Growth, development and nutrition
Developmental milestones, growth monitoring, feeding and nutrition, and early identification of developmental problems.
High-yield points
Key milestones: social smile by 6-8 weeks, sits without support by about 9 months, walks by 12-15 months, 2-word phrases by 2 years.
Red flags: not walking by 18 months, no words by 16-18 months, any loss of previously acquired skills (regression).
Autism early signs: poor eye contact, not responding to name, no pointing or pretend play; refer early.
Growth charts: WHO charts from birth to 2 years; CDC charts are commonly used from 2 years.
Faltering growth: plot serial measurements; most causes are inadequate intake, but look for organic causes and neglect.
Introduce solids around 6 months (not before 4 months), including common allergens such as peanut and egg in the first year.
Iron deficiency in toddlers is often due to excess cow's milk (over about 500 mL/day).
India vs Australia
Where the answer the AMC marks correct differs from what’s usually taught in Indian MBBS.
| Aspect | India (MBBS)What you learn in MBBS | Australia (AMC)What the exam marks as correct |
|---|---|---|
| Child health record | Mother-child protection card; checks at anganwadi. | State-issued personal health record (e.g. NSW 'Blue Book'); regular checks by maternal and child health nurses and GPs. |
| Growth charts | WHO charts to 5 years, IAP charts after. | WHO charts to 2 years, then usually CDC charts. |
| Nutrition focus | Undernutrition (SAM/MAM), stunting and anaemia. | Obesity is the common problem. Faltering growth needs investigation, including psychosocial factors. |
| Allergen introduction | Food allergy is less of a focus. | Very high food allergy rates. ASCIA: introduce common allergens like peanut and egg around 6 months, in the first year. |
Child health record
India (MBBS)
Mother-child protection card; checks at anganwadi.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
State-issued personal health record (e.g. NSW 'Blue Book'); regular checks by maternal and child health nurses and GPs.
Growth charts
India (MBBS)
WHO charts to 5 years, IAP charts after.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
WHO charts to 2 years, then usually CDC charts.
Nutrition focus
India (MBBS)
Undernutrition (SAM/MAM), stunting and anaemia.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Obesity is the common problem. Faltering growth needs investigation, including psychosocial factors.
Allergen introduction
India (MBBS)
Food allergy is less of a focus.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Very high food allergy rates. ASCIA: introduce common allergens like peanut and egg around 6 months, in the first year.
The Australian context
Every child has a state-issued personal health record (e.g. the 'Blue Book' in NSW) used by parents, maternal and child health nurses and GPs. Australia has one of the highest rates of childhood food allergy in the world, which is why early allergen introduction is recommended (ASCIA).