Well-baby checks in the UAE: the schedule in your first year
The UAE has a well-organised primary healthcare system for young children, with well-baby checks integrated into the national vaccination programme. Whether you are using a government clinic, a private paediatrician, or a mix of both, understanding the schedule helps you plan ahead and make sure your baby gets what they need when they need it.
The UAE well-baby check schedule
Well-baby checks in the UAE broadly follow the MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) schedule, which aligns vaccination visits with developmental reviews. The key appointments in the first year are:
- Birth (in hospital): full newborn examination including weight, length, head circumference, reflexes, hip check, heart sounds, and red reflex test for the eyes. BCG and first Hepatitis B dose given.
- 6 weeks: weight and growth check, developmental review, feeding assessment, hearing screen if not done at birth, check for jaundice resolution. First MMR precursor vaccine may be advised in some clinical settings.
- 2 months: weight, length, head circumference plotted on WHO growth chart. Vaccinations: Hepatitis B (2nd dose), DTP-IPV-Hib (5-in-1, 1st dose), PCV13 (1st dose), Rotavirus (1st dose).
- 4 months: growth measurements, developmental milestones check. Vaccinations: DTP-IPV-Hib (2nd dose), PCV13 (2nd dose), Rotavirus (2nd and final dose).
- 6 months: growth measurements, introduction of solids discussion, developmental review. Vaccinations: Hepatitis B (3rd and final dose), DTP-IPV-Hib (3rd dose), PCV13 (3rd dose).
- 9 months: growth measurements, developmental milestones (sitting, babbling, social smile, pincer grip emerging), iron status review, nutrition check.
- 12 months: growth measurements, developmental review (standing, first words, pointing), nutrition and weaning progress. Vaccination: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella, 1st dose).
What happens at each visit
Each well-baby check follows a similar structure regardless of where you go:
- Weight, length, and head circumference are measured and plotted on WHO growth charts. Your paediatrician will explain the centile your baby is tracking on and whether it is consistent with previous visits.
- Developmental screening checks that your baby is meeting age-appropriate milestones for movement, communication, social interaction, and vision.
- Feeding review covers breastfeeding, formula intake, and the transition to solids at the 6-month and beyond visits.
- Vaccinations due at that stage are given by a nurse. A brief wait of 15 to 20 minutes is usually recommended after each vaccination to monitor for any immediate reaction.
Government vs private well-baby care
DHA Primary Health Centres (Dubai)
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) runs a network of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the city. These provide well-baby clinics and MOHAP-schedule vaccinations. UAE nationals receive care free of charge. Expatriates can access PHC clinics at subsidised rates; the vaccination component is often provided free of charge to all residents as part of the national immunisation programme. Appointments are made through the DHA app or by phone.
SEHA clinics (Abu Dhabi)
In Abu Dhabi, SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company) runs the government primary healthcare network. Well-baby clinics are available across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and the Western Region. UAE nationals are covered through the Thiqah card. Expats can also use SEHA facilities; vaccination visits are typically free for all residents under the national programme.
Private paediatricians
Most expatriate families in the UAE use a private paediatrician for well-baby checks. Private clinics are widespread across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Coverage under health insurance varies: check whether your policy covers well-baby visits specifically and how many are included per year. Private paediatricians also follow the MOHAP vaccination schedule and can administer the same vaccines, though the vaccines may come at a private cost if not covered by insurance.
Health records in the UAE
There is no single standardised child health record book (like the UK's red book) used across the whole UAE. In Abu Dhabi, SEHA issues a child health passport that tracks growth, developmental milestones, and vaccinations. In Dubai, DHA PHCs maintain digital records; private clinics typically use their own systems. Providers like Aster, NMC, and Mediclinic maintain electronic patient records accessible through their respective apps. It is worth keeping a personal record of your baby's vaccinations and growth measurements in case you switch providers or travel.
What your paediatrician will screen for
Beyond the routine measurements, paediatricians watch for specific concerns at each age:
- At birth: jaundice (a common and usually harmless condition in newborns, but worth monitoring), hip dysplasia (clicking or unstable hips), hearing, and the red reflex (a basic eye screen done with an ophthalmoscope)
- 6 weeks onwards: fontanelle size and tension (the soft spot on top of the head), heart murmurs, and signs of colic or reflux
- 4 to 6 months: head shape (flat head or positional plagiocephaly is common and usually resolves with tummy time)
- 9 to 12 months: iron levels (anaemia is not uncommon in babies transitioning to solids), walking development, and language milestones
Frequently asked questions
How often does my baby need to see a doctor in the UAE?
Seven times in the first year under the standard schedule: at birth, 6 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Additional visits may be recommended if your paediatrician has any concerns about growth or development.
Are well-baby checks free in the UAE?
UAE nationals can access well-baby checks free of charge through SEHA (Abu Dhabi) and DHA PHCs (Dubai). Expatriates can use government PHC clinics at low cost; vaccinations are typically provided free to all residents as part of the national immunisation programme. Private paediatrician visits are covered by many health insurance plans.
Does my baby's health insurance cover well-baby visits?
Many comprehensive plans cover well-baby check-ups as preventive care. The basic DHA Essential Benefits Plan may limit the number of covered visits. Check your policy or call your insurer before booking a private paediatrician to confirm what is included.
What vaccinations will my baby get in the first year in the UAE?
BCG and Hepatitis B at birth; then at 2, 4, and 6 months: Hepatitis B (completing the series), DTP-IPV-Hib (5-in-1), PCV13, and Rotavirus (completing at 4 months). At 12 months: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). Your paediatrician follows the current MOHAP schedule.
What is the MOHAP vaccination schedule?
The MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) schedule is the official UAE national immunisation timetable for all children. It is broadly aligned with WHO recommendations and is provided free at government PHC clinics across the UAE. The current schedule is published on the MOHAP website.
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