Health services for pre-school children
- Introduction
- Health checks when your child is born
- How to apply for your child's health checks
- Further information
Introduction
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides health services for pre-school children. Every child up to the age of 5 years old will have free health and development checks. This is to make sure they are healthy and developing normally.
The visits and health checks are an opportunity for you to talk about how you are getting on. You can ask any questions or talk about any concerns you have about yourself or your baby.
Checks might take place at home, at a GP surgery or at your local health centre.
All children under 8 years of age living in Ireland can get a free GP visit card. Check what the card covers and how to apply.
Health checks when your child is born
Health services for pre-school children are provided by public health nurses and other healthcare professionals that are employed by the HSE.
Newborn baby
Immediately after your child is born, healthcare professionals, such as your midwife, will check that all is well with your baby and give you advice. Read more on the HSE website.
Newborn clinical examination
Your baby should get a full newborn clinical examination within 3 days of birth at the hospital. This may be carried out by the doctor or the specialist midwife in the hospital. You can read about what they will check during the newborn clinical examination.
Public health nurses
A public health nurse will be notified of your child’s birth in their area - either by the hospital where the baby was born or by the midwife who was present for a home birth.
First days at home after birth
After the birth, your public health nurse will visit you and your child at home free of charge within the first 3 days of returning home from hospital. They will carry out an examination of your newborn baby and a check-up for you.
If you are on a Domino scheme (midwife-led antenatal care), your first home visits will be from a midwife.
Read more about what the public health nurse does after you've had your baby.
Health and development checks
The public health nurse will arrange with you to check your baby's development at different stages including when your baby is aged:
You should also make an appointment for your baby to visit your GP when they are:
- 2 weeks old
- 6 weeks old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
Problems that are found at developmental checks may be treated free of charge at out-patient hospital departments and any treatment needed after is free as a public patient.
You will be offered vaccines for your child to keep them safe from disease. These are also free.
How to apply for your child's health checks
You do not need to apply for your child’s health checks. You will be contacted by your public health nurse before each check to arrange a date and time. If you have not heard from the public health nurse, call your local health centre to make an appointment.
Talk to your GP or public health nurse if you are concerned about your child’s development. They may carry out further screening or refer your child to a specialist.
Keep your address up to date
You will get reminders about your child's next check. Tell your local health centre if your address changes.
Further information
For information on health services and supports for pre-school children, visit mychild.ie.
Read about Before your baby is born and After your baby is born.
Find out about Postnatal check-ups for you and your baby, Breastfeeding,
Maternity care and the public health nurse and Maternity services in Ireland.