Explain routine checks carried out for: the newborn, the baby during the first year of life

Qualification: 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: 4.Understand developmental checks from birth to 12 months
Assessment criteria: 4.1 Explain routine checks carried out for: the newborn, the baby during the first year of life

• Routine checks carried out on newborns include:
  • Physical examination (eyes, heart, hips, testicles etc.)
  • Hearing screening – gentle clicking noises played through an earpiece and responses are monitored
  • Blood spot test – also known as heel prick test, blood is taken and screened for a number of rare conditions
• Routine checks carried out on the baby during the first year of life include:
  • At 1-2 weeks, health visit will discuss baby’s development with parents and provide support
  • At 6-8 weeks, baby will be offered a thorough physical examination
  • Vaccinations offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year