8mth check - what does it constitute and is it ok if it is missed?

[mimismummy]

I ask because I have had a phone call from HV today cancelling dd's check next week (when she will be 11mths old btw)and they are not sure when it will now be done. I am moving to other side of the country soon and know that with the change in GP's etc, it may be a few months before I have contact with new HV so dd may miss out on her check completely. What does the check involve? I really have no worries or concerns about dd so am not too concerned about this, but is there anything she or I may miss out on that will be important?

[TattooedGrrrl]

if it's a developmental check, it's not vital. you'll know yourself if she's not hit any milestones- you can look them up if you're unsure, then speak to a HV if you're worried.

DS1 didn't have a 6mth one- i rang to cancel it because he was already sitting up straight and crawling, and eating like a horse.

[Lionstar]

Don't even get them here (north hants). DD has not been seen by HCP since 6 weeks and is now 16.5 months. Did take her to be weighed a few times but HVs not at all interested unless asked a specific question.

[Seona1973]

we dont get an 8 month (or a 2 year) check here any more either. DS hasnt been seen since his 6 week check and is now 21 months old

[LackaDAISYcal]

They don't do it until 12 months here, and Dd didn't get hers until 13 months. they didn't check anything that you can't get checked out normally in clinic, so you can always get her looked at there, or by the GP if you feel the need. There should be a checklist in her red book, so as tattooedgrrrl says you can see yourself if she isn't hitting her milestones. Has she been called for her boosters and MMR. I think those are more important than the check itself.

The only thing she will be missing out on is her bookstart pack, unless you have had that already.

[PuppyMonkey]

Never had one!

Had a 2min chat with the HV at 12 months though. (Notts/Derbyshire)

[Alfies1mum]

we had his 8 month check last week and it simply involved weight, height, head circumference and then a chat about movement, feeding and sleeping etc. I thought it was nice to have, and to see that he's developing ok, but wouldn't have worried if it didn't go ahead.

[mimismummy]

That's fine then, won't bother about it as I know she is fine. I would have liked a bookstart bag though!!!I haven't had the call up about MMR yet but we won't be here when she's due it so will have to chase it up when we move.

[lizziemun]

You can bookstart bit from the library just take your red book.

[Dottoressa]

I didn't bother with the checks with either of my DCs. If there'd been anything amiss, my Mum would have spotted it even if I hadn't!!

I wouldn't worry about the Bookstart bag, either. We ended up giving the books away as we already had them (presumably charity shops are over-run with surplus copies of these things!!) Chances are, you'll automatically do all the reading/talking/colouring things anyway...