Lawyers acting for families of babies born in Australian detention are seeking guarantees they will not be removed to offshore centres on Manus Island or Nauru.

Lawyers from Melbourne firm Maurice Blackburn travelled to Christmas Island last weekend to meet families whose babies were born in detention there.

There are now 24 babies in detention on Christmas Island. Another two are in Melbourne.

Lawyer Jacob Varghese says his firm wants Immigration Minister Scott Morrison to halt removals to offshore detention centres.

Currently families and newborns are put in trailers in an area separate from the main detention centre on Christmas Island.

Mr Varghese says as spartan as this is, it is a far better situation than in Papua New Guinea, or Nauru.

"We've seen the Christmas Island facilities and we can tell you that they're not suitable for children, certainly not for newborns," he said.

"But these parents are concerned [about] going somewhere even worse."

Lawyers acting on behalf of families of the 26 babies have asked the Immigration Minister to respond by Wednesday afternoon before they consider their next step, which could include a court challenge.

'Baby Ferouz' case could set precedent

They have sent a letter arguing the case of one baby in particular, born in detention in Darwin.

The lawyers say there should be no more removals until the case of "Baby Ferouz" is heard by the High Court.

This case could set a precedent as to whether babies born in Australian detention can be classified as unauthorised maritime arrivals.

Parents of babies 'living in fear' on Christmas Island

Aside from the legal issues, the lawyers reported a number of troubling findings about the medical treatment available for babies on Christmas Island.

"We saw one baby, at least, (whose parents) were told at birth that he would need surgery. And to date, they've not been told anything about when that surgery's going to happen," Mr Varghese said.

Lawyer Katie Robertson says families on the island are living in fear.

She says removals often take place at night, with no warning.

"These parents are dealing with a sense of uncertainty and apprehension, that they could be taken at any moment to Nauru or Manus Island," she said.

"It's incredibly stressful for them."

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