focused care
Feeding and Nutrition Support on the Northern Beaches
Clear, judgement-free help when feeding feels confusing
Infant and Toddler Feeding and Nutrition in Mona Vale
Feeding a baby or toddler can bring a lot of second-guessing. Is my baby drinking enough? When should I start solids? Why will my toddler eat something one day and refuse it the next?
At Mona Vale Doctors, we offer calm, practical support for everyday feeding concerns. Whether your baby is breastfed, bottle-fed or both, or you need help with solids, fussy eating, growth or weight, our GPs and nurses are here to listen.
Every child and family is different. There is no one “right” way to feed your child. Our feeding and nutrition support is tailored to your child’s needs, your circumstances and what works for you.
Comprehensive Feeding and Nutrition Support for Babies and Toddlers
You might be wondering if your baby is drinking enough, whether it’s time to start solids, or why your toddler suddenly refuses foods they used to love.
Our GPs and nurses take time to understand what is happening at home, check your child’s growth and development, and give you practical advice that suits your family.
Infant Feeding Assessments
Breast, bottle, or both, we can review how feeding is going, talk through any difficulties, and help you find an approach that works for you and your baby.
Starting Solids and Introducing Allergen Foods
We can help you know when your baby is ready for solids, which foods to start with and how to introduce common allergens safely and confidently.
Fussy and Selective Eating Support
We can help make mealtimes calmer while checking that your child is getting what they need.
Constipation and Tummy Discomfort
Hard poos, straining and tummy pain can make feeding stressful. We can look for possible causes and guide safe changes to food, fluids or treatment.
Formula and Bottle Feeding Guidance
Confused by formulas, bottle amounts, or feeding routines? We can help you make safe, informed choices based on your baby’s age, growth and needs.
Growth, Weight and Development Monitoring
Rather than focusing on one number, we look at your child’s growth pattern over time, alongside their feeding, development and overall health.
Reflux, Colic and Unsettled Feeding
If feeds often end in crying, back-arching, vomiting or discomfort, we can assess what may be happening and whether further support is needed.
Cow’s Milk Allergy and Food Intolerance Assessment
If you notice repeated symptoms after certain foods or feeds, we can assess the pattern and guide testing, dietary changes or specialist care when needed.
Slow Weight Gain and Feeding After Illness
If your child has lost their appetite, dropped weight or is growing more slowly than expected, we can monitor their progress and help plan the next steps.
Referrals for Extra Feeding Support
When your child needs more specialised care, we can connect you with trusted paediatric dietitians, lactation consultants, paediatricians and other children’s health specialists.
Weaning and Dropping Feeds
Ready to reduce breastfeeds or bottles? We can help you make the change gradually while keeping your child’s nutrition and routine on track.
Iron, Vitamin D and Nutrient Deficiency Checks
If your child has a very limited diet, slow growth or other concerns, your GP can review their nutrition and arrange blood tests when appropriate.
Toddler Meal and Snack Routines
We offer simple, realistic advice on meals, snacks and drinks to help build healthy eating habits without turning every meal into a battle.
Meet Our Caring and Experienced GPs
Our team includes GPs with experience in paediatrics and children’s health. Dr Cindy Wong has a Diploma in Paediatrics and has worked at Sydney Children’s Hospital. Dr Michelle Penm also has training in paediatrics and has a special interest in caring for young families. Dr Marianthe Sakiris has experience in community paediatrics and a strong interest in children’s health.
Our nurses are here to support you too. Nurse Anna Bruce is a registered nurse and midwife with a special interest in feeding, settling, growth and early childhood development. Nurse Hannah Johnston brings a kind, caring approach to women’s and children’s health.
We take the time to listen, understand what is happening at home, and look at your child’s feeding, growth and overall health. Most importantly, you will have space to ask questions and make feeding decisions that feel right for your child and your family.
Why Northern Beaches Families Choose Us for Feeding and Nutrition
Local GPs and nurses experienced in baby and toddler feeding
Time to ask questions and talk through everyday feeding worries
Referrals to trusted paediatric dietitians, lactation consultants and paediatricians when needed
Practical, judgement-free advice for Northern Beaches families
Same-day appointments when available
Regular growth and weight checks close to home
Ongoing care from a familiar local team who gets to know your child
FAQs
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In line with infant feeding advice from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), most babies are ready to start solids at around six months. You may notice they can sit with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food. ASCIA recommends not starting solids before four months.
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Every baby grows at their own pace, so one weigh-in rarely tells the whole story. Your GP or nurse can track your baby’s growth over time and look at feeding, development and overall wellbeing together.
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Fussy eating is a normal part of the toddler years, even if it can feel frustrating. Keep offering familiar foods alongside new ones, without pressure, and let your child decide how much they want to eat.
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Yes, if you’re worried your child may be reacting to a food, we can talk through the symptoms, feeding history and growth, then guide you on the safest next step. This may include testing, a supervised diet change, or a referral to a specialist.
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No, you can book directly with one of our GPs to discuss feeding or nutrition concerns. We can arrange referrals to other health professionals if your child needs extra support.
