Paediatric Dietetics
Navigating your child's nutrition doesn't have to be overwhelming. From the first stages of weaning to supporting teenagers through growth spurts, our specialist paediatric dietitian provides expert guidance tailored to your child's unique needs.
We understand that every child is different, and our approach combines evidence-based nutritional science with practical, family-friendly solutions that work in real life.
Who we support
Our paediatric dietetic services are available for children and young people from birth to 18 years old. We understand that nutritional needs and challenges vary significantly across different developmental stages.
Infants: 0-12 months
Feeding, weaning, allergies
Toddlers: 1-3 years
Fussy eating, growth concerns
Children: 4-11 years
Healthy eating habits, medical conditions
Teenagers: 12-18 years
Body image, sports nutrition, eating disorders
Why Choose Specialist Paediatric Dietetic Support?
Children's nutritional needs are vastly different from adults. Their growing bodies, developing taste preferences, and changing appetites require specialised knowledge and a gentle, child-centred approach.
Evidence-Based Care:
All recommendations are based on the latest paediatric nutrition research and clinical guidelines.
Family-Centred Approach:
We work with the whole family to create sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle.
Collaborative Care:
We liaise with your GP, paediatrician, and other healthcare professionals as needed.
Practical Solutions:
Real-world advice that's achievable for busy families, using everyday foods.
Conditions We Specialise In
Feeding Difficulties & Fussy Eating
Comprehensive assessment and tailored strategies for children who struggle with food textures, limited food choices, or mealtime battles. We use gentle, evidence-based approaches to expand your child's diet.
Growth & Weight Concerns
Whether your child is underweight, overweight, or experiencing faltering growth, we provide sensitive, age-appropriate nutrition plans that support healthy development without creating food anxiety.
Food Allergies & Intolerances
Expert guidance on managing food allergies and intolerances while ensuring nutritional adequacy. We help families navigate elimination diets, food challenges, and safe food introduction.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Specialised support for children with constipation, reflux, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, and other digestive conditions that affect nutrition and growth.
Eating Disorders
Sensitive, specialist care for children and teenagers with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and other eating disorders.
Medical Conditions
Nutritional management for children with diabetes, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other medical conditions where diet plays a crucial role in management.
Our Comprehensive Services
Weaning Support
Expert guidance on introducing solid foods, baby-led weaning, and managing the transition from milk to family foods.
Nutritional Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of your child's current diet, growth patterns, and nutritional status.
Meal Planning
Practical, family-friendly meal plans that meet your child's nutritional needs and fit your lifestyle.
Feeding Therapy
Specialised techniques to help children with feeding difficulties develop healthier eating patterns.
Family Education
Teaching parents and carers about child nutrition, reading food labels, and creating positive food environments.
School Liaison
Working with schools and nurseries to ensure your child's dietary needs are met in educational settings.
Meet Your Paediatric Dietitians
We have a team of dietitians at Hartwood Health, each with their own specialist areas, and we are lucky to have two very experienced paediatric dietitians, Catherine Kidd and Craig van Wyk.
As with our adult work, when you contact us for dietary input, Paula Wood, our lead dietitian and clinic owner, will ensure you are placed with the most appropriate practitioner, taking into account your case and location.
What to Expect from Your Appointment
Your initial consultation will typically last 60 minutes and include:
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Comprehensive Assessment:
Detailed discussion of your child's medical history, current eating patterns, growth, and any concerns.
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Nutritional Analysis:
Review of your child's current diet using food diaries and assessment tools
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Goal Setting:
Collaborative development of realistic, achievable nutrition goals for your child.
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Personalised Plan:
Tailored recommendations, meal ideas, and practical strategies.
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Follow-up Support:
Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure continued progress.
We believe in empowering families with knowledge and practical skills, so you'll leave each appointment with clear, actionable steps and the confidence to implement positive changes.
Ready to Support Your Child's Nutrition?
Take the first step towards better nutrition and happier mealtimes for your family. Catherine and Craig provide compassionate, expert care through virtual consultations (in-person when possible), making specialist paediatric dietetic support accessible wherever you are.
Virtual appointments are available nationwide.
For more information about our services or to discuss your child's specific needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to support you every step of the way.