We are a family practice, and children are a big part of that. Many of our GPs have a special interest in children’s health. We look after babies, toddlers and school-age kids, and we try to see your child at the same time as the rest of the family whenever we can.
We give all childhood immunisations on the National Immunisation Program schedule. From 1 November 2026 we are prioritising the new Thriving Kids checks, the Medicare Healthy Kids Check for three-year-olds, which looks at your child’s growth, development, hearing, vision and teeth with our nurse and then your GP.
Below is a plain guide to common childhood illnesses, and the signs that mean you need help straight away.
Fever
A fever isn’t an illness in itself. It is a sign the body is fighting an infection. In children, a temperature of 38°C or more is a fever.
What you might see: flushed cheeks, hot skin, shivering, grizzling or irritability.
What to do: focus on how your child is, not the number on the thermometer. Offer small, frequent drinks of water, or breastmilk or formula for babies. If your child is uncomfortable, you can give paracetamol or ibuprofen, using the dose for their weight on the pack. Never give aspirin to children.
Babies under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or more must be seen by a doctor straight away.
Gastro
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut. The main danger for children is dehydration.
What you might see: vomiting that starts suddenly, then watery diarrhoea and tummy cramps.
What to do: keep breastfeeding or giving formula. For older children, use an oral rehydration solution from the pharmacy rather than plain water, juice or soft drink. If they are vomiting, give small sips (5 to 10 mL) every 5 to 10 minutes.
See a doctor promptly if there are no wet nappies for six hours or more, the eyes look sunken, the tongue is dry, or your child is very drowsy.
Croup
Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling around the voice box and windpipe.
What you might see: it usually starts as a cold, then a harsh “barking” cough like a seal, and a noisy, raspy sound when breathing in (stridor). It is often worse at night.
What to do: stay calm and sit your child upright on your lap. Being upset makes breathing harder. See a GP, who may prescribe a steroid medicine to settle the swelling. If your child is struggling to breathe, call 000.
Ear infections
Ear infections are very common after a cold, because children’s ear tubes are shorter and flatter than an adult’s.
What you might see: tugging at the ear, waking up crying, fever, or fluid coming out of the ear.
What to do: most ear infections are caused by viruses and clear up on their own, but they hurt. Regular paracetamol or ibuprofen is the main treatment. Your GP will check the ear and decide whether antibiotics are needed, often if it hasn’t improved after about 48 hours.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
This is a mild but very catching virus that spreads easily at childcare.
What you might see: small blisters in the mouth and red spots or blisters on the palms, soles and sometimes the nappy area.
What to do: there is no specific treatment. Keep up their drinks, because mouth blisters make swallowing sore, and offer soft, cool foods like yoghurt or jelly. Keep your child home until the blisters have dried.
Helpful resources
- Healthdirect, 1800 022 222 (24 hours) or the online Symptom Checker: helps you decide whether to stay home, see a GP or go to the emergency department
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Kids Health Info (rch.org.au/kidsinfo): clear fact sheets, including how to use paracetamol and ibuprofen safely