Child Health appointments

Child health nurses are specially trained in child and family health. They offer free, health and development checks at key stages of your child’s life.

At a Child Health appointment, your nurse will check your child’s health and development  in your home, at a child health centre or at other community venues.

At these appointments you can also get:

  • support for you and your family about parenting, healthy lifestyles and general health
  • immunisation information including where and when to get your child’s free immunisations
  • a link to other health services in hospital and in the community.

Your child health nurse appointments are a great opportunity to discuss how your child is progressing with their health and development. You can also ask any questions and talk about concerns you may have.

All services are free, and you can ask for a free telephone interpreter if you need one.

Recommended appointments

We recommend you visit the child health nurse when your child is:

  • 0 to 14 days
  • 8 weeks old
  • 4 months old
  • 12 months old (until 18 months)
  • 2 years old (until they turn 3).
  • You will also be offered a School Entry Health Assessment when your child starts school.

Read about what happens at each of these recommended appointments with a child health nurse.

You can also visit or contact your child health nurse at any other time if you are worried or have any questions.

The nurse will also let you know about parenting groups in your area.

If you think your baby is sick, please see your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Book an appointment

If you’ve just had your baby, a child health nurse will contact you about your first appointment, usually before your baby is 14 days old.

Register for your child’s next Child Health appointment here.

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in sessions at Child Health Centres are for parents with children aged 4 years or younger who want to see the nurse to ask a simple question or get parenting information and support.

If you need more detailed parenting support or have a growth or development concern, we recommend you book an appointment with us so that you can have our focused time and support.

Call your local Child Health Centre or speak to your child health nurse about local drop-in sessions.

The Purple Book

Your child’s health recordcover of the Purple Book

Soon after your baby is born, you will be given a Purple Book, which is your child’s personal health record. 

Use it to record your child’s weight and height, immunisations and information about your child health nurse appointments.

You can also add information to the Purple Book yourself, like family history, illnesses and injuries, and emergency contacts.

Need a new book?

If you need a new Purple Book, please call your Child Health Centre.

Last Updated: 31/07/2023