Child Health

Good health in childhood helps support growth, development and overall wellbeing enabling children to reach their full potential.
Read more about your child's health and development reviews on the NHS website.

Most young children and babies will get common childhood illnesses, most of which can be treated at home.

Your health visitor, GP or pharmacist can provide advice on how to treat your child’s illness.    

Sometimes it can be tricky to tell when a baby or toddler is seriously unwell, but the main thing is to trust your instincts. Read more about the signs of serious illness in babies and young children, and where to get help on the NHS website.

If you are unsure about whether to keep your child off school or nursery there is information on the NHS page 'Is my child too ill for school?'

Top tips

• Trust your instincts – seek urgent medical advice if you are concerned that your child is seriously ill.
• Give your child plenty to drink to keep them hydrated. Try not to worry if they don’t feel like eating for the first day or so.
• Let your child rest when they need to and make time for quiet games and stories when they’re feeling more alert.