Child & Adolescents

Child & Adolescent Health Centre

Baby / Early Childhood Nurse

We are now offering baby nurse appointments everyday.

Here to support you, and your loved ones.

This is a nurse appointment, designed for any parents (or carers) that want to come in for a baby or early childhood assessment. You can have a check in and a review for your child, to weigh and measure them and be offered advice as per our nurses training. If the nurses are concerned they can then grab a doctor, book the child in for a GP appointment, or book the child for a newborn appointment /breastfeeding appointment with Dr. Mel.

All of our nurses are completing the “possums” education, Possums Education ™ - Official Site (possumsonline.com), updating their training and knowledge in the “evidence based care of mothers and babies”.

Vaccinations

We provide vaccinations through a doctor and nurse team making the process quick and professional. Babies / toddlers are weighed and age-appropriate health checks are done. As a Quality Accredited Practice, we have a temperature controlled fridge to ensure our vaccinations meet the manufacturer’s guidelines for cold storage.

Introducing Solids: Early Allergen Introduction Appointments

Why Introduce Solids Early?

Traditionally, parents have been advised to delay introducing certain solid foods, particularly allergenic ones, to their babies. However, recent research suggests that early introduction of allergenic foods, between 4 to 6 months of age, can actually help prevent food allergies.

Reduced Risk of Allergies:

Early introduction exposes babies to a variety of foods during a critical window of immune system development, potentially reducing the risk of developing food allergies later in life.

Nutritional Benefits:

Introducing solids provides essential nutrients that breast milk or formula alone may not fully supply, aiding in the growth and development of your baby.

Developmental Milestone:

Learning to eat solids is an important developmental milestone for infants, helping them develop oral motor skills and encouraging healthy eating habits later in life.

The Role of High-Risk Allergens:

While some parents may be hesitant to introduce high-risk allergens like nuts and eggs, research indicates that early introduction can actually lower the risk of allergy development. Here's why:

Desensitisation:

Introducing allergenic foods early and regularly can help the immune system become tolerant to these foods, reducing the likelihood of developing allergies.

Guidance from Medical Professionals:

At KFMP & WFMP, we understand the concerns parents may have when introducing allergenic foods to their babies. That's why we offer specialized appointments with our experienced general practitioners and nursing staff to guide you through the process safely.

What to Expect at Your Appointment:

During your first appointment, our GPs will:

1. Assess Your Child's Readiness:

We'll evaluate your baby's developmental readiness for solids and discuss any concerns you may have.

2. Provide Information and Guidance:

Our team will offer personalized advice on introducing solids and high-risk allergens based on your child's health history and individual needs.

3. Demonstrate Safe Feeding Practices:

We'll discuss feeding techniques and offer tips for introducing allergenic foods in a way that minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. In this appointment we will also give a high allergen food (supplied by you, either nuts or eggs)

4. Monitor for Any Adverse Reactions:

We'll monitor together and then educate you on the signs of an allergic reaction and provide guidance on what to do if one occurs.

Optional appointment 2 and 3

In the second and third appointment, you will book with the nurse and together feed your child a high risk allergen food and monitor for any signs of allergens.

Introducing solids, including high-risk allergens, early in your baby's diet can have numerous benefits for their health and development. Our clinic is here to support you every step of the way, providing expert guidance and personalized care to ensure a smooth and safe introduction to solid foods. Schedule an appointment with us today to give your baby the best start possible.

How to book:

Please book a standard consultation with your GP, and then phone the surgery, to let them know it is for a food allergy appointment. You will then be scheduled with the nurse and the doctor, the following two appointments will be made during your first visit.