Records kept by parents (‘parent-held record’) are now used in a number of states in Australia, and are given to parents when their child is born. They serve many useful purposes:

• Information about your child’s health is written down in the one place, and can be accessed by health professionals. This is very important if your child sees a number of different doctors, or if you move house or change doctors. Records of visits are noted down, together with any special treatment given to your child. Details of allergies to medications or to foods are also detailed.

• Family health and other information can be recorded.

• Reports of tests or hospital admissions can be stored in the plastic pocket of the record.

• Your child’s changing weight, height and development can be recorded in the record. This information is often valuable to have when the child is older and being assessed by a doctor.

Make sure that your child’s record is kept in a safe place, and do not forget to take it with you whenever you visit a doctor, nurse or hospital. Ask the doctor or nurse to write in it as appropriate, or write details of the visit in it yourself. It is a good idea to take it with you on holiday in case you have to consult a doctor who is not familiar with your child’s history.

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