Looking after a sick child (from birth to 5)

Almost all babies, toddlers and children aged up to five will get the most common childhood illnesses like chicken pox, colds, sore throats, ear infections. While these are not very nice at the time, they are easy to treat when required and then easily cared for at home.

For general advice on looking after a sick child visit the page, looking after a sick child on the NHS website.

Trust your instincts

It can be difficult to tell when a baby or toddler is seriously ill, but the main thing is to trust your instincts and seek medical advice.

You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when something is seriously wrong. The NHS has a checklist of signs and symptoms that your child may be seriously ill.

For more information and support from our local health visiting service go to Children's Services :: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (clch.nhs.uk)

Infectious diseases for parents to be particularly aware of

There are some infectious diseases that parents need to be aware of, so they take the right action. This is because these infections can make children particularly poorly and in some instances cause long term damage or even death.

Parents are recommended to read the links below so they can recognise signs and symptoms and know what action to take.