12-month check-up

The 12-month check-up is a comprehensive developmental assessment at the first birthday: growth, motor skills, speech, vision and hearing. It is often accompanied by PSO vaccinations. Free in Poland.

What to expect

A comprehensive check-up including a blood test. It is worth allowing extra time for this visit. The doctor will review the entire first year of development.

What the doctor checks

• Motor skills — Whether the child stands independently, takes first steps, or is already walking.
• Speech — The child should say 1–3 meaningful words (mummy, daddy, give).
• Blood test — Checking haemoglobin level — important for detecting iron deficiency anaemia.
• Vision — Assessment of eye alignment — to rule out strabismus.
• Teeth — Assessment of the number and condition of teeth — by 12 months there should be at least 2–4 teeth.

What to ask your doctor

• Is the pace of learning to walk normal?
• How can we support speech development?
• What should we do if the blood test result is below normal?
• How should we care for baby teeth?
• When should we stop using a bottle?

Frequently asked questions