Books for toddlers at 12-month checks

Late last year, the Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) started providing 12-month health and development checks for all children from birth to five years of age, living in South Australia.

The 12-month checks involve weighing and measuring the child, a complete physical check and a development assessment that looks at their milestones. It focuses on eating and drinking, sleep and settling support, child safety, immunisations and the whole family’s wellbeing. Families also learn about parenting and community supports, playgroups, the importance of play and development, learning to talk, healthy teeth, toddler behaviour and toilet training.

Annie Lawless, Acting Co-Director, CaFHS, says, “A child turning 12 months old is an important milestone for every parent, and it’s important to check that your child is growing and developing as they should.”

“We know that our free health and development checks can help put parents’ minds at ease, especially as they start crawling, walking and talking.”

L: Mum, Chelsea with daughter, Daisy at her 12-month health and development check and R: Olive at her 12-month health and development check.

To celebrate the introduction of the 12-month health and development checks, the first 5,000 children to undergo this check will receive a book to take home!

‘The Hip Hop Barn’ is an engaging book about what animals get up to at night when the farmers are asleep. It helps children learn about rhyme and rhythm, while also encouraging movement with dancing.

In partnership with Raising Literacy Australia, we also funded the creation of a booklet containing tips for parents and caregivers, an activity sheet and a bookmark.

Mum, Beck, with daughter, Cali at her 12-month health and development check.

It is hoped that this incentive encourages language development and improves parent efficacy in reading with their baby, as well as increase the rate of attendance for these new checks.

Lynne Kurtzer, Co-Director, CaFHS, says, “We’re excited to give every child who attends a 12-month health and development check their own take-home copy of ‘The Hip Hop Barn’ book.”

“Thanks to the incredible support of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, we are helping a child to find their love of reading and encouraging parents to connect with their children through books. It’s very special to see.”