child minor ailments

30 Pages·2014·2.34 MB·English

by  Neilsen Mcconnell

1579-Hartlepool/Stockton-on-Tees:6521-Cornwall 13/11/14 16:09 Page 1
A guide
for parents and carers of children aged birth-5 years
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1579-Hartlepool/Stockton-on-Tees:6521-Cornwall 13/11/14 16:09 Page 5
Welcome Contents
Coughs, colds and flu 30
Who can help?
This book has been put together by NHS South Tees Clinical Commissioning
Group with local Health Visitors, GPs and other healthcare professionals. A guide to services 4 Wheezing and breathing difficulties 32
Every parent or carer wants to know what to do when a child is ill - use this Know the basics 6 Allergies 34
handbook to learn how to care for your child at home, when to call your GP and
Earache and tonsillitis 36
The first months
when to contact the emergency services. Most issues your child will experience are
Chickenpox and measles 38
part of growing up and are often helped by talking to your Midwife, Health Visitor Being sick 8
or local Pharmacist. Almost all babies, toddlers and children will get common
Feeding your baby 10 General welfare
childhood illnesses like chickenpox, colds, sore throats and earache.
Crying and colic 12 Good oral health 40
Some of these are easily treated at home with advice from your Pharmacist, your GP
or your Health Visitor rather than going to your surgery or A&E. Nappy rash, rashes and dry skin 14 Healthy lifestyles 42
This handbook will point you in the right direction and explain what you can do at Safer sleeping 16 Childhood obesity 44
home, or where you need to go to get assistance and advice. Trust your instincts, Sticky eyes and conjunctivitis 18 Immunisations 46
you know your child better than anyone else. If you are worried, get further advice.
Teething trouble 20 Bumps and bruises 48
This handbook also contains general welfare information which will help you keep
Burns and scalds 50
you and your child safe and healthy. Childhood illnesses
Safety at home 52
www.southteesccg.nhs.uk Constipation 22
Household accidents 54
Upset tummy 24
All factual content has been sourced from Department of Health, Birth to Five, 2009 edition, NHS Choices,
Sun safety 56
British Association of Dermatologists, Meningitis Now, NICE. This information cannot replace specialist Fever 26
care. If you are worried get further advice, you know your baby best.
Meningitis 28
Useful contacts 58
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A guide to services
The NHS has a wide range of healthcare services. See which service or professional is best to help you.
Self care
Many illnesses can be treated in your home by using
over the counter medicine from your Pharmacist and
getting plenty of rest. Self care is the best choice to
treat very minor illnesses and injuries. If you are still
A&E
worried call NHS 111 or your GP.
Health Visitor Pharmacist GP Children’s Dentist For immediate,
Centres life-threatening
Health Visitors are specialist Your local Pharmacists You will need to register with Make sure you see a
111 emergencies, please
Nurses who can support you can provide advice on a GP - to find a GP in your Families can access a Dentist on a regular call 999.
If you think you need help urgently and your family during your most common health area, use NHS Choices at: wide range of information basis. Discuss A&E and 999 are
during the day or night you should child’s early years. They will issues. They can www.nhs.uk/service in a friendly environment. registering your child emergency services that
call NHS 111 before you go to any visit you at home or see you suggest and dispense directories. Children’s Centres provide early on with your should only be used
other health service. in local clinics and Children’s medicine and other Your GP can offer advice, a range of advice including Dentist and take them when babies and children
By calling NHS 111you will be directed straight to the Centres to routinely assess health products. There give medicines and provide health promotion, advice with you to are badly injured or show
local service that can help you best. It is available 24 your child and family’s health are often Pharmacists in information on other on safety and promote all appointments. symptoms of critical
hours a day, 365 days a year and is free to call, and development needs. supermarkets and services. You will need to aspects of child health To find your nearest illness such as choking
including from a mobile. You should call NHS 111: They can help you get extra many are open late. make an appointment but and well-being. Each Dentist visit or breathing difficulties,
•when you need help fast but it’s not life threatening support if you need it and can Visit www.nhs.uk where most GPs will see a baby Children’s centre has its www.nhs.uk. when they are
•when you think you need to go to A&E or another refer you to other services you can find the service quite quickly if you are own programme of For out-of-hours unconscious or unaware
NHS urgent care service when it is required. They are locator that will help you worried. After 6.30pm activities and services. dentist information call of surroundings, have
•when it’s outside of your GP’s surgery hours there for you until your child is find the Pharmacist weekdays, at weekends NHS 111. taken poison or tablets,
•when you do not know who to call for medical help almost five when care is nearest to you. and public holidays you or have severe
•if you do not have a local GP to call. handed to the School Nurse. can call NHS 111. abdominal pain.
