What is a child health consultation done with?

The clinician asks about feeding, sleep, behaviour, bowel habits, medicines, immunisations and concerns at home or school. They may measure height, weight and head circumference, then review movement, speech, learning and social development in an age-appropriate way. The examination can include the heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, eyes, mouth and joints.

An otoscope is a lighted instrument used to look into the ear canal and at the eardrum. Depending on the child’s symptoms, the clinician may also check hearing, vision, breathing, hydration or temperature. The child’s comfort and ability to cooperate affect how the examination is carried out.

Bring the child’s immunisation record, medicine details and any reports from school or another clinician. Note when symptoms started, what changes them and whether eating, drinking, sleep or activity has changed. Bring a familiar toy for younger children and tell the clinician about family concerns, even if the child appears well during the appointment.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, a seizure, unusual unresponsiveness, severe dehydration or a rapidly worsening allergic reaction. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent fever in a young infant, worsening ear pain, repeated vomiting, poor drinking or a child who is much less active than usual.

Is my child’s growth and development progressing as expected? Which vaccinations or screening checks are due? What signs should I watch for at home, and when should we return?