Checkup timing at a glance
There are 8 general checkups and 3 dental checkups. Each round can only be done within its window; once the window passes, that round is skipped.
- General checkup 1: 14–35 days after birth
- General checkup 2: 4–6 months
- General checkup 3: 9–12 months
- General checkup 4: 18–24 months / Dental checkup 1: 18–29 months
- General checkup 5: 30–36 months
- General checkup 6: 42–48 months / Dental checkup 2: 42–53 months
- General checkup 7: 54–60 months / Dental checkup 3: 54–65 months
- General checkup 8: 66–71 months
What is checked
- Measurements: height, weight and head circumference, plotted on growth charts.
- History and exam: feeding, sleep, bowel habits, and a full exam including eyes, ears, heart and hips.
- Developmental screening: from round 2, a questionnaire (the Korean Developmental Screening Test, K-DST) covers gross and fine motor, cognition, language, social and self-care skills.
- Health education: age-appropriate guidance on injury prevention, nutrition, sleep, oral care and screen exposure.
- Vision and hearing: questions or simple tests suited to age to spot warning signs.
Dental checkups
Dental checkups are done at a dental clinic. The dentist looks for cavities, tooth development and gum health, and advises on brushing, fluoride and eating habits. They often need a separate booking from the general checkup.
Oral care starts with the first tooth. You can see a pediatric or general dentist before dental checkup 1 if anything worries you. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and others recommend a first dental visit around the first birthday.
Preparing and on the day
- Find a clinic by searching for infant checkup providers on the NHIS website or app.
- Completing the questionnaire and developmental screening form in advance saves time. Describe what your child usually does rather than testing new skills on the spot.
- Bring your child's health handbook (or vaccine record) and health insurance details.
- If a vaccine is due around the same time, you can discuss both on the same visit.
- Dress your child in clothes that come off easily for accurate weighing.
- For babies born early, the checkup window follows the actual birth date, but developmental screening may consider corrected age. Write the gestational age at birth on the form.
Reading the results
Results come as ratings such as good, caution, or further evaluation needed. A developmental result like 'follow-up needed' or 'in-depth evaluation recommended' does not mean something is definitely wrong. It is a signal to watch until the next checkup or to get a specialist assessment.
If an in-depth evaluation is recommended, don't put it off; see a pediatrician or a developmental clinic. The earlier you check, the more ways there are to help.
Checkup schedule
| Checkup | When |
|---|---|
| General checkup 1 | 14–35 days after birth |
| General checkup 2 | Age 4–6 months |
| General checkup 3 | Age 9–12 months |
| General checkup 4 | Age 18–24 months |
| General checkup 5 | Age 30–36 months |
| General checkup 6 | Age 42–48 months |
| General checkup 7 | Age 54–60 months |
| General checkup 8 | Age 66–71 months |
| Dental checkup 1 | Age 18–29 months |
| Dental checkup 2 | Age 42–53 months |
| Dental checkup 3 | Age 54–65 months |
FAQ
Do infant checkups cost anything?
In Korea they are national screenings paid for by the NHIS. Done within the window at a designated clinic, there is no out-of-pocket cost. Medical aid recipients are also covered.
What happens if we miss a checkup window?
That round is treated as passed, and you can take the next one. Any concerns from the missed round can be raised at a regular doctor's visit.
Our daycare asks for checkup results.
Daycares in Korea often ask for results at enrollment. You can reprint the result notice from the NHIS website.
The developmental screening said 'follow-up needed'.
It is not a diagnosis; it means watching and checking again. Ask the doctor what to observe, and if you are worried, see a pediatrician sooner.
Sources
- NHIS Infant and Child Health Screening guide
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (Korea) infant health screening program
- Korean Pediatric Society
Medical information is for reference only. This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your child's doctor. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.
Related
In Korea, national vaccines are free at public health centers and designated clinics. Plan ahead using the standard schedule, and check exact dates and your child's record on the KDCA Immunization Helper.
Developmental checks and delaysEvery child develops at their own pace, but when you are worried about a delay, checking is better than waiting. Finding out early and helping early does the most for your child.
Teeth and Oral CareBrushing starts the day the first tooth appears. A rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste, no bottle in bed, and a first dental visit around the first birthday are the basics of cavity prevention.
4–6 mo4–6 monthsBabies roll, reach and grab, and laugh out loud. Get ready to start solids around 6 months, and check safety again as they move more.
Age 2–3Ages 2–3Children begin speaking in sentences and playing pretend. They leave diapers behind, learn to get along with peers, and ask 'Why?' constantly.