Stay well

Search Self Care

Children can pick up a range of common illnesses while their immune systems are still developing. There is lots you can do at home to help your child feel better. Watch our videos below to find out more about how to treat some of the most common illnesses including coughs, sore throats and fever, and when your child should see a doctor.

For general useful information and advice around caring for a baby or child, visit our dedicated Family Health services website Better Lives, Healthy Futures. Find out about our Health Visiting and School Nursing services and get guidance on a range of topics including mental health, immunisations, oral health and more.

Coughs

If your child has a cough but is eating and drinking as normal, breathing as normal and not wheezing, it is normally nothing to worry about. The cough should clear up on its own.

See your doctor if:

  • The cough lasts longer than three weeks.
  • Your child has a high temperature as well as the cough.
  • Your child is generally unwell as well as the cough.

Read more about coughs, colds and ear infections.

Colds

Colds should clear up on their own within around five to seven days, but sometimes they can take longer.

To help your child when they have a cold you can:

  • Give them plenty of fluids.
  • Saline nasal drops can help relive a stuffy nose.
  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to relieve symptoms of the cold.

Read more about coughs, colds and ear infections.

Sore throat

A sore throat is a common symptom of a cold and usually can become sore or dry a few days before the cold develops. You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the sore throat. Go see your doctor if it lasts for more than three to four days.

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Diarrhoea and vomiting is usually caused by a stomach bug, children can have one of both symptoms and it usually passes in a few days. To help your child when they have diarrhoea and/or vomiting:

  • Give them plenty of fluids to stop them becoming dehydrated. If they are being sick offer them little and often.
  • Keep them at home and let them rest.
  • If you are breast of bottle feeding, continue to offer the feeds. Again, if they are being sick offer them smaller feeds but more often.
  • Offer them food, again little and often if they are being sick.
  • You can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.
  • Wash hands regularly.
  • Wash any bedding or clothing from your child separately, on a warm wash.

Diarrhoea and vomiting can spread easily, it’s important to keep them off nursery or school for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Read more advice about diarrhoea and vomiting. 

Looking for information on pregnancy, birth and parenthood?

Visit the Start4Life website for further advice and support.

Find out more

Earache

The most common cause of an ear ache is an ear infection. Signs of an ear infection can be:

  • Your child might rub or pull at their ear.
  • Having a temperature.
  • Being irritable.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Loss of balance.
  • Unable to hear some sounds.

To help you can:

  • Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • Place a warm or cold flannel over the ear.
  • It’s important not to put anything in the ear or try to remove any wax.

Go see the doctor if there is any swelling or discharge from the ear, or if it hasn’t cleared in three days.

Read more about coughs, colds and ear infections.

Are you looking after a sick child?

Read more top tips on the best way to care for a child when they are feeling poorly.

Find out more

Fever

A child’s normal temperature is between 35 and 37 degrees.

If a child’s temperature is over 38 degrees, they have a fever. They may also:

  • Be hot to touch, especially on their back or chest.
  • Be sweaty or clammy.
  • Have red cheeks.

You can use a digital thermometer to check a child’s temperature. To check a temperature using a digital thermometer:

  • Place the thermometer under the armpit and against the skin.
  • The instructions with the thermometer will tell you how long to leave the thermometer in place for.

A temperature should come down on its own after 3 – 4 days. Whilst your child has a temperature:

  • Give them plenty of fluids.
  • Give them food if they want it.
  • Check them regularly, particularly through the night.
  • Giving them paracetamol or ibuprofen can bring their temperature down.

If your child is eight weeks or under and has a temperature over 38 degrees it is important to take them to see the doctor.

Or if your child is between three and six months and has a temperature of over 39 it is again important to take them to see the doctor.

If your child has a rash, loss of appetite, or their temperature doesn’t come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, take them to see the doctor.

Skip to content