The first five years of your child’s life are full of big moments, from their first smile, to their first steps, and before you know it, their first day of school. But behind the scenes, something even more remarkable is happening.
In these early years, your child’s brain is developing faster than at any other time in their life. Every hug, conversation, play session and new experience helps build the foundations for how they will learn, communicate, form relationships and understand the world around them.
It’s a time of rapid growth, not just physically, but socially, cognitively and emotionally too. And while every child develops in their own way and at their own pace, these early years play a powerful role in shaping their confidence, wellbeing, and approach to learning.
Having the right support around you as a parent can make all the difference.
Child Health and Development Checks, delivered by the Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS), are an important part of a child’s journey from birth through to school age.
These free checks give parents and caregivers a dedicated moment to step back, reflect on their child’s growth and development, and talk through any questions or concerns with a trusted CaFHS nurse.
They’re not about ticking boxes, but about helping you understand your child, what their strengths are, where they might need a little extra support, and what you can do at home to help them thrive.
While parents can seek support from CaFHS at any time, Child Health and Development Checks are recommended at key ages, including:
- 1–4 weeks
- 8 weeks
- 6–9 months
- 12 months
- 18–24 months
- 3 years
- 4–5 years
What to expect
Checks are usually held at your local CaFHS clinic, and in some cases may be offered through your child’s preschool or kindergarten.
During the appointment, the nurse will check your child’s physical health, such as height and weight, as well as their developmental progress. As children grow, these checks continue to play an important role. In the toddler and preschool years, this includes areas like vision, hearing, and school readiness.
You’ll also have the opportunity to talk openly about common parenting topics, including:
- Feeding and nutrition
- Sleep and settling
- Developmental milestones
- The importance of play
- Toilet training
- Supporting emotions and big feelings
- Social skills like sharing and making friends
- Getting ready for preschool and school
Making time for an appointment isn’t always easy for busy parents. But in a period where so much is changing so quickly, these checks can provide reassurance, guidance and confidence—right when it matters most.
Ready to book?
All CaFHS services are free and available to families across South Australia with children from birth to five years.
To book, call 1300 733 606
To learn more, visit cafhs.sa.gov.au/services/health-checks