Children’s Health and Development Checks Mona Vale
Caring for Your Child’s Growth at Every Stage
Supporting Your Child’s Health
We’re dedicated to supporting your child’s growth and wellbeing, helping them stay healthy, happy, and ready for all the adventures childhood brings. From the early years right through adolescence, our expert team provides attentive, personalised care in a friendly, local setting.
Kids grow up quickly and we understand that each stage of childhood and adolescence brings new questions and challenges. Whether you’re here for a routine check, some friendly reassurance, advice on nutrition, learning, and wellbeing, or have concerns about your child’s health, you’ll always be welcomed by our caring and compassionate GPs.
With same-day appointments when needed, a full range of children’s health services, and a warm, welcoming clinic, we make it easier for families across the Northern Beaches to access the care their children deserve.
How We Check Your Child’s Growth and Development
Our children’s health checks give you a clear picture of your child’s progress and help identify any concerns early on. These visits are also an opportunity to discuss any questions you may have, so you feel confident about the next stage in your child’s development, knowing their wellbeing is in safe hands.
Physical Growth Monitoring
We’ll keep an eye on your child’s height, weight, and growth patterns, ensuring they’re developing at a healthy pace.
Developmental Milestone Assessments
From first steps to new friendships, we look at your child’s physical, social, emotional, and communication skills, offering gentle guidance if extra support is needed.
Hearing and Vision Screening
We check for early changes in hearing or sight that could affect learning, speech, or confidence, so little issues don’t become big ones.
Sleep Advice
We help you create healthy sleep routines and work through common issues like bedtime battles or night waking, so the whole family can rest easier.
Early Intervention and Referral
If your child could benefit from extra help, we’ll connect you with trusted specialists, therapists, or local support services.
School Entry Health Checks
We provide a comprehensive check-up before starting school (4 year old check up), covering growth, hearing, vision, and overall health, so they feel ready and confident for the classroom.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance
We offer kind, practical guidance and reassurance for both children and parents as they navigate puberty, with support for the physical changes and emotional ups and downs along the way.
Support During Puberty and Growth Transitions
We help you recognise signs of serious illness in your baby, when to seek urgent care, and feel confident in how to respond.
Growth & Development Checks for Every Stage of Childhood
From those first newborn cuddles to the challenges of high school, our GPs provide consistent, compassionate care for your child at every stage. We take the time to listen, explain, and gently guide you, so you always feel supported and confident about your child’s health.
Baby to Preschoolers (0–4 years)
The early years bring a lot of joy and also many questions for parents. From the newborn stage through preschool, every check is a chance to reassure you that your child is growing well.
In the first year, we see your baby regularly to check growth, feeding, sleep, and development. From the very first 6-week visit to the 4-year-old check, our GPs make sure your baby is thriving. We also share practical advice so you feel more confident through those important first months.
As your child becomes a toddler and then a preschooler, the milestones come quickly. Walking, talking, and independence often arrive with a mix of excitement and challenges. We monitor growth, behaviour, speech, and social skills while guiding you on sleep routines, nutrition, and healthy habits. If there are any concerns, we act early and connect you with trusted support so your child does not miss out on the help they need.
Children (5–12 years)
Once school starts, new questions often come up for parents. You may wonder if your child is keeping up with learning, social skills, or growth. Our GPs are here to support you at every step.
We check growth, vision, hearing, and learning progress while keeping an eye on behaviour and emotional wellbeing. If issues such as attention, anxiety, or learning difficulties arise, we guide you through next steps and arrange referrals to specialists when needed. We are also here for everyday concerns like sleep routines, healthy eating, or school readiness. Each visit is a chance to give you reassurance and support your child’s progress.
Teens (13–17 years)
The teenage years can feel like a big transition for both parents and young people. This stage brings rapid physical changes and emotional ups and downs. Our GPs provide a safe and understanding space for teens to talk openly about their health and feelings.
We support families through puberty, mood changes, learning challenges and social pressures. For older teens, we also give practical advice on lifestyle choices, sports health, menstrual care, and emotional wellbeing. Our goal is to help your teen feel confident, healthy, and prepared for the steps into adulthood.
