If you are reading this because your child is ill and you need advice, you should call your GP or health visitor, or NHS Direct 0845 4647.

Good health is very important to everyone, but we particularly worry about our children. Fortunately, most children are well most of the time. However, babies and toddlers have immune systems that are not fully developed. Since they are less able than adults to fight off infection, they are likely to have plenty of coughs and sniffles during the first few years. As a parent, it's sometimes hard to know what is a small problem and what is a larger one. That's why this section will introduce the health workers you are likely to come in contact with.

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR GP

If your child is ill and you are worried about him, you can call your health visitor or GP. If you are uncertain about whether your child needs a doctor, you can also call NHS Direct, an organisation staffed by experts who can advise you.

Seek medical advice if your baby:
 Has a fever (temperature over 37.5 C)
 Is unusually sleepy and hard to wake
 Has severe vomiting (being sick) or diarrhoea (frequent, runny poo)
 Has swelling in the groin, or swelling or redness of his testicles
 Has an unusual cry, or cries/screams persistently and can't be comforted
 Is pale and doesn't respond the way he normally does
 Has a poo or wee that contains blood.

Call for immediate medical help if your baby:
 Has convulsions
 Has symptoms that may suggest meningitis or septicaemia
 Has swallowed a poisonous substance or is choking
 Has difficulty in breathing
 Has blue lips
 Becomes unconscious.

Last updated: 29th October 2007 at 12:10:30