Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 1.6: Understand the needs of the mother and baby during pre-conception, pregnancy and the first year of life
Learning outcome: Understand developmental checks from birth to 12 months
Assessment criteria: Explain routine checks carried out for: the newborn, the baby during the first year of life
Most babies go through a number of routine health checks in the first year of their life. These are important as they can help to identify any health problems early on, and provide treatment if necessary.
Newborns
All newborn babies will have a physical examination, which will check their eyes, heart, hips and testicles (in boys). They will also have a hearing screening test, which involves playing gentle clicking noises through an earpiece and monitoring the baby’s responses.
A blood spot test (also known as a heel prick test) will also be carried out. This involves taking a small sample of blood from the baby’s heel, which is then screened for a number of rare conditions.
First year of life
During the first year of life, babies will have regular check-ups with their GP or health visitor. These appointments will usually involve a physical examination and developmental assessment.
Babies will also be offered a number of routine vaccinations during the first year of life. These are important in protecting them from some serious diseases, such as measles, mumps and rubella.
The routine health checks carried out on babies during the first year of their life are important in helping to ensure their health and wellbeing. If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, please speak to your GP or health visitor.