Best Paediatric Dietetics on the Sunshine Coast

What paediatric dietetics involves

A paediatric dietitian is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) with experience supporting children and families. Their work goes well beyond "eat your vegetables". They assess a child's growth, dietary intake, and any medical or sensory factors affecting eating, then create a practical plan the whole family can follow.

Common reasons families see a paediatric dietitian include:

• Fussy or selective eating — very limited food range, mealtime stress, or refusal of whole food groups.
• Feeding difficulties — often alongside a speech pathologist or occupational therapist, especially for children with sensory needs or oral-motor challenges.
• Faltering growth or weight concerns (either low or high).
• Medical conditions — allergies, intolerances, coeliac disease, reflux, constipation, diabetes, or tube feeding.
• Autism and ADHD — where restricted diets, sensory preferences, or medication effects impact nutrition.

Dietitians can work with children of all ages, from babies transitioning to solids through to teenagers. Support is always tailored to the child's developmental stage.

Signs your child might benefit

Every child goes through phases, but it may be worth seeking support if your child:

• Eats fewer than around 15–20 foods, or is dropping foods without adding new ones.
• Gags, chokes, or becomes distressed at mealtimes.
• Has stalled or dropped on their growth chart.
• Refuses entire food groups (e.g. no vegetables, or no protein).
• Has a diagnosed condition needing dietary management.
• Has ongoing tummy troubles, low energy, or poor appetite.

If you're worried, speak with your GP or paediatrician first — they can help rule out underlying medical issues and provide a referral where needed.

What a first appointment looks like

Initial appointments usually run 45–60 minutes. The dietitian will ask about your child's medical history, growth, current eating habits, mealtime routines, and your goals. They may check height and weight, and ask you to complete a food diary beforehand.

Rather than handing over a rigid meal plan, a good paediatric dietitian focuses on realistic, step-by-step changes — reducing mealtime pressure, introducing new foods gradually, and coaching parents. Many use responsive feeding approaches that respect the child's cues. Follow-up sessions track progress and adjust the plan.

Typical costs and NDIS funding

In Australia, dietetics sessions generally range from around $90 to $220 per session depending on length and whether it's an initial or review appointment. The NDIS publishes price caps for dietetics under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, and registered providers should charge within these limits. Prices vary between clinics, so always confirm fees before booking — treat these figures as a general guide only.

Funding pathways include:

• NDIS — dietetics is usually funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can often see non-registered dietitians; NDIA-managed plans generally require a registered provider.
• Medicare — a GP-arranged Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan may cover up to five allied health visits per calendar year (a small rebate applies).
• Private health insurance — extras cover may offer partial rebates.

How to choose a provider on the Sunshine Coast

With clinics spread from Caloundra to Bli Bli, it's worth weighing up a few things:

• Check credentials. Look for the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential through Dietitians Australia — this is the recognised standard for practising dietitians in Australia. Ask about their experience specifically with children and feeding.
• Confirm NDIS registration if your plan is NDIA-managed. If you're self- or plan-managed, you have more flexibility, but still check the provider is comfortable working within NDIS.
• Ask about waitlists. Popular clinics can have waits of several weeks. Ask upfront and get on multiple lists if needed.
• Consider location and telehealth. Providers like Sports & Spinal have clinics in Birtinya, Maroochydore and Caloundra, while others sit in Buderim and Bli Bli. Many dietitians offer telehealth, which can suit follow-ups or busy families.
• Look for a team approach. Feeding difficulties often need a dietitian working alongside speech pathology or OT. Some allied health clinics offer this under one roof.

This page features Sunshine Coast providers including Spectrum Nutrition & Dietetics, Balanced Dietetics, Happy Eaters, Simply Nutrition Dietitians, Limitless Allied Health, Bambini Allied Health and the Sports & Spinal clinics. Ratings and review counts shown are a starting point — always do your own checks.

Questions to ask before booking

• Are you an Accredited Practising Dietitian, and do you specialise in children?
• What's your experience with my child's specific needs (fussy eating, allergies, tube feeding, etc.)?
• Are you registered with the NDIS, and do you accept my plan type?
• What are your fees, and do they sit within NDIS price caps?
• What's the current waitlist?
• Do you offer telehealth appointments?
• Do you work alongside other therapists like speech pathologists or OTs?

Taking the time to find the right fit makes a real difference — a dietitian your child feels comfortable with will make mealtimes calmer for the whole family.