Children's health: what to watch for and when to see a GP
When your child is unwell, it's hard not to worry. The reassuring news is that most childhood illnesses are common and settle well. Here's a calm guide to what's usual at different ages, the signs that need urgent care, and when a GP visit is the right next step.
What are the common health concerns in young children?
Most of what brings children to the GP is common and settles well. Fevers, coughs and colds, tummy upsets, rashes, and questions about feeding, sleep and development are all everyday parts of childhood. Young children can catch many minor infections in a year as their immune system learns, and most pass without trouble. Trust your instincts: if something doesn't seem right, it's always fine to have your child checked.
Concerns often shift with age. In babies it's frequently feeding, sleep and settling; in toddlers, coughs, colds, rashes and the tumbles of learning to move; and as children grow, sleep, behaviour and reaching developmental milestones come up more often. A fever is the body doing its job, and how your child seems in themselves matters more than the number on the thermometer. For comfort and any medicine, your pharmacist or GP can advise on suitable options for your child's age.
When should I take my child to the emergency department?
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if your child is having trouble breathing, is unusually drowsy or hard to wake, has a stiff neck or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed, is showing signs of dehydration such as very few wet nappies, or has a fit or seizure. These are the signs that need help straight away, and it's always better to be checked than to wait and worry.
- Call 000 or go to ED now: trouble breathing, unresponsive or very hard to wake, a stiff neck with a rash that doesn't fade under pressure, a seizure, or signs of serious dehydration.
- See a GP soon: a fever lasting more than a couple of days, an ear or throat that's bothering them, a rash you're unsure about, or a cough that's hanging on.
- Trust your gut: if your child seems very unwell to you, or is getting worse rather than better, seek help. You know your child best.
What routine health checks do children need?
Children have regular checks in the early years that follow their growth, development and hearing and vision, alongside their scheduled immunisations. These visits are a chance to track how your child is tracking, raise anything on your mind, and keep vaccinations up to date. Your GP and child health nurse both play a part, and your GP is a good first port of call for any concern in between.
Immunisation is a big part of keeping children well, and it's easy to check what's due. Our guide to immunisation explains how the schedule works across life, including catch-ups if any have been missed.
You never need a serious reason to bring your child in. A quick check for peace of mind is always a good enough reason.
When should I just see the GP rather than wait?
See your GP if your child has a fever that lasts more than a couple of days, isn't feeding or drinking as usual, has an ongoing cough or an ache that isn't settling, or if you're simply worried and want reassurance. You never need a dramatic reason to book. Getting a child checked early is sensible, and a GP visit often saves a longer, more anxious wait.
Worried about your child?
Book a GP visit and take the time you need, seven days a week. Same-day appointments are often available.
How Sirius Health can help
Our Chatswood GPs care for children of all ages, from newborn checks and immunisations to the everyday coughs, fevers and worries of family life. Start with a general practice appointment, and keep your child's immunisations up to date along the way. We consult in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and you're welcome to bring the whole family.
Sources: healthdirect, Children's health; The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Kids Health Information; Australian Government Department of Health.