Your child's red book
After the birth of your baby, the hospital or midwife will give you a free personal health record. Your doctor or midwife will fill in the newborn health section before you go home. Take it with you whenever your child sees a health professional including your GP or dentist.
If you lose it, or you've recently moved to Queensland, you can get one from your nearest maternity hospital.
You can also print the red book.
Vaccination history
You can’t use your child’s red book to show they’re up to date with their vaccinations before they start child care or school. You can print their immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This is a national register linked to myGov and Medicare online that records vaccines given to all people in Australia. Find out how to get a history statement on the Services Australia website.
If you can’t use Medicare online, your vaccination provider can print your immunisation history statements for you.
Checking your child's development
The Parents Evaluation of Development Status (PEDS) is included in your child's red book. It’s designed to pick up developmental and behavioural issues in children from birth to 5.
There are 10 questions in the PEDS for parents or carers to answer. These can help identify any concerns you may have about your child’s development, heath and wellbeing. You can do the PEDS at home before your child’s next health check or go through them with your child health nurse or health care provider.
Identifying any issues early will help your child access the services they need to support their health and development.
You should do the evaluations when your child is:
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- between 2.5 and 3.5 years
- between 4 and 5 years.
Your guide to the first 12 months
Your child's red book also has an information booklet about the first year of your baby's life, including:
- tips for helping your baby
- keeping them safe, including safe sleeping
- what to do if they get sick
- caring for teeth and ears
- breastfeeding, formula feeding and introducing solids.
You can find the booklet in the cover pocket of your red book. You can also download the information booklet.