Infant Checkups, Vaccinations, and the Child Allowance

When your child is born, various systems and notices become available as your child grows, such as infant checkups, vaccinations, and the Child Allowance.

For many procedures, your local municipality is the point of contact. If you move, check what procedures are needed with your new local government.

Infant checkups

Infant checkups check your child's height and weight, development, nutrition, dental condition, and similar things, and you can also consult about childrearing.

The timing and location of checkups differ by local government.

If you do not receive a notice, do not know how to make a reservation, or cannot attend on the scheduled date, check with your municipality's maternal and child health / childrearing counter.

Vaccinations

Some of your child's regular vaccinations can be received at public expense.

Each vaccine has an eligible age and a standard vaccination schedule.

Check the vaccinations your child has received so far using the Maternal and Child Health Handbook and similar records.

If your child has received vaccinations overseas, it is a good idea to show the records to a medical institution or your local government and consult with them.

When you move

A pre-examination questionnaire or similar document issued by your local government may not be usable as-is after you move.

When you move into a new municipality, check about your child's vaccinations and checkups.

Child Allowance

The Child Allowance is a system that supports households raising children.

As of August 2026, it covers children up to high-school age, regardless of household income. There is an additional amount for a third or later child.

An application is required when a child is born or when you move in.

If your baby has just been born, in principle, apply within 15 days from the day after the birth.

If your application is late

With the Child Allowance, if your application is late, there may be months for which you cannot receive it.

If your circumstances change — such as a birth, moving in, or changing from being a public servant to a company employee — check as early as possible.

Foreign national households

Foreign national households are also eligible if they are raising a child in Japan and meet the conditions of the system.

If your child lives overseas, the conditions differ from the usual case.

If you are unsure

Bring your Maternal and Child Health Handbook and any documents sent by your local government, and consult the childrearing counter at your municipality.

What you can check next

• When your baby is born
• Maternal and Child Health Handbook, Pregnancy Checkups, and Childbirth Costs
• Nursery schools, Certified Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care, and kindergartens
• When you are having a hard time raising your child

Main places to check

• Children and Families Agency
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Your municipality
• Medical institutions