The aim of infant and toddler healthcare service is to promote the health, well-being, and development of young children through regular health check-ups, as well as offer support and education for their families. Emphasis is placed on supporting the family. Children's development is monitored from birth to elementary school age.
Nurses and doctors at health care centres carry out the check-ups for infants and toddlers. The work is carried out according to the guidelines of the Development Center of Icelandic Healthcare and the Directorate of Health.
Home Visits
Infant and toddler healthcare is available to all parents free of charge for legal residents of Iceland. Parents of newborn babies are offered home visits for the first few weeks, after which they attend the clinic with the baby for check-ups. During home visits, the nurse examines the child and assesses their development, weight, and head circumference. Parents receive advice and education about caring of the child and maintaining their own well-being.
When the child is six weeks old, a medical examination is conducted at a healthcare centre, and the first vaccinations is given. The final examination takes place at age four at the healthcare centre, after which the health protection services of elementary school children take over. Routine vaccinations are administered according to the instructions of the Chief Epidemiologist at the Directorate of Health.
To book an appointment, call your registered health center. You can register or change your healthcare center at island.is
Parents are welcome to contact the nurses responsible for infant and toddler care regarding these scheduled examinations.
National Childhood Vaccination.
Further information about general vaccinations of children in Iceland can be found in the booklet Information about Childhood Vaccinations for Parents and Relatives.