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This 'at a glance' guide will help you know where to go for advice if your child is ill or injured. Know the basics
Minor bumps, cuts and bruises, sore You can treat minor illnesses and injuries at home
throat, coughs and colds, mild tummy Self Care by using the recommended medicines and
pain or headache making sure they get plenty of rest www.nhs.uk
Being prepared and knowing the signs
If, as a parent, you are Write your health visitor’s telephone number here: It is normal to worry that you won't recognise the signs that your baby is unwell.
Health visitor or
unsure, confused, need Parents are usually good at noticing when something is wrong with their baby/
NHS 111
help or advice
child from quite early on. Trust your instincts, you know your baby best.
Learn how to spot the signs of serious illness and how to cope if an accident
Pharmacist
Mild diarrhoea, constipation, For advice on common To find your local pharmacy and its contact happens. If you know the basics and you are well prepared, you will find it easier Pharmacist says
mild skin irritations including
illnesses, injuries and details visit: www.nhs.uk/chemist to cope - and less scary. Keep a small supply of useful medicines in a locked
spots/rash, mild fever
medication. cabinet or somewhere up high where a child cannot reach them. See box on the Keep a small supply of useful
items. Include things like:
right for things to have at home just in case. Make sure you’ve got the right
High temperature, persistent cough, strength of medicine for the age of your child, always follow instructions
GP Write your GP’s (family doctor)
head injuries not involving loss of carefully and check use-by dates. Read the label carefully. Do not give Thermometer
For the treatment of illnesses telephone number here:
consciousness, headache, tummy pain,
and injuries that will not go aspirin to children under 16.
vomiting/diarrhoea, worsening health
away.
conditions (inside GP hours) Plasters
Paracetamol and ibuprofen
Consider using either paracetamol or ibuprofen in children with fever who Liquid painkillers
Unexpected and sudden sickness, NHS 111
appear distressed - as a general rule a temperature of over 37.5°C (99.5°F). (eg paracetamol or ibuprofen)
severe pain, worsening health For 24 hour health advice As directed by NHS 111
conditions (outside GP hours) and information. Paracetamol can help to reduce fever and distress in children and so can
ibuprofen. Treat them with either paracetamol OR ibuprofen in the first Barrier cream
instance. It can take up to an hour for either of them to work. Paracetamol and
ibuprofen should not be given together at the same time. However, if your child
Struggling for breath or choking, fitting, Natural oils
A&E or 999
loss of consciousness, broken bones, remains distressed before the next dose of paracetamol OR ibuprofen is due, like vegetable oil(for dry skin)
For very severe or life As directed by 999 call handler
swallowed poisons or tablets, blood then you may want to try a dose of the other medicine later.
threatening conditions.
loss, gaping wound, serious burns For example: 8am - paracetamol dose given, 11am - child remains distressed,
Antihistamine
ibuprofen dose given, 2pm - child remains distressed, paracetamol dose given.
NHS 111 is free to call from any landline or contract mobile phone. Pay-as-you-go mobile phones require 1p credit to make a call.
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Being sick
A problem likely to get better on its own
It is common for babies to be sick in the early weeks as they get used to feeding GP says
and their bodies develop. Bringing up small amounts of milk is known as
After the first few months, if your
possetting. When your baby vomits there will be a much larger amount. It can be
baby is suddenly sick it is more
frightening for your baby, so they are likely to cry. Lots of things can cause your
likely to be caused by a
baby to be sick.
