At Ocean Medical Practice, our Bondi Road doctors take pleasure in caring for your child, from pregnancy, infancy, through to adolescence. Our Bondi GP team offer antenatal shared care, new born baby checks, and regular check-ups to monitor your child’s growth and development.
Some common concerns that new moms have include feeding difficulties and sleeping routines, managing stress and anxiety, and finding support and resources in the community. Our Bondi GP Team are experienced in Children and Women’s health and can help you and your child navigate this important phase of development. Common health concerns that parents may face during early childhood include:

1. Routine Childhood Vaccinations: Immunisations are crucial for protecting your child from serious diseases, and at Ocean Medical we follow the NSW Health Immunisation schedule to protect your child.
2. Feeding Difficulties: Adequate food intake is essential for a child's growth and development. Our doctors can help you navigate the challenges of feeding difficulties in the First year of life such as Reflux, Infantile Colic, and Food Allergies. During the Toddlers stage (1-3 years), Fussy Eating is a common challenge for many parents, and into the Adolescent and Teenage Years where other conditions become more prevalent.
3. Sleep Hygiene and Sleep Difficulties: Managing a child's sleep during the first year can be challenging for new parents. Our Bondi GP Team can help guide you through:
   • Establishing a consistent sleep routine and developing healthy sleep habits (such as bath, book, and lullaby), and a creating a consistent sleep environment.
   • Monitoring your child's sleep needs - that may change over time and adjusting their routine as needed.
   • Identifying sleepy cues such as rubbing their eyes or yawning.
   • Avoiding overstimulation before bedtime, limiting screen time and avoiding high-energy activities.
   • Finally, finding a sleep training consultant or referring you to a service such as Tresillian when all measures have failed.
   It is important to remember that every child is different and what works for one child may not work for another. Be patient and consistent, and don't hesitate to seek help if you are having difficulty managing your child's sleep.
4. Developmental delays: Keep an eye on your child's developmental milestones or have this checked with our Bondi doctors. If you notice any delays, speak with one of our GPs.
5. Illnesses: Children in Daycare or School are often exposed to recurrent illnesses. Our Bondi doctors are able to examine all children face to face. If you have cold and flu symptoms, a Covid-19 RAT test or PCR test is required before you attend the appointment.
6. Mental health: It can be challenging for parents to identify when their child is struggling emotionally. These signs may be an indication of emotional disturbance:
   • Changes in behaviour - such as increased aggression, withdrawal, or hyperactivity, may be signs that your child is struggling emotionally.
   • Frequent outbursts, tantrums, or meltdowns that seem out of proportion to the situation.
   • Changes in eating or sleeping habits such as increased or decreased appetite or difficulty sleeping.
   • Regression: If your child starts exhibiting behaviours that they have outgrown, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking, it may be a sign that they are struggling emotionally.
   • If your child suddenly loses interest in activities that they used to enjoy, it may be a sign.
   • Finally, physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue.
    

At Ocean Medical Practice - Bondi, we can help answer any questions or concerns about your child’s health and development, and we can continue to review them as they move into their teen years. Remember to stay up to date with regular check-ups with your GP, and always seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your child's health.

We are always happy to see your child urgently if you are they are unwell. For emergencies and out of hours care, the Royal Children’s Hospital in Randwick is open 24 hours.

If you are 15 years or older, you can apply for your own Medicare card and see a doctor confidentially. This means that everything between you and the doctor is kept strictly private unless you are at risk or in grave danger. You are always welcome to visit a doctor on your own and your privacy will be respected. Please feel free contact us.

At Ocean Medical - Bondi, our GPs aim is to provide the highest level of care tailored to your child's needs. We are currently accepting new patients from all areas including Bondi, Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, North Bondi, Dover Heights, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Waverley, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly and surrounding areas. Our experienced doctors look forward to meeting you. Please contact our friendly reception team on 02 9386 9822 or make an online appointment.