Compulsory health check-ups for your baby: what you need to know

Becoming a parent is an incredible adventure, full of surprises and challenges. Among these are the compulsory medical check-ups, also known as "mandatory baby appointments". The aim of these examinations is to ensure the child's healthy development and wellbeing at every stage of their life. This article will help you better understand these essential appointments for your child's growth and wellbeing.

The schedule of compulsory appointments for your baby

From birth and up to the age of 16, your child's health will be regularly checked by a healthcare professional. Most of these consultations take place with the GP or paediatrician of your choice. Appointments are often grouped according to age:

The first few weeks: at least two visits are scheduled in the month following the birth.

From 1 to 24 months: the frequency moves to one consultation every four to six weeks or so.

From 2 to 6 years: this becomes at least one appointment per year.

After 6 years: your child will need to be seen at least every two years until they turn 16.

It is crucial to stick to this schedule in order to prevent any potential risks to your child's health and development.

The main goals of compulsory baby check-ups

Following all these medical consultations helps to achieve three main objectives:

Checking the child's general state of health, their growth and their diet. This also includes verifying that vaccinations are up to date.

Detecting early signs of illness or disease, particularly during critical phases of psychomotor and intellectual development.

Since 2019, certain medical consultations have also been dedicated to monitoring the child's educational and school progress.

Details on check-ups by age group

Here are some specifics for the different age groups:

From 0 to 6 months: the first consultation is often carried out by the maternity unit. Examinations monitor, amongst other things, the baby's weight, height, and motor skills, as well as screening for genital conditions or possible infection.

From 6 to 24 months: the paediatrician checks overall motor development (movement) and psycho-emotional development — that is, skills related to communication and social interaction. This stage is also crucial for identifying conditions such as hearing loss or visual impairments.

From 2 to 6 years: in addition to the standard monitoring of weight, height, and vaccinations, there is now also a dedicated programme for children experiencing obesity, as this can have a long-term impact on their health.

The best recommendations for preparing your child for these examinations

It is perfectly normal for your child to feel anxious or frightened before seeing a healthcare professional. Here are a few tips to help them relax:

Explain what will happen during the visit: it helps to describe what will take place during the examination and what each instrument the doctor uses is for.

Bring a comforting object such as their favourite toy or a cuddly animal.

Be positive and encouraging, telling them that they are doing something very important for their health.

Good to know: regional specifics regarding compulsory baby appointments

In mainland France, medical consultations are strictly regulated by law, but it is worth knowing that certain regions have their own particularities. For example, in French overseas departments and territories, the vaccination schedule must be adapted to account for local diseases and certain endemic infections.

The specific management of certain conditions in children

French law reflects a slight differentiation between territories in certain consultations. These differences most commonly relate to local lifestyle and the presence of specific risks.

There are thus regions described as having "vector-borne transmission". In these areas, any child presenting with a fever is automatically tested for malaria via a blood sample.

In certain French overseas departments, particularly in the Caribbean, tests to detect Zika or Dengue infections are also prescribed for children under 2 years of age.

Staying vigilant before and after each compulsory baby appointment

To ensure your child's wellbeing, it is essential to make sure all their vaccinations are up to date by following the recommendations given at each consultation.

Similarly, be attentive to any unusual signs in your child, such as sleep disturbances, vision problems, difficulty gaining weight, or excessive weight loss.

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not underestimate their importance and consult a doctor immediately. You can also raise any concerns you have with the healthcare professional responsible for your child's care during medical consultations. This way, you can make the most appropriate decisions for their comfort and wellbeing.

Compulsory baby check-ups are essential to your child's overall health. They help to prevent certain potential risks to their wellbeing and to detect any possible problems.

Take a proactive approach by following the medical consultation schedule closely and remaining attentive to your child's specific needs.