Health Visitor says stomach virus rather than
Make sure your baby is positioned correctly when breast or bottle feeding. Incorrect possetting. Gastroenteritis is a
Possetting is ‘normal’ during positioning can cause a baby to be sick (see feeding your baby page 10). tummy bug (see upset tummy
or after a feed. If this carries page 24),which can come with
Being sick often or with large amounts may be due to ‘gastric reflux’ where acid
on at other times, between diarrhoea (runny poo).
from the tummy can come up again. Babies can be grumpy and it can sometimes
feeds it may be a tummy
lead to poor feeding. If your baby is feeding well but doesn't seem themselves, This is more serious in babies
bug. It is important for babies
you may just need to change the baby's position during a feed to make them than older children because
to have plenty of fluids to
more upright (see correct positioning advice on page 10). Feeding smaller babies easily lose too much
stop any dehydration.
amounts and more often may also help. fluid from their bodies and
become dehydrated. If they
become dehydrated they may
not pass enough urine, lose
their appetite and have cold
1 2 3
hands and feet.
I have a new baby. They always seem to This is known as
Get expert advice. If your baby
I have just given my baby bring up small amounts ‘possetting’. As they develop
is unwell, or if vomiting has
a feed. of milk. it will stop naturally. Talk to
your Health Visitor. lasted more than a day, get
your GP’s advice straight away.
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Feeding your baby
Hold your baby’s whole body
close with his nose level with
your nipple to help him
attach correctly.
1 The best start in life
Health Visitor’s tips
Let your baby’s head tip back At birth, giving your baby a long cuddle - skin to skin contact for up to one hour -
a little so that his top lip can calms both mum and baby. It regulates baby’s heart rate and temperature, and How to tell your baby is having
brush against your nipple. stimulates mothering hormones which help to form a close bond. Baby’s immediate lots of milk:
This should help your baby to needs are to feel safe and secure, and to be able to feed whenever hungry. Holding •Lots of wet nappies - usually
2 make a wide open mouth. your baby close to feed, and responding to all of baby’s needs encourages healthy around six in 24 hours.
There are lots of different positions for breastfeeding. You just need
brain connections. Most of this development will occur within the first two years. •Dirty nappies, two stools daily
to check the following:
• Are your baby’s head and body in a straight line? When your baby’s mouth Responsive parenting will enable your baby to reach its full potential, to be able to until 4-6 weeks, after which
If not, your baby might not be able to swallow easily. opens wide,his chin is able form good relationships and communicate well, giving them the best start in life. 2-3 per week.
• Are you holding your baby close to you? to touch your breast first, •Baby is content and settled
Sterilising and bottle hygiene
Support her neck, shoulders and back. She should be able to tilt with his head tilted, so that his during and after each feed.
her head back easily. 3 lower lip can make contact •The cleaning and sterilising instructions are the same, whether you are using •During a feed, you can hear
with the breast 2-3cm below expressed breast milk or infant formula milk.
baby swallowing.
the nipple. •All the equipment you use for bottle feeding your baby needs to be washed in
•Weight gain - which will be
hot soapy water, rinsed and sterilised.
Baby begins to suck rapidly •You need to keep sterilising your feeding equipment until your baby is at least 6 checked by your Midwife or
initially, followed by a deep Health Visitor.
months old.
and rhythmic suck with
•Infections (like gastroenteritis) are rare, but if they do occur, can be very serious.
pauses and audible swallows. Remember, your milk fulfills all
4 Baby’s chin indents the of your baby’s needs for around
breast whilst his nose is free. 1 2 3 six months, after which you can
Are your nipples Have you been Go to your local Breastfeeding Support start to offer food, alongside
Source: County Health Partnerships
sore? If yes, please shown how to hand Group. Ask your Health Visitor and/or breast milk. Cow’s milk should
ask for help as express? This is a call 0300 100 0212 for details. Other not be offered until your baby
soon as possible. really useful skill, mums and Peer Supporters will be reaches its first birthday.
and it’s free! there to give you lots of tips.
