In short: In the UK, every baby and young child is offered free NHS health and development reviews, screening tests and vaccinations through the Healthy Child Programme. A private child health check can add a longer appointment, a second opinion or a quicker look at a specific worry, but it works alongside these NHS checks rather than replacing them. If your child is unwell or you are worried, your GP, health visitor or NHS 111 remain the first port of call.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist and based on NHS and UK Health Security Agency information, explains which checks children have in the UK and when a private appointment may help.

What health checks does the NHS offer babies and young children?

The NHS Healthy Child Programme covers pregnancy to age 5 (and continues into school years). Results are recorded in your child's personal child health record, often called the Red Book, which may be paper or digital.

Age	Check	Who usually does it
Within 72 hours of birth	Newborn physical examination (eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testicles)	Midwife, doctor or trained nurse
First weeks	Newborn hearing screening	Hearing screener
Around day 5	Blood spot (heel prick) test for a number of rare but serious conditions	Midwife
10 to 14 days	New birth visit	Health visitor
6 to 8 weeks	Physical examination and health review	GP and health visitor
Around 1 year	Development review	Health visitor team
2 to 2½ years	Development review	Health visitor team
School entry	Hearing and vision checks, height and weight	School nursing service (varies by area)

Exact timings and who carries out the reviews can vary slightly by local area.

What happens at a baby or child health review?

Depending on age, a review may include:

Growth: weight, length or height and head circumference plotted on UK growth charts
Development: movement, hand skills, speech and language, social interaction and play
Feeding and nutrition: breastfeeding or formula, weaning, and the vitamin supplements the NHS recommends for young children
Physical examination: heart, hips, eyes and other checks appropriate to age
Vaccinations: checking your child is up to date
Family wellbeing: sleep, safety, parental mental health and support available locally

Are childhood vaccinations changing?

Yes. The UK routine childhood vaccination schedule changed in July 2025 and again in January 2026. Changes include adjusted timings for the MenB and pneumococcal vaccines, the introduction of a combined measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) vaccine, and a new routine appointment at 18 months for younger children. Your GP practice will invite your child at the right times; the GOV.UK schedule linked below has the full details.

When might a private child health check help?

Private appointments do not replace the NHS programme, but some families choose one for convenience or reassurance, for example:

a longer appointment to talk through a specific concern, such as feeding, skin, sleep or growth
an appointment at a time that fits around work
a second opinion on a non-urgent problem
checks or documents needed for travel

If a private clinician finds something that needs further investigation, they will usually recommend a referral and share information with your GP so your child's records stay complete.

When should you seek urgent help for a baby or child?

Do not wait for a routine check if your child is unwell. Call 999 or go to A&E if your child:

has difficulty breathing, is grunting or the skin between the ribs is pulling in
is floppy, unusually drowsy or hard to wake
has a fit (seizure)
has a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it
has blue, grey or very pale lips, tongue or skin

Babies under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher should be seen urgently. For other worries, contact your GP or NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for my child's health checks?

No. The routine reviews, newborn screening and vaccinations in the Healthy Child Programme are free on the NHS. Private appointments are an optional extra.

What is the Red Book?

It is your child's personal child health record, used to record growth, reviews, screening results and vaccinations. Take it, or the digital version, to every appointment, including private ones.

My child missed a health visitor review. What should I do?

Contact your local health visiting team or GP practice. Reviews and missed vaccinations can usually be rearranged.

Can a private check diagnose developmental conditions?

A general check can identify concerns, but conditions such as autism or speech and language disorders are assessed by specialist teams, usually after a referral.

Key takeaways

The NHS offers free health reviews, screening and vaccinations from birth through the early years.
Keep your child's Red Book up to date and bring it to appointments.
The vaccination schedule changed in 2025 and 2026, so check with your GP practice if unsure.
Private checks can add time and convenience but work alongside NHS care.
Seek urgent help for any red-flag symptoms rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you would like a non-urgent appointment to talk through a concern about your child, book a private GP appointment at Ready Health in Standish, Wigan. Please mention your child's age when booking so we can confirm the right clinician.

Baby and Child Health Checks in the UK: NHS Reviews and Private Options