Caring for a sick child
There are a number of normal childhood illnesses that your child may get at different stages of their development. You know your child best, so you are often the first to notice signs of illness.
Identifying the signs of illness and caring for a sick baby
It is quite common for a baby to require frequent visits to the doctor due to minor illnesses. If anything is troubling you about the health of your baby, do seek medical advice.
The most important things you can do to protect your baby from illness are:
- Wash your hands often to avoid sharing germs
- Don't give you baby medication without first consulting a doctor (this includes medicines you can buy without prescription, like paracetamol)
- Ask people you know to be ill to not get too close to the baby until they are well again (although this isn’t always possible). See the Plunket website for more information about this.
- Protect the air your baby is breathing. Avoid using synthetic cleaning products too close to your baby, and if you smoke, try to smoke away from them.
Signs that your baby may be sick include:
- Baby's skin is hot, sweating a lot, or has a rash
- A temperature of more than 37.5 degrees Celsius
- Unusual drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing.
The Plunket and Kidshealth websites have more information about childhood illnesses, and the Raising Children website web pages on newborn health and baby health can tell you more.
What to do if your child gets sick
As they go off to kindergarten or school, older children are exposed to more communicable diseases (such as chickenpox) and other afflictions (like head lice).
In most cases, such as the common cold or a mild flu, your child will require little more than lots of rest and fluids, but there are a few times when you’ll have to make a trip or two to the doctor. The Kiwi Families website has more information on visiting a doctor.
You can also speak to a registered nurse by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116. They can give you advice to look after your child when they are ill, and can help you to decide if your child needs to see a doctor.
The Raising Children website has more information on toddler health and preschooler health and the health of school-age children.