Source: UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative 2010
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Crying and colic
Understanding why
All babies cry, especially in the first few weeks after birth. Crying is their way of
letting you know they need something or are uncomfortable. They may need
changing, they may be hungry or just need a cuddle. Always burp your baby after
Health Visitor says
a feed as this will help.
You will know your baby best Look out for signs that your baby is trying to tell you they are hungry. Early signs
of all. Try to understand what it are things like putting their hands to their mouth, becoming restless and
is they need. Finding out why stretching. By recognising these cues you may avoid hunger crying altogether and
your baby is crying is often a the need to calm baby down before a feed.
GP says
matter of going through all the
Colic
possible options. If your baby's crying seems
If your baby cries suddenly and often, but they otherwise appear to be happy and
different in any way (such as
Things to check first are: healthy, they may have colic. Colic is common and although uncomfortable it is not
(cid:2) a very high-pitched cry or a
Does their nappy need serious and usually affects babies only in the first few months of their lives. The
whimper), then seek medical
changing? most common symptom of colic is continuous crying, which typically occurs in the
(cid:2) advice. Crying can
Could they be hungry? late afternoon or evening. Other signs include a flushed appearance, drawing their
(cid:2) sometimes be a sign that
Could they be too hot? legs to their chest, clenching fists, passing wind and trouble sleeping.
(cid:2) your baby is unwell. Trust
Could they be too cold?
(cid:2) your instincts - you know
Does their cry sound
different? 1 2 3 your baby best.
My baby is crying When a baby cries, it It is very important to stay
These are simple things which
more than usual. can be upsetting. calm and don’t be afraid to
could be causing your baby
ask for help. Do not shake
to cry.
your baby.
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Rashes and dry skin
Health Visitor’s
nappy rash tips
Leave your baby in a A common problem that’s easy to treat
warm, safe place with no
Health Visitor’s clothes or a nappy on, to It’s normal for babies to develop rashes early on as their skin adapts to a different
let the air get to their skin.
cradle cap tips environment. If your baby develops a rash and seems unwell contact your GP. Most
rashes are nothing to worry about but do be aware of the signs of meningitis (see
This is the name given to the large Use a barrier cream.
page 28).
greasy yellow or brown scales that (see Pharmacist says box
appear on your baby’s scalp. opposite). Nappy rash
Sometimes they may flake and the skin Nappy rash is very common and can affect lots of babies. It is usually caused when
may be red. It should not cause your your baby's skin comes into contact with wee and poo that collects in their nappy.
baby any discomfort and should settle Remember to change and A nappy rash causes your baby's skin to become sore.
over time. It is important not to pick at check their nappy often.
Most nappy rashes can be treated with a simple skincare routine and by using a
the scales as this may cause infection. Pharmacist says
cream you can get from the Pharmacist. With a mild nappy rash, your baby won't
Massage a non-cosmetic normally feel too much discomfort. Call in and talk to us about
moisturiser (emollient) which Dry skin creams we can provide you
is oil based or liquid paraffin A baby’s skin is thinner and needs extra care. Dry, flaky skin, some blemishes, with over the counter.
into the scalp (not olive oil)
blotches and slight rashes are normal in newborns and will naturally clear up. If
There are two types of nappy
and leave to soak in.
your baby is otherwise well but has a rash and you are worried about it contact
cream available. One is a
Gently wash the scalp and your Health Visitor.
barrier cream to keep wee
use a soft baby brush or
away from your baby's skin.
cloth and gently remove
The other is a medicated
1 2 3
any loose scales.
cream, that is good for clearing
There is a red, sore rash Has baby been in a dirty nappy for Change nappy often.
If this does not settle, the redness up any soreness but should
around the nappy area. a long time? Have you followed Speak to your Health
spreads or your baby is itchy then only be used when advised by
Baby is uncomfortable advice from your Health Visitor, or Visitor and if you are
seek medical advice. a health professional.
and cries a lot. spoken to your Pharmacist? worried see your GP.
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Safer sleeping
A safe sleeping environment
1 Place your baby in the ‘feet to foot’ position 7 No pillow, stuffed animals, toys or Patience, praise and peace
i.e. baby’s feetat the footof the cot. bumper pad.
