Routine Check-up

Routine Check-Ups help you stay informed, supported, and actively involved in promoting your child's healthy development.

From the earliest days of infancy, the decisions made around a child’s healthcare significantly influence their physical, emotional, and developmental well-being. Some decisions may seem minor, others more substantial—but each contributes to the foundation of lifelong health. Regular Check-up provides the opportunity to stay informed, supported, and proactive in promoting your child’s optimal development.

Dr Megan Page and Dr Juliet Hannington provide comprehensive, GP-led care for infants, children, and adolescents. These consultations focus on monitoring growth and development, identifying potential concerns early, and offering guidance that is relevant to the realities of daily family life.

What Are Well-Baby and Well-Child Check-Ups?

Well-baby and well-child visits are scheduled health assessments designed to evaluate how a child is growing, developing, and adapting to their current stage of life. These appointments go beyond standard medical screening; they offer a structured opportunity to assess physical health, emotional well-being, and social adjustment, while also creating space for caregivers to raise questions or seek advice.

What to Expect During a Check-Up

Each well-child visit is 30 minutes long, allowing sufficient time for a thorough evaluation and discussion. Depending on your child’s age and needs, the appointment may include:

  • Comprehensive growth assessment (including weight, height, and head circumference in younger children)
  • Developmental screening aligned with age-specific milestones
  • Full physical examination
  • Review of feeding, sleep, toileting, and behavioural patterns
  • Emotional and social developmental observations
  • Vaccination review and scheduling
  • Ample time for parental questions and concerns

The consultation is guided by your child’s developmental stage and your family’s current priorities, whether that be introducing solids, navigating separation anxiety, preparing for school, or addressing adolescent transitions such as sleep changes or mood shifts.

Recommended Ages for Paediatric Check-Ups

While individual needs may vary, there are key developmental points when routine check-ups are particularly beneficial:

Infants and Toddlers:

  • 6–8 weeks
  • 4–6 months
  • 9 months
  • 12 months
  • 18 months
  • 2 years

Preschool and School-Age:

  • Annually from age 3 to 6
  • Prior to entering Grade R or Grade 1

Tweens and Adolescents:

  • Every 1–2 years, or as clinically indicated
  • During significant transition periods (e.g., entering high school, emotional or physical developmental changes)

These visits facilitate early identification of health or developmental concerns, provide anticipatory guidance, and strengthen the foundation for future well-being.

Why Attend a Check-Up If There Are No Concerns?

Routine check-ups are an essential component of preventive healthcare. Even in the absence of specific concerns, these visits allow us to monitor your child’s growth and development in relation to expected norms, provide reassurance, and offer timely support where needed.

They are also a valuable opportunity to discuss common challenges such as picky eating, sleep disruptions, peer relationships, or emotional regulation. Over time, consistent attendance helps foster a positive relationship with healthcare and builds familiarity and trust in medical settings.

Topics Commonly Addressed in Consultations

We welcome discussion around any issue affecting your child’s health or well-being. Topics may include:

  • Growth and nutrition
  • Infant feeding practices (breastfeeding, bottle feeding, introduction of solids)
  • Toilet training and continence
  • Sleep routines and challenges
  • Emotional and social development
  • Screen use and physical activity
  • School readiness, adjustment, and learning concerns
  • Behavioural or attentional difficulties
  • Pubertal development and related queries

As children mature, they may begin to express their own questions or concerns. We support their increasing autonomy while ensuring that caregivers remain fully informed and involved in their care.

Booking a Check-Up

Whether you are arranging your baby’s first consultation or checking in during adolescence, paediatric care is available throughout every stage of development. No referral is necessary. If you have a concern, a question, or simply feel it is time for a review, we welcome you to book an appointment directly.

To book a well-child visit, please get in touch with the practice. We are here to support your child’s growth, development, and well-being, one step at a time.