Babies, children & families
Children's Health
Caring for children - and reassuring their parents - is one of the joys of family medicine. From newborn checks and immunisations to feeding, development and the common illnesses of childhood, I try to give parents clear guidance and take their concerns seriously.
In brief
- Dr Amanda Henderson provides family GP care for babies and children at GP Maroubra.
- This includes newborn and six-week checks, immunisations, feeding and development, and common childhood illnesses.
- A GP is a good first step for concerns about development, behaviour, or conditions such as ADHD.
- If a child is seriously unwell, call 000.
What I can help with
Babies & feeding
Weight and growth, feeding (breast and bottle), starting solids and introducing allergy foods, sleep and settling - the practical questions of the early months.
Development & checks
Routine developmental checks help pick up anything worth watching early. If you have concerns about your child's milestones, movement, speech or behaviour, we can look into them together.
Immunisations
I provide the routine childhood immunisations on the National Immunisation Program, and can talk through the schedule and any catch-ups.
Common illnesses & concerns
Coughs, fevers, rashes, ears, tummies and childhood eczema - the everyday illnesses of childhood, plus early steps if you have concerns such as ADHD.
When it may help to see a GP
- Your baby is due for a check, weigh or immunisation
- You have questions about feeding, sleep or starting solids
- You're worried about your child's development or behaviour
- Your child is unwell and you'd like them seen
- You'd like to talk through concerns such as ADHD
What a consultation may involve
With children I take my time and follow the parent's lead - you know your child best. We'll talk through what you've noticed, examine your child gently, and make a plan together, whether that's simple reassurance, treatment, a review, or a referral if it's needed.
Care is provided by Dr Amanda Henderson, a family GP (FRACGP) in Maroubra.
Not sure which appointment to book?
Find the right appointment length in a few seconds.
Common questions
When should I take my child to a GP for a fever?
See a GP promptly if your baby is under 3 months old with a fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher), or if your child seems very unwell, is difficult to wake, is breathing quickly, has a rash that doesn't fade when pressed, isn't drinking or having wet nappies, or the fever lasts more than a couple of days. If your child is seriously unwell, call 000.
What does a GP check at a baby's six-week appointment?
The six-week check reviews your baby's growth, feeding, movement and development, includes a gentle physical examination, and is usually when the first scheduled immunisations are given. It's also a chance to check in on how you're going as a parent.
When are childhood immunisations due?
Routine childhood immunisations follow the National Immunisation Program schedule, starting from birth and continuing through the early years and school age. I can give the routine vaccinations and talk through the schedule and any catch-ups.
Can a GP help with my child's eczema?
Yes. A GP can diagnose eczema, set up a day-to-day plan (including moisturisers and, when needed, other treatments), help you spot and treat flare-ups, and refer on if it's severe or not settling.
I'm worried about my child's development - should I see a GP?
Yes - a GP is a good first step. We can talk through what you've noticed, do an initial assessment, and coordinate referral to a paediatrician or allied health if that's the right next step. It's always reasonable to check.
Can I talk to a GP about ADHD concerns in my child?
Yes. A GP can listen to your concerns, do an initial assessment and help rule out other contributors, then guide you on next steps - which may involve referral to a paediatrician, psychiatrist or another clinician experienced in ADHD assessment, depending on your child's needs and the local pathways.
Related reading
Sources & further reading
For general information from trusted Australian sources. These are a starting point, not a substitute for advice about your own situation.
Explore also
Ready to book?
Appointments can be made online through HotDoc, or call the practice - I'd be glad to help.