Having recently moved to Spain, I was a bit apprehensive about the public healthcare system, especially with my baby reaching the age for a health check-up. Last week, I finally took my little one to our local health center (Centro de Salud) for their first official pediatric check-up, and the experience was much smoother and more thorough than I had anticipated. I decided to write down the process to serve as a reference for other parents in the same boat.
How to Book a Pediatric Check-up?
You first need to register your baby for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria). Once that’s done, the health center will automatically assign a pediatrician and a nurse to your baby. Booking a check-up is very simple. You can do it in person at the front desk, by phone, or online through your autonomous community’s health app—some parents also find helpful information in posts about topics like child’s rehabilitation. I used Madrid’s “Cita Sanitaria” app, where you just select “Cita con Pediatría” to see available time slots. It’s very convenient. Check-ups are often scheduled together with vaccinations, so you can get two things done in one visit, which is very efficient.
What Does the Check-up Involve?
Once at the health center, you check in at the front desk and then wait outside the pediatrician’s office until your name is called. The whole process with the pediatrician was very relaxed. The doctor interacted playfully with my baby while conducting the examination. The routine procedures include:
- Growth and Development Assessment: They measure height, weight, and head circumference. The doctor records these in your baby’s health booklet and plots them on a growth chart to show you if your baby’s development is within the normal range. I found this part to be excellent and very visual.
- Physical Examination: A head-to-toe check, including listening to the heart and lungs, examining the ears, eyes, and mouth, and feeling the abdomen. The doctor also checks the baby’s skin and moves their limbs to assess joint and muscle development.
- Nervous System and Reflexes: Depending on the baby’s age, the doctor uses small toys or sounds to test their ability to track objects with their eyes, follow sounds, and check for primitive reflexes. For example, they’ll see if the baby grasps objects or has a startle response to sudden noises.
- Communication and Q&A: This was my favorite part. The doctor proactively asked many questions about feeding, sleep, bowel movements, and daily care, such as, “Is your baby sleeping through the night yet?” and “How are they doing with solid foods?” You can also bring up any questions you’ve accumulated, and the doctor will answer them patiently.
After the check-up, if it’s time for vaccinations, the doctor will write a prescription, and a nurse will administer the shots. The entire process is well-organized with a clear division of tasks.
Check-up Focus by Age
Spain has a standardized pediatric check-up schedule, with different focuses for various age groups. Based on my baby’s health booklet and what the doctor told me, I’ve put together a simple table for your reference.
| Age | Key Check-up Items |
|---|
| Birth to 1 Month | Jaundice, hearing screening, feeding status, primitive reflexes |
| 2-4 Months | Growth curve, head shape, visual and auditory tracking, start of vaccinations |
| 6-9 Months | Introduction of solid foods, teething, gross motor skill development |
| 12-18 Months | Standing and walking, language emergence, fine motor skills |
| 2-4 Years | Language skills, social behavior, preliminary vision screening, dietary habits |
My first experience with a pediatric check-up in Spain was quite positive. The pediatricians in the public system are professional and friendly, and the process is very clear. I recommend jotting down any questions you have in your phone’s notes app before you go, so you don’t forget them when you’re with the doctor. I hope this post helps other new parents on the forum. Feel free to discuss any questions you have in the comments below!
