When your appointments take place
We see you for up to seven appointments under the Ministry of Health’s Well Child Tamariki Ora programme. These take place before your baby turns five. Most appointments are in your child’s first year, when our support is most helpful.
Four to six weeks
This is your first appointment, so we’ll spend quite a bit of time getting to know you and your child.
Some topics we cover at this age:
- breast or formula feeding
- how you’re feeling – parenthood can come with a big mix of emotions
Eight to 10 weeks
Some topics we cover at this age:
- sleep (or the lack of it!) – and some guidance on how you can make sleeping safe for little ones
- family violence – this is something we ask everyone. We’re here to help you feel safe at home.
Three to four months
Some topics we cover at this age:
- hearing and vision – we’ll test and have a chat about your child’s hearing and vision, making sure everything’s developing as we’d expect.
- immunisation – we’ll ask you whether you have any questions or concerns and help you make an informed choice.
Five to seven months
Some topics we cover at this age:
- teeth – your child’s first tooth generally starts coming through at around six months old.
- starting solids – children are generally ready to start trying solid foods at around six months old. We can talk about solids, or recommend a follow-up appointment to check in with how you’re both getting on.
Nine to 12 months
Some topics we cover at this age:
- returning to work – we’re here to support you with starting childcare, to managing breastfeeding, attachment and anxiety.
- walking – we’ll have a chat about ways you can keep your baby safe when they’re on the move at home, or out and about.
15-18 months
Some topics we cover at this age:
- behaviour – little people go through a huge amount of emotional, cognitive (how they think and figure things out) and social growth during the toddler years. This can result in challenging behaviours like biting, tantrums or running away.
Two to three years
This might be your last visit with your Plunket nurse. Often the B4 School Check is done by a different team within Plunket, or another provider depending on where you are in the country.
Some topics we cover at this age:
- Supporting a healthy lifestyle for your child.
- communication and language – we’ll see how your little one’s language is developing and whether they can understand and follow instructions.
B4 School Check
Much like your first visit, the last Plunket visit is a big one. This is to help make sure your little one is all prepped and ready to start school so it's best to schedule it as soon as they turn four years old.
The B4 School Check involves:
- a vision and hearing check.
- the nurse assessment – like your previous Plunket appointments.
- a questionnaire – this is sent back by the early childhood centre your little one attends.
About your appointments
What can I expect from my appointments?
Appointments up until the B4 School Check are usually around half an hour long, and include:
- checking in with how you’re doing, growth and developmental checks
- finding out if there’s any extra support you’d like from us.
Where will my appointment take place?
Depending on where you live and your child's age, appointments will take place either:
- at your home
- in a Whānau Āwhina Plunket building or mobile clinic
- at a community location like a marae or church
We can also provide a virtual appointment if it suits you better.
How do I book an appointment?
Get in touch with your Whānau Āwhina Plunket nurse or local clinic to book an appointment, or call us free on 0800 184 803. In some locations you may be able to visit a drop-in clinic - no appointment needed. At our drop-in clinics whānau are seen in order of arrival.
For your B4 School Check, the number to call will depend on where you live. Find out more about the B4 School Check.
If you need support between appointments, you can call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922. You can also contact your nurse or local clinic. They may be able to book an extra appointment.
If you don’t hear back, please email us and we will chase things up for you.