U9 examination: when is that and what can my child expect?

Another year has passed since the U8 . Your little one is now about five years old and almost outgrown toddlerhood. Now the U9 check-up is pending and with it the last preventive check-up before starting school . You should bring some time with you, because your child will be examined again very thoroughly from head to toe. Don’t forget to take the yellow pension booklet with you, in which all the results are entered.

What is examined during the U9 examination?

With the U9, it is all about carrying out all standard examinations again, recording the linguistic, motor and social development steps and examining the sensory organs. In a conversation about school readiness, you can find out about the school entrance examination and possibly catch up on vaccinations .

Don’t worry, the “specifications” about what a child can do at what age are guidelines. It is therefore not a problem if your child does not master all the tasks in an exemplary manner.

First, as always, the U9 is weighed and measured. The organs are palpated and the heart and lungs are listened to. The pediatrician measures blood pressure and examines a urine sample for abnormalities. For example, a high number of germs can indicate a urinary tract infection, which occurs in around three percent of girls and one percent of boys up to the age of ten. The sensory organs are also put to the test again. In a vision and hearing test, the doctor will check whether all senses are functioning properly.

How far is the language development in the U9 examination?

Most children now rarely make mistakes in pronunciation or sentence structure. You can name objects and actions in pictures with confidence and listen intently to a story. The pediatrician will use a standardized test to check the state of language development and also pay attention to language disorders such as stammering or stuttering . If he finds abnormalities in the U9, he can recommend various support measures.

motor skills

Many children can now safely climb up and down stairs without having to take an auxiliary step. Even small objects, such as scissors or pens, should lie securely in your hand and be used. By letting your child do small movement exercises, for example jumping on one leg, the doctor at the U9 can get an idea of ​​the motor skills progress.

The social behavior is checked during the U9 examination

Especially with regard to the imminent start of school, the doctor is also interested in the emotional and social development of your child. Most children of this age have already developed the ability to comfort and help other children. When playing, you can observe the rules of the game and follow them with concentration. With the U9, the doctor is primarily dependent on your observations. How does your child behave in kindergarten? How does it play with other children? If there are any abnormalities, the doctor can certainly support you with advice.

The milk teeth are also examined in detail at the U9. If there are any signs of caries or malpositions, you should definitely make an appointment with the dentist in order to start treatment at an early stage. Your doctor may also remind you to refresh your vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough or to catch up on missing vaccinations before school starts.

The U9 is the last check-up for children that is covered by all statutory health insurance companies. The next health check provided for in the guidelines only takes place between the ages of 12 and 14. However, some health insurance companies also cover the costs for optional interim examinations – U10 and U11 . Simply find out directly from your health insurance company which options are open to you.