In Germany, there are regular checkups for babies and kids: They are called U-Untersuchungen and they are actually mandatory in Germany.
They go by ascending numbers (so U1 directly after birth, U2 between day 3-10, U3 at around 1 month after birth and so on).
In the first year, they are quite frequent (six in the first 12 months). After that, they are just once a year (around your child’s birthday) until your child is five years old and in certain intervals after that.
These appointments provide an opportunity to check the child’s development (movement, speech, height, weight, etc.) and any potential challenges that your child may need extra care or treatment for. It is also a chance for parents to ask any questions about such topics as sleep schedules, introducing solids, behavior, etc.
What is the yellow booklet for?
At the U1 (directly after birth), you will receive a yellow booklet (gelbes Heft) with your child’s details and a schedule for the following U appointments as well as recommended vaccinations.
You will need to bring this booklet (and the child’s insurance card) with you to every U appointment going forward, along with the vaccination booklet (Impfbuch) if they are getting new vaccinations.
In this booklet, the doctor notes down the weight, height and head circumference of the child as well as any other developmental information relevant at each stage.
What else does your pediatrician do?
Besides the scheduled checkups your pediatrician also gives your child the recommended vaccinations.
You can of course also see them for help and treatment when your child is sick, such as with a cold, infectious disease or a virus. You may also make appointments for other non-urgent topics you’d like to discuss with the doctor. Finally, pediatricians can also give advice to the parents about nutrition, exercise and developmental questions.
