Regular check-ups

Take your baby or child to regular check-ups (external link) with their healthcare provider (like their doctor or nurse practitioner) starting within the first week after leaving the hospital. These visits happen often during the first few years of life and help your healthcare provider keep track of your child’s health and development.

Immunizations

Vaccines are very important to keep your child safe (external link) from serious illnesses. When your child gets all their vaccines on time, you’re helping them stay healthy. Before your child can attend a licensed child care or school, they must have the required immunizations. Don’t forget to tell Halton Region Public Health when your child gets their vaccines. You are responsible for updating Public Health every time your child receives an immunization. Health care providers do not report immunizations to Public Health.

How to tell if your child is sick

You may also need to see your health care provider if you think your child is sick. Check out the About Kids Health website (external link) and the Caring for Kids website (external link) for lots of great information on how to know if your child is sick and what you should do. You can also call Health811 (external link), it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to speak with a Registered Nurse for health advice or information.

Hearing

Your baby’s hearing is important for learning to talk, read and grow. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends all newborn babies have their hearing checked (external link). This test is quick and easy, it takes only 10 to 15 minutes. It can be done before your baby leaves the hospital or at a special hearing clinic later.

Monitor how your child learns to talk and understand words as they grow. Hearing problems and other issues can slow down their speech and language development. If you’re worried about your child’s speech or language, talk to your healthcare provider and complete the communication check up online screening tool (external link).

Vision

Did you know that most newborn babies can already focus their eyes eight to 12 inches away? This is perfect for seeing the face of the person holding them!

How your baby or child sees the world (external link) plays a big role in their learning and development. Eye exams are an important way to tell if your child’s eyes are developing properly.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommend that eye exams should be done:

• at 6 months – first eye exam
• 2-5 year olds – at least one eye exam during this time
• 6 years and older – should have an eye exam every year

Oral health

Baby teeth matter! Even before you see them, baby teeth are growing under your baby’s gums. That is why it is important to keep their mouths clean (external link). Gently wipe your baby’s gums twice a day with a clean, wet washcloth.

Don’t wait for a problem – book your child’s first dental visit before they turn 1, or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. A healthy mouth and teeth help your child stay healthy and feel good. You can book a free baby’s first visit dental screening with a Halton Region Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist.

When your baby’s teeth start to come in, you can use a baby toothbrush without toothpaste. There are many simple ways to care for your child’s mouth (external link). Most children will have all 20 baby teeth by age 2 or 3.