U5 Examination

What is the U5?

The U5 examination is one of the early detection examinations in childhood and adolescence. It is performed between the sixth and seventh month of life. During this period, the interaction between parents and child increases steadily.

The doctor checks the physical and mental development and dexterity of the child and makes an assessment of the child’s sight and hearing. In addition, U5 is the second part of the recommended multiple vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae, hepatitis B and pneumococcus. In the U5, the child’s developmental status is to be assessed and compared with that of children of the same age in order to detect any residues early and to counteract them as quickly as possible.

When will the U5 be performed?

As part of the recommended preventive medical checkups, the U5 is performed by the treating pediatrician after the first 4 preventive medical checkups, on average at the age of six to seven months.

Which examinations are carried out?

During the U5, as with the other preventive examinations in childhood, special attention is paid to the physical examination: In order to be able to assess the visual and hearing ability, various objects are used:

  • After measuring height, weight and head circumference, the physician can judge in summary of the findings whether the physical development is age-appropriate.
  • In order to assess motor skills, coordination and attention, the doctor tries to perform gymnastic exercises with the child in a playful way and test the reflexes. With the U5, the children can usually turn on their stomach and roll forward on their own to reach their desired toy.
  • Mouth-hand coordination is checked by holding a toy in front of the child. At this age, the child should grab it attentively and put the toy in his mouth.
  • The foot grasping reflex is still present.

    The support reaction is also checked. The baby takes his head with him when his arms are pulled upwards so that he can support the fall laterally with his arms when he falls from the previously unstable sitting position.

  • Also, different positional reactions of the child are checked.
  • By switching a lamp on and off, it can be assessed whether the child can already fix things and follow them. The eyes should move in parallel.
  • Hearing is tested with the help of a bell. If the child turns towards the source of the noise, it has already passed the test. If this reaction does not occur, a more comprehensive hearing test should be carried out.