What is a child health centre?

Child health centres provide information and support to parents and carers of young children from the time they come home from hospital to when they start school. All Australian states and territories offer free community services that specialise in the health and wellbeing of mothers and their babies.

Health professionals at these centres support families and monitor a child's health and development during the important early years. They help identify any concerns early, offer advice, and refer families to other services if needed. This will help support children's success in life and learning.

These centres have different names depending on where in Australia you live. For example, you might hear them being called:

• early childhood health centres
• community health centres
• community health services
• child and baby health clinics

What health professionals work at child health centres?

Child health centres have a range of healthcare professionals such as:

• child health nurses (nurses with qualifications in child and family health nursing)
• doctors
• midwives
• speech pathologists
• social workers
• psychologists
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander advanced health workers and practitioners

What do child health centres offer?

Child health centres offer information and support on:

• breastfeeding
• sleeping
• immunisation (some centres have an immunisation service; others will explain where to have your child immunised)
• your child's development and learning
• parenting advice
• child safety
• introducing solid foods

You can talk to a child health nurse about your baby, your family and yourself. Let them know if you have any worries or if you're finding it hard to cope. Your child health nurse can help connect you with other services and supports.

Child health centres do health and development checks at different points in a child's life. They also give you information on different parenting topics.

The child health nurse is trained to spot families and children who might need to be sent to another health professional for treatment. They will also support families when there is a health or development problem.

Child and family health services may also provide parenting groups and playgroups.

What are parenting groups?

Parenting groups are meetings where parents and carers can get support and guidance on their children's health. They are usually led by a healthcare professional.

Parenting groups have been shown to help parents and carers feel less anxious, stressed, angry and guilty, while also feeling more confident and satisfied with their partners.

They are a great way to meet other parents so you can learn from and support each other. Many child health centres arrange parenting groups.

What are playgroups?

As your baby gets older you may want to join a playgroup. Playgroups are regular gatherings where your child can build social skills through play.

You can find registered playgroups at Playgroup Australia.

Read more on parenting and playgroups.

When do I go to a child health centre?

You should visit a child health centre soon after your baby is born, ideally within the first 1 to 2 weeks. In most states and territories, your baby will be automatically enrolled with your local child health centre through a notification from the hospital or midwife.

A nurse may visit you at home first, or you can choose to go to the centre yourself or see your regular general practitioner (GP). After that, you'll be offered regular appointments to check your child's health, growth and development and for immunisations.

In some areas, appointments are optional, and you can drop in during opening hours. In others, you may need to book in advance. Check with your local child health centre.

Don't forget to bring your baby's infant health record when you go to a child health centre. Details on how to contact your local child health nurse can be found in this record.

If you have any questions or need support, contact a child health nurse at your local child health centre or your GP for help.

Resources and support

Find out more about child health centres in your state or territory:

• Australian Capital Territory — Child Health Clinics
• New South Wales — Childhood and Family Health Services
• Northern Territory — Community Care Centres
• Queensland — Child Health Centres
• South Australia — Child and Family Health Service Centres
• Victoria — Maternal and Child Health Services
• Western Australia — Child Health Centres

NSW Government has information on joining a parenting group or playgroup.

Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers.

Find out about local support groups through the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Dads can also join specific Dads Groups, which are for local dads to be supported by each other, local councils and child health centres.

Languages other than English

Parent Line offers parenting support for parents and carers from culturally diverse backgrounds. The child health nurse is trained to support families and children, and help when they need a referral.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Baby Coming You Ready is a culturally safe support program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander new parents and parents-to-be.

Perth Children's Hospital provides a range of child health facts specifically for Aboriginal children, young people and families - Keeping our Mob Healthy – Child Health Facts.

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

Rainbow Families organises local family catch ups for LGBTQ+ parented families.