Bed-sharing with your baby
There are many different reasons why babies do not sleep. It is normal for a baby
is never completely safe.
2 Newborn babies sleep in a cot in 8 No heavy or loose blankets. at six weeks old not to sleep through the night. Feel confident in yourself to know It is particularly dangerous
parent’s bedroom. whether your child is really distressed or just restless. Trust your instincts.
for your baby to sleep in
Try to establish a regular night time sleep routine early on by putting them to bed your bed if you (or your
9 If a blanket is used, it must be tucked in
3 Make sure baby is not too hot nor too cold. and only as high as the baby’s chest. at a regular time (day and night). Place your newborn baby on their back to sleep, partner):
in a cot in your bedroom for the first six months. Prepare a warm, comfortable •Are a smoker (even if you
place for them to relax in. Adult beds are not designed for babies and toddlers never smoke in bed or at
4 Put baby to sleep on their back. 10 Crib sheets must fit tightly over mattress. and do not conform to safety standards. When feeding your baby in bed they home).
should be positioned on the outside of the bed and returned to the cot after the •Have been drinking alcohol
feed. Chat to your Health Visitor about this. or taken any drugs.
5 Keep baby’s head uncovered. 11 Use a clean, firm, well-fitting mattress.
•Have taken any medication
Mattresses should carry the BSI number Reading to your child at bedtime helps them to unwind, and gives you some
that makes you drowsy.
BS-1877-10:1997. special time together. If your child is scared of the dark, try keeping a night light
6 Do not smoke. on. Bedwetting may be stressful for both of you and can wake your child. It is not •If your baby was premature
(born before 37 weeks).
easy to know why some children take longer to be dry at night than others. Try not
•If your baby was low birth
to lose your patience or punish them, your child is not doing this on purpose.
weight (less than 2.5kg).
Children learn at their own pace and praise and support will help.
•If you or your partner are
overweight.
1 2 3
It is very dangerous to fall
I am so tired when my The safest place for your baby Speak to your Health asleep together on a sofa,
baby wakes up at to sleep is in a cot by your Visitor about how to keep armchair or settee and it is
night it seems easier bedside for at least the first your baby safe and get also risky to allow a baby to
Call 0800 022 4332 or visit to share the bed. six months. Try to establish a some sleep. sleep alone in an adult bed.
www.smokefree.nhs.uk regular sleep routine.
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Sticky eyes and conjunctivitis
Two different issues
‘Sticky eyes’ are common in newborn babies and young children while their tear
ducts are developing. You may see some sticky stuff in the corner of the eyes or
their eyelashes may be stuck together.
It normally clears up on its own, but you may have to clean your baby's eyes
regularly with damp cotton wool. Use clean, cooled boiled water.
Health Visitor says
Conjunctivitis
Some babies have watering eyes.
Massaging the tear ducts may help The signs of ‘sticky eyes’ can
Wipe each eye from the corner by the nose outwards. Use a clean piece of cotton
to dislodge tears that have collected sometimes be confused with an
wool for each wipe. Remember to wash your hands before and afterwards and
in the upper part of your baby’s tear infection called ‘conjunctivitis’.
avoid sharing towels to prevent spreading infection.
duct, as well as encouraging the With conjunctivitis the signs are
tear duct to develop. This can be yellowy, green sticky goo which
done by applying light pressure with comes back regularly and the
your clean, index finger and white part of the eyes may be
massaging from the corner of your red. If you notice this and it
baby’s eye towards their nose. 1 2 3 continues for more than 24
Repeat several times a day for a Is there discharge in the Sticky eyes is a common Use cooled boiled water on hours, contact your Health
couple of months. If this persists corner of your baby’s eye condition that affects most a clean piece of cotton Visitor or GP. This can be
past one year, your baby may be and do their eyelashes babies, speak to your wool for each wipe. passed on easily, so wash your
referred to an eye specialist for appear to be stuck Health Visitor. hands and use a separate towel
treatment. together? for your baby.
Source NHS choices
Source: DoH 2006.
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