U1 to J1
Is your child growing up healthy?
The healthy growth of their child is particularly important to parents. The pediatrician is an important partner during the child's development. Services for early detection and preventive care as well as vaccinations to protect against infectious diseases are free of charge.
The early detection program for your child
Every child has a statutory right to 10 U-examinations. The costs are covered by health insurance. The U-examinations take place in the first 6 years of life. At these appointments, the pediatrician checks whether the child is developing in an age-appropriate manner. This includes topics such as
- nutrition
- movement
- speaking and understanding
- dexterity
- social behavior
- dental health
- accident prevention
- vaccination protection
The U-examinations help to detect illnesses or developmental delays at an early stage. Timely treatment or special support can prevent or at least reduce possible health consequences. In adolescence, a further preventive examination, the J1, is added.
Make sure you take the opportunity of early detection for your child!
During these appointments, the pediatrician will also take time for a medical consultation. You can get advice on uncertainties and concerns about development, nutrition, sleep problems or accident prevention.
In addition, you will receive further information on local support services such as early help or parent-child services.
U1 to U9 You should definitely make use of these 10 important appointments with your pediatrician:
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U1 examination: First check immediately after birth
The U1 takes place directly after birth. The main focus here is on all vital functions in the newborn.
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U2 examination: 3rd to 10th day of life
The U2 takes place in the first few days after birth, often still in the maternity clinic, and includes a hearing examination and blood tests for metabolic disorders or cystic fibrosis.
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U3 examination: 4th to 5th week of life
The U3 is usually the first examination at the pediatrician's practice. Make an appointment with the pediatrician of your choice in good time.
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U4 examination: 3rd to 4th month of life
The U4 focuses on the baby's physical and mental development. Possible problems with drinking and sleeping are among the topics addressed. The first vaccinations are also due by now at the latest. They are usually carried out after the examinations.
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U5 examination: 6th to 7th month of life
The baby is now six months old and is becoming increasingly mobile. The U5 focuses on the baby's physical development.
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U6 examination: 10th to 12th month of life
The baby has now developed many new skills and the doctor takes a close look at what the child can already do. If necessary, advice is given together on how treatment can be given or early support provided.
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U7 examination: 21st to 24th month of life
At the U7 around the child's second birthday, the focus is on age-appropriate physical and mental development.
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U7a examination: 34th to 36th month of life
Most children start nursery by the age of 3 at the latest. Therefore, the U7a is all about vaccinations, language development, dental development and much more.
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U8 examination: 46th to 48th month of life
At the U8 examination, your child is also examined from head to toe, weighed and measured. It is now almost 4 years old. The physical and mental development and social behavior are looked at closely.
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U9 examination: 60th to 64th month of life
Shortly before the child's 5th birthday, the U9 is particularly concerned with the child's speech development, mobility and dexterity with a view to the upcoming school entry.
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J1 examination: 12 to 14 years old
After a long period of time, your child is entitled to another comprehensive check-up in adolescence. The health check covers physical and mental health as well as checking the vaccination status. Missing and supplementary vaccinations can now be caught up on.
The J1 also offers the opportunity for a confidential discussion about puberty problems and questions about sexuality between the adolescent doctor and your child.
Because the early detection examinations play a central role in a child's healthy upbringing, they are documented in the yellow child examination booklet. Here you will also find detailed written information for parents about each examination.
Please bring the yellow child examination booklet and your child's vaccination record with you to all U examinations.
Where can we find help and advice?
The website J1-Info of the BZgA informs young people about the free J1 health check-up and offers:
- Chat with questions and answers about J1
- Online search for medical practices in the vicinity
- Reminder service for the J1 appointment
- Video about the J1 check-up
The information is available online and in 11 languages.
Further information Links to read more
