Children’s Health GP Services
If you have concerns about the health of your child, General Practitioners are always happy to review them and provide advice. This is especially important when parental concern arises, as we can help parents make informed decisions about seeking specialist care for their children.
For babies, regular appointments are recommended during the first twelve months of life, with the first appointment usually taking place at the 6-week check. This appointment allows for a thorough examination of the baby and provides parents with the opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions they may have. GPs recommend a 30-minute appointment for this check-up to allow for adequate time to address any issues.
Common concerns for parents of young babies include feeding, sleeping, reflux, teething, growth, and development.
GPs can also provide advice on breastfeeding and formula feeding. Common medical conditions seen in babies include febrile illnesses, eczema, reflux, rashes, ear infections, conjunctivitis, bronchiolitis, cough, nappy rash, diarrhoea, and gastroenteritis. Immunisation is also important during this period, with vaccinations given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age.
As infants start to move and communicate, their medical needs may change. Parents of infants or toddlers may have concerns about hearing and speech development, movement and motor development, behavioural issues, sleep, and diet. Common medical conditions seen in infants include rashes, croup, asthma, ear infections, constipation, bacterial skin infections, eczema, tonsillitis, and viral respiratory tract infections. Immunisations are given at 18 months and at 4 years of age, with the 4-year vaccination appointment providing an opportunity to discuss the child’s overall health before starting school.
As children progress through school, new issues or concerns may arise, such as learning difficulties, social difficulties, anxiety, behavioural problems, difficulty controlling weight, vision and eye health, allergies, bed-wetting, and development. GPs work alongside parents and teachers to manage the health issues of school-aged children. Common medical conditions seen in school children include anxiety, asthma, obesity, allergies, infections, musculoskeletal conditions, abdominal pain, and constipation. Immunisations are given at Year 7.
Adolescence is a special but sometimes turbulent time in a person’s development, and many new themes and issues need to be addressed. Our GPs can help with concerns around anxiety, stress, mental health issues, identity, independence, social skills and friendships, education about drugs and alcohol, personal safety, behavioural problems and risk-taking, puberty and physical development, learning difficulties, obesity, body image issues, diet, exercise, sleep, and interest in relationships and dating. Common medical conditions seen in adolescents include anxiety, stress, depression, asthma, musculoskeletal problems, acne, menstrual problems, obesity, anorexia, headache, gastrointestinal problems, and infections. Immunisations are given at Year 10.
We recommend making a 30-minute appointment if complex or sensitive issues are being addressed during consultations with adolescent patients. Each doctor can assist with managing your child’s health, so please call us on (03) 9650 4284 to make an appointment or book here.
