Child Health and Development Checks

Free health and development checks for children aged 5 months to 5 years.

A child’s early years are a time of incredible growth.

Child health and development checks help monitor development and support children to thrive.

Delivered by registered nurses, these free checks look at your child’s physical health and development, communication, thinking, and behaviour, while also creating space for questions, reassurance, and guidance.

By identifying any concerns early and connecting families with the right support, the checks help lay strong foundations for children’s health, learning and wellbeing as they grow.

Supporting your child’s health, development, and wellbeing

Sonder is proud to partner with the South Australian Government to offer free child health and development checks for families living in the Yorke Peninsula and Gawler / Two Wells regions. 

We are also engaging with Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS), the state’s leading provider of comprehensive child health and development checks and early parenting support from birth to 5 years.

Through Sonder, these checks are delivered by registered nurses with specialist skills and qualifications in child health and development. They provide time, space, and support to understand how your child is growing, celebrate milestones, and identify any needs early, so the right support can be offered when it matters most.

What to expect

Checks typically take around one hour and are free, voluntary and supportive. They’re not a test, and there’s no judgement; it’s just a chance to check in, ask questions, and seek guidance. 

At the check, our nursing team will:

  • Talk with you about your child

    Their health, development and everyday routines.

  • Check key areas of development

    Including growth, feeding, sleep, hearing and vision.

  • Provide developmental screening

    Using age-appropriate tools to support your child’s development.

  • Review immunisations

    Discuss your child's current immunisation status.

  • Guide you on what comes next

    Including what to expect as your child grows.

  • Discuss family wellbeing

    And any support needs, if helpful.

  • Connect you with local services

    If follow-up support is recommended.

Supporting families from all backgrounds

Sonder is committed to delivering care that is inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally safe. 

We welcome and support: 

  • Aboriginal children and families. 
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse families. 
  • Families living in regional and remote areas. 
  • All family structures, including parents, grandparents, and other caregivers. 

Our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and is experienced in working with interpreters and culturally appropriate tools. Our registered nurses also have specialised training in assessing child development for Aboriginal babies and children. We work closely with trusted community partners to ensure care is respectful, accessible, and well-connected. 

Accessing this service

When are checks recommended?

To support families and children in the important early years, child health and development checks are recommended at the following milestone ages: 

  • 6 – 9 months. 
  • 12 months. 
  • 18 – 24 months. 
  • 3 years. 
  • 4 – 5 years. 

Families are welcome to book at any stage for a child from 5 months to 5 years. We will tailor the check for your child’s age. 

Is my child eligible?

Child health and development checks are available for children aged 5 months to 5 years.

There is no cost to participate, and no referral is required. 

How to book a free check

To book a child health and development check, complete the form below. 

You’re also welcome to contact us directly if you’d prefer to speak with someone or have questions before booking. Contact our team on (08) 8209 0700 or email childhealthchecks@sonder.net.au.

Please bring your child’s Blue Book or health records to the appointment. To learn more about the Blue Book, visit Child and Family Health Services.

Request an appointment

Helpful resources

The free Early Years SA app provides families with trusted advice, helpful information, appointment reminders, and interactive growth tracking, helping families to a flying start. Download the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Frequently asked questions

About the Office for Early Childhood Development and Flying Start reforms

The South Australian Government is investing $1.9 billion into improving outcomes in early childhood, supporting every South Australian child to have the best start in life. This is the most significant investment in early childhood in a generation.

For the latest updates on early childhood services, visit the Office for Early Childhood Development website.


This initiative is funded by the Office for Early Childhood Development as part of the Flying Start reforms.