What does a child health nurse do?
8-minute read
Key facts
- A child health nurse will regularly check your baby’s growth and development.
- Your child health nurse can support you by answering questions and offering advice about caring for your baby.
- Each Australian state and territory has its own guidelines for how often babies and children should have a health check.
- Most children and babies have at least 5 child health visits from birth until school age.
- Child health nurse services are usually free for children until they start school.
What is a child health nurse?
A child and family health nurse is a registered nurse with extra qualifications in child and family health nursing. Most are also registered midwives. In Victoria, all child health nurses are midwives.
Child and family health nurses may also be known as maternal and child health nurses.
When will I meet my child health nurse?
Usually, your maternity hospital or midwife will tell your local child health clinic about your new baby. One of the nurses will probably contact you to make an appointment for your first visit. This is usually 1 to 4 weeks after your baby is born. Often, this first visit is at your home.
You can also get in touch with the service yourself. You may need to do this in some states and territories, or if you move to a new area.
If you aren’t sure, ask your hospital midwife or doctor before you return home with your new baby. You can also:
- contact your local council or health service
- follow the links below to find a local service
What does a child health nurse do?
Your child and family health nurse can:
- offer regular health check-ups for your baby to check their growth and development
- support you if you feel stressed, overwhelmed or exhausted
- provide support or referral for postnatal anxiety or postnatal depression
- invite you to a parents' group, so you can connect and share experiences with other parents in your area
- refer you to other allied health services if you and your baby need it
They can give you advice and support to help you care for your baby when it comes to:
Every newborn receives an Infant Health Record from the hospital or birth centre when they are born. This book is often referred to by a colour, such as the 'blue book' or ‘purple book’. Its colour will depend on the state in which you live.
Your child's health and development information is recorded in this book. Bring your child's Infant Health Record to appointments. This includes appointments with:
- your child health nurse
- your doctor
- other health professionals
What happens at a child health nurse visit?
Your child health nurse will weigh and measure your child. They will also check that your child is reaching their major developmental milestones.
As your child grows, you might discuss things such as:
If your baby's development seems delayed, your nurse may suggest a visit to your doctor or other health professional. For example, they may suggest that your child see a speech pathologist if they have delays in their speech development.
You can also visit the nurse at other times. This may be if you have any concerns or want to check your baby’s weight.
If your baby is sick, it’s best to see your doctor.
What questions should I ask my child health nurse?
You can ask your child health nurse for advice on how to best care for your child.
You may want to speak to your nurse if you have any concerns, such as if you are worried:
- about your child’s vision or hearing
- about your child’s dental health
- your child may be exposed to cigarettes or vaping
It’s important to ask questions, especially if you don’t understand what your child health nurse is saying or if you need more information.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How often will I see my child health nurse?
Your child and family health nurse can schedule health check visits until your child reaches school age.
Most babies and children will see their child health nurse 5 to 10 times from birth until school age. Each Australian state and territory has its own guidelines for how often they should have a health check.
Do I have to pay to see a child health nurse?
Child health nurse services are free, usually until your child starts school. This may be slightly different in different states and territories.
Resources and support
To find your local child health service, go to:
- Australian Capital Territory — Maternal child and family health
- New South Wales — Child and family health services
- Queensland — Child and baby health clinics
- South Australia — Child and family health service
- Tasmania — Child health and parenting service
- Northern Territory — Child health services
- Victoria — Maternal and child health service
- Western Australia — Community child health program
You can also access parenting information and support through the:
- Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) — call on 1300 726 306
- Tresillian — call on 1300 272 736
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
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Last reviewed: December 2024
