosters.
- Checks might be less structured but should consider the child’s developmental milestones, social and academic progress, and any parental concerns.
Adolescence:
- Discussions about puberty, sexual health, and emotional well-being.
- Physical examination as needed.
- Catch-up immunisations if required.
Mental Health:
- Mental health assessments are increasingly being incorporated into routine health checks, with attention to behavioral issues, emotional development, and signs of any mental health disorders.
In addition to these scheduled checks, parents are encouraged to see their healthcare provider if they have concerns about their child’s health or development at any time. Participation in the Australian health check schedule is voluntary but highly recommended and supported by Medicare. These checks are important for early identification and intervention for any health or developmental issues.