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Healthcare for your baby

Routine health checks for babies and children

Routine checks with a child health nurse or GP help monitor your baby’s growth, development, stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.

What does your GP do for your baby

A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who is trained to deal with all types of health issues. Your baby will have regular check-ups with a GP.

What does a child health nurse do?

A child health nurse supports you once you are home from hospital with a newborn baby. Learn more about their role and how they can help you.

Child health centres

Your local child health centre offers health checks, immunisations and parenting advice. Find out more about how they can support you and your baby.

What to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers do?

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers provide culturally safe and appropriate care during and after pregnancy.

Making the most of your pharmacist during pregnancy and parenthood

Pharmacists are professionals who offer a wide range of free health advice. Learn how pharmacists can help you during pregnancy and parenthood.

What do paediatricians do?

Paediatricians diagnose, treat and provide care for babies, kids and teenagers; including illnesses and physical, mental and behavioural development.

Infant health record

Your baby's infant health record is a book that notes details of their health, growth and development. Bring it to all your baby's appointments.

Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

Vaccinations and immunisation protect babies and children. Read more on why and when to vaccinate your child, and about side effects and costs.

Dental care for babies and children

Learn about tooth development in babies and children, brushing teeth, flossing, tooth decay, other dental problems and when to see a dentist.

Adding your new baby to Medicare

It’s important to add your newborn baby to your Medicare card so they can start to receive free or low cost healthcare and hospital services.

Medicare and other benefits

Medicare provides all Australians (and some overseas visitors) access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost.

Pregnancy and newborn care on a visa in Australia

Pregnancy and newborn care are available in Australia on a visa. There may be extra costs if you're not covered by Medicare or private health insuranc...

Helping kids with medical procedures and hospital stays

Many children are worried by doctors, operations and hospital visits. Learn how to help your child cope with medical procedures and comfort them.

Making a healthcare complaint

A healthcare complaint is a complaint you make when you have a bad experience in the health system. Find out how to make a healthcare complaint here.

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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