It can sometimes be difficult to know what to do if your child becomes unwell. There are many types of common illnesses that babies or children can suffer from, such as cold and flu, fevers and temperatures or a sore throat. We want to make sure you have useful information about how you can help your child if they become ill.
Coughs can be worrying for parents. The good news is that a cough usually isn't something to worry about as long as your child is drinking, feeding, and breathing normally. If your child has a cough and you're worried, speak to your pharmacist, health visitor, or GP for advice.
It can be worrying when your little one has a fever, but a fever is very common in young children and often goes back to normal without treatment. A fever is the body’s way of fighting infections like colds or the flu. Perhaps you’re wondering, “How can I help my child feel better and how can I treat my baby’s fever?”
Read on, for some helpful tips.
Generally, a fever is the body's natural reaction to illness or infection. A fever in a child can generally be described as anything above 38°C. A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4°C, but this can vary slightly.
As a parent, you’ll know that touching, cuddling, stroking or holding your baby is a natural impulse to communicate with or comfort your baby and although baby massage goes back a long way in many cultures around the world, it has only recently started to be practiced in western culture. Baby massage is when a parent or carer uses rhythmic and soothing strokes on their little one’s body to soothe and calm them. Massaging is a wonderful way to bond, skin-to-skin with your baby and can also be a special time to spend communicating with them, using both your voice and your hands.
While fevers are common in young children, the very first time your baby has a fever can be alarming. To help with a quick recovery, it’s helpful to know the signs of a fever and what you can do to help.
Cold and flu symptoms are common in children and colds are usually experienced a few times a year. Children may even have more than 8 colds a year, which is normal. The words cold and flu are often used interchangeably, but they are different infections that are caused by separate viruses. A cold in kids is different to flu because the symptoms are generally milder.
When your little one is unwell, it can be stressful not knowing what's wrong. It’s helpful to know some of the signs and symptoms of common illnesses in babies, such as cradle cap, nappy rash and colic, to understand how to help them feel better or when to act quickly.
We're there for you and your child at every stage of their development. Learn more about the most common concerns in babies and children, and practical parenting tips.
Looking after a baby can be a rollercoaster. With so much to consider – from how they’re sleeping, to weaning and teething, and all the key stages of their development, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here, we’re sharing our knowledge and guidance for new parents, to help you to feel more confident in understanding your baby and their needs.
As children grow, their needs change as they journey through the different stages of childhood. This page will help you navigate your child’s changing needs, from how to deal with illnesses like cold and flu, to their dietary requirements. You’ll also find tips on bedtime struggles and how to make sure your child gets enough sleep. From toddlers right through to school age, we’ve got practical advice to help guide you through your child’s development at every stage.
We understand that as rewarding as raising your little one(s) is, it can also be a real struggle at times! Which is why it’s important to make sure that you feel supported through the fun times and the harder moments, too. Below, you’ll find handy guidance to help you deal with the variety of challenges parenthood brings, as well as useful information and tools to help reassure you.
