Checkups During the First Year of Life

• U1: A few hours after birth, the baby’s breathing, heart rate, skin color, muscle tone, and reflexes are checked. In addition, measurements of weight, height, and head circumference are taken, and a hearing screening is conducted. On the second or third day of life, a blood sample is taken to detect congenital disorders early.
• U2: Between the third and tenth day of life, the organs, motor skills, metabolism, and hormonal function are examined. If necessary, an orthopedic evaluation will be conducted. It’s also important that you’ve found a pediatrician and know where the nearest children’s hospital is located.
• U3: From the fourth to the sixth week of life, the focus is on posture and mobility. An ultrasound examination of the hip joints is a routine part of this process.
• U4: Between the third and fourth months of life, the child’s motor development, nervous system, hearing, and vision, as well as the hip joint, are examined.
• U5: At 6 or 7 months of age, the focus is on first sounds, rolling over, and overall development. You’ll also receive information on nutrition, complementary foods, and skin care.
• U6: Between the ages of 10 and 12 months, mobility and language development are assessed: the focus is on sitting, crawling, first steps, and first words.

Examinations from ages 2 to 6

• U7: Shortly before your child’s second birthday, we’ll assess whether your child walks confidently, recognizes and names objects, and communicates in a way appropriate for their age. Social development and the first steps toward toilet training are also covered.
• U7a: This additional checkup, which takes place between the 34th and 36th months of life, bridges the gap until the U8 checkup. It is intended to detect physical or mental health issues at an early stage and is not covered by all health insurance plans.
• U8: For children aged three and a half to four, the focus is on dexterity, independence, social behavior, and interpersonal skills.
• U9: At ages five to five and a half, children’s developmental progress to date is assessed, with a particular focus on motor skills, posture, and social behavior. In addition, an initial assessment of the child’s readiness for school is conducted.

Additional examinations from ages 7 to 15

• U10: Children aged seven to eight are assessed to determine whether they have any learning or developmental difficulties, such as in reading, writing, or math. Information regarding ADHD, dental and jaw misalignments, and media use is also collected.
• U11: For children aged nine to ten, the focus is on academic development, social behavior, physical activity habits, and potential risks of addiction.
• U12: Between the ages of 13 and 15, physical and emotional development, vaccination status, blood pressure, thyroid function, motor skills, health behaviors, and the child’s school and family situation are comprehensively assessed.

For more information on this topic, please visit the website of the Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Medicine Specialists.