Why Preventative Care Matters
Childhood is full of important milestones, from the first smile to learning to walk. During these health checks, we offer reassurance that your child is developing well and that you’re doing a great job.Regular check-ups help ensure your child is thriving, while giving you space to talk about anything from school progress and friendships to sleep patterns and healthy routines. During each visit, we look at growth, movement, communication, emotional well-being, and daily habits, while offering practical, personalised advice to support your child’s next steps.
Seeing the same GP over time means we get to know what’s typical for your child, making it easier to spot small changes early and take action before they become bigger challenges. One in five Australian children experience developmental difficulties, and identifying these early can make a real difference to long-term outcomes (Healthdirect Australia, 2023)1.
Our Trusted Team of GPs
At Mona Vale Doctors, your child’s health and wellbeing are in the capable hands of our experienced team.
Our dedicated GPs, Dr Cindy Wong, Dr Kathryn Hutt, Dr Marianthe Sakiris, and Dr Michelle Penm, bring extensive experience in paediatrics, child health, and family medicine, along with a genuine commitment to supporting children from their earliest years through to adolescence.
They’ve trained and worked in settings such as Sydney Children’s Hospital and community paediatrics, and hold additional qualifications in child health and sexual and reproductive health. Nurse Anna Bruce has specialist knowledge in early childhood care, while Nurse Hannah Johnston offers a warm, holistic approach to supporting children’s overall wellbeing.
Families across Mona Vale and the Northern Beaches trust our team to provide gentle, thorough care that combines clinical skill with empathy, helping children grow, learn, and thrive at every stage.
Why Parents Choose Mona Vale Doctors
Here’s why families across Mona Vale and the Northern Beaches trust us to care for their children from the early years right through adolescence.
Same-day appointments when your child is unwell and needs prompt attention.
Approachable GPs who take time to listen, explain, and make every visit comfortable.
Consistent care from familiar faces who know your child’s health history well.
Ongoing care that adapts to your child’s growing needs.
Care rooted in the community, trusted by local families for many years.
Strong referral network to paediatric specialists, allied health, and support services.
A warm, welcoming environment where children feel relaxed and at ease.
On-site immunisations and milestone checks all in one place.
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A Growth & Development Check is a chance to make sure your child is healthy, thriving, and meeting age-appropriate milestones. During the visit, we gently assess growth, movement, speech, behaviour, vision, and hearing, while giving you space to discuss any concerns. These regular reviews help us pick up changes early and support your child’s wellbeing at every stage of their development.
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In Australia, Growth & Development Checks are recommended at specific ages during early childhood – at birth, age 1 to 4 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, 2, 3, and at 4 or before they start school (NSW Ministry of Health, 2024)2. After that, yearly check-ups help us track your child’s progress, address concerns early, and support their health and wellbeing as they grow.
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During a Growth & Development Check, we take a thorough look at your child’s overall health, growth, and progress, from movement and speech to learning and social skills. We’ll check their height, weight, and vision, review immunisations, and chat through any issues on your mind. It’s a relaxed visit to give you reassurance and pick up on any concerns early.
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If you’re worried about your child’s development, it’s always best to book a check-up with your GP. We’ll listen to your concerns, assess your child’s progress, and, if needed, arrange further screening or referrals. Acting early can make a real difference, and we’re here to guide you with care, clear advice, and the right support for you and your family.
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For children before primary school age, there is no out-of-pocket fee for growth and development checks. Once children start primary school, standard consultation fees apply. We will always let you know the cost upfront and help you claim your Medicare rebate easily. Please call us to discuss your child’s needs.
FAQs About Children’s Health Checks in Mona Vale
References:
1. Healthdirect Australia. Routine health checks for babies and children. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/health-checks-for-babies-and-children. Reviewed September 2023. Accessed August 21, 2025.
2. NSW Ministry of Health. Child development and milestones. NSW Government. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/MCFhealth/child/Pages/development.aspx. Published January 30, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2025.
