The U7a check-up takes place shortly before your child’s third birthday when they are 34 - 36 months old. It was introduced a few years ago because it became apparent that there was too much time between the U7 and U8. The U7a focuses on topics like healthy teeth, your child's linguistic development , how well they can already move and dealing with media.
What happens at the U7a?
As with all the U-check-ups, your paediatrician will give your child a physical examination. This includes an eye test, an ear exam, and an examination of their baby teeth. The doctor will also take a look at your child's bones and joints. Are the pelvis and spine straight? Are legs and feet shaped correctly? If not, now is the time to correct misalignments to prevent future problems. The doctor will also check how well your child can perform certain actions. For example, unscrewing and screwing a lid, balancing on a straight line, or putting together a simple puzzle.
Does my child speak well enough?
Each child learns to speak at a different rate. Often the pace picks up a lot when children start going to daycare. They suddenly bring home a lot of new words, learn to let other people finish speaking and listen. Now is also the time when they start asking question after question. What is it, what is it called, why is it, how does it work? Try to respond kindly and patiently. This is a good way to support your child exploring the world joyfully. It may be that your child is not so far along linguistically. Many children between the ages of two and four don’t know many words yet and still stutter from time to time. This is normal. If you still have the impression that your child is having problems learning to speak, you should talk to your doctor about it. For example, your child may not be hearing properly. This can be clarified with a hearing test.
When are the next vaccinations and check-ups?
Ideally, your child has already had the second round of vaccinations against measlesMeasles Masern Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It leads to inflammation of the respiratory tract, pink eye, and later to a rash all over the body. The virus spreads through talking, coughing, sneezing and direct skin contact. Vaccination can provide the best possible protection for children and adults. It is recommended starting from twelve months of age., mumpsMumps Mumps is a contagious viral disease. This infectious disease affects the parotid glands and other organs. The virus spreads through talking, coughing, sneezing and direct skin contact. The best possible protection for children and adults is getting vaccinated twice. It is recommended by the German Standing Commission on Vaccination starting from fourteenth months of age., rubellaRubella Röteln Rubella, also called German measles, is a contagious viral disease. This infectious disease causes swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache and rash. The virus spreads through talking, coughing and sneezing. Infection during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for the foetus. The best possible protection for children and adults is getting vaccinated twice. Vaccination is recommended by the German Standing Commission on Vaccines starting from eleven months of age. and chickenpoxChickenpox Windpocken Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease. It usually occurs in early childhood. Kindergarten and school children up to the age of 10 are particularly affected. However, unprotected adolescents or adults can also become infected. This disease leads to fatigue, fever and an itchy rash all over the body. The virus spreads through talking, coughing, sneezing and direct skin contact. Once the disease is over, the virus remains in the body and can lead to shingles years later with blisters that are also contagious. In rare cases, a foetus can also be infected via the placenta. This can put the pregnancy in great danger. Vaccination, which is recommended from the age of eleven months, provides the best possible protection for children and adults.. If not, they should get the second dose now at the latest, so that the vaccination protection is complete. After that, the next U-check-up is the U8, which doesn’t happen for another year when your child is between 46 and 48 months old.