Mother and Child

This is just after you’ve given birth and are starting to breastfeed. It’s often called the initiation stage. Breastfeeding now gives vital fluid, immunological factors and nutrients to the newborn (in the first milk called colostrum) and their ‘lat...

This is just after you’ve given birth and are star...

Benefits of breastfeeding If you’re returning to work – or study – after having a baby, continuing to breastfeed is: Best for your baby Breast milk – all that your baby needs to eat and drink for about the first 6 months. Breast milk – still importa...

Benefits of breastfeeding If you’re returning to w...

Young babies (less than three months old) need a different and more cautious approach. babies are not very good at controlling their own body temperature babies need to be kept warm - but they can get too hot if they are wrapped in too many layers w...

Young babies (less than three months old) need a d...

Undress your child so that they are just wearing a single layer (for example, a singlet and pants). Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold. These are the best and most comfortable ways to bring your child’s temperature down. Putting your child...

Undress your child so that they are just wearing a...

The most common cause of a fever in a child is a viral infection. A bacterial infection is a much less common cause. The body’s natural reaction to infection with...

The most common cause of a fever in a child is a v...

Key points to remember - coughing is common in children, especially when they are pre-school age - causes of cough include colds, asthma and chest infections. Second-hand cigarette smoke commonly causes children to cough even when they are well - man...

Key points to remember - coughing is common in chi...

Key points to remember fever means the temperature of the inside of the body is higher than normal if your child looks unwell and you are worried, take them to a doctor whether they have a fever or not if your child has already seen a doctor but t...

Key points to remember fever means the temperatur...

Viral sore throat Pain relief is important; easing the discomfort will help your child eat and drink. You can relieve pain in the following ways: give paracetamol (you must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle; it is dangerous to give more t...

Viral sore throat Pain relief is important; easing...

How is a sore throat diagnosed? In many cases of sore throat, no tests are needed. Depending on the symptoms and signs some of the following may be performed: - throat swab (to test for strep throat) - blood test ( to test for glandular fever)What pu...

How is a sore throat diagnosed? In many cases of s...

Viral sore throats If your child has a sore throat caused by a cold or flu virus, they will usually have other symptoms such as a runny nose and cough. If your teenager’s sore throat is caused by glandular fever (Epstein Barr virus), they will usuall...

Viral sore throats If your child has a sore throat...

A cough is usually wet or dry. A wet cough sounds ‘chesty’ and phlegmy. A dry cough: is less likely to produce phlegm (mucus) can sound irritated, harsh, barking, or whooping Common causes of different types of cough Common causes of cough are: ...

A cough is usually wet or dry. A wet cough sounds...

Key points to remember about sore throats most sore throats are caused by viruses and need no treatment other than pain relief sometimes children can get strep throat (Group A streptococcus bacteria) a rare complication of strep throat is rheumatic...

Key points to remember about sore throats most so...

There are several ways to treat bedwetting and your child can help to decide what is best for them at this time. children under seven years old may not see the need to do anything an alarm that awakens your sleeping child as soon as they wet the bed...

There are several ways to treat bedwetting and you...

There are two types of bedwetting: children who have never been dry for more than a few months at a time have primary enuresis children who have been completely dry for more than six months and then start wetting the bed again have secondary enuresi...

There are two types of bedwetting: children who h...

Key points to remember - every year, about 60 babies die suddenly in their sleep - most deaths are preventable - safe sleep means face up, face clear, smokefree every time and place a baby sleeps - sleeping face up (on the back) protects babies throu...

Key points to remember - every year, about 60 babi...

All babies, all places, every sleep All babies need protecting from SUDI, in all the places they may sleep, and every time they sleep.Safe sleep = face up + face clear + smokefree Sudden unexpected death is extremely rare for babies protected by this...

All babies, all places, every sleep All babies nee...

Key points to remember bedwetting happens during sleep your child can't control their bedwetting - it is not their fault be patient most children grow out of bedwetting About bedwetting Wetting the bed at night (nocturnal enuresis) is very common i...

Key points to remember bedwetting happens during ...

Strabismus Strabismus may be known as turned eyes, crossed eyes, squint, or lazy eyes. Strabismus occurs when the eyes point in different directions. When one eye is straight the other may point in, out, up or down. This may be noticeable all the tim...

Strabismus Strabismus may be known as turned eyes,...

Key points to remember seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your child’s eyes How do we see things? Light enters the eye through the cornea, the clear outer skin or window at the front of the eye. It passes through the pupil, the hole...

Key points to remember seek medical advice if you...

Key points to remember if you have concerns about your child's vision at any time, take your child for an assessment if your child does have a vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development What are the signs of a visio...

Key points to remember if you have concerns about...

Key points to remember screening for some vision problems for your child should occur at around 11 or 12 years of age if you have concerns about your child's vision or hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment (see What are the signs of ...

Key points to remember screening for some vision p...