Babies, toddlers and diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is one of the most common childhood illnesses. Causes can include infection, food intolerance or drinking too much fruit juice. Until diarrhoea has stopped for 48 hours, keep your child at home and keep her hydrated. Give a child food if she wants it. The NHS says diarrhoea is more serious in babies than older children as they can become dehydrated more easily. Seek medical advice urgently if your baby has passed six or more diarrhoeal stools in the past 24 hours or has other symptoms, such as being less responsive, feverish, vomiting, passing bloody or black stools or abdominal pain.

Fever in babies and toddlers

The NHS says, generally, a temperature of over 37.5°C (99.5°F) in children is considered a fever. In newborns, a high temperature can signal serious infection. Seek medical advice immediately if a baby under three months has a temperature of 38°C (101°F) or above, or if a baby three to six months old has a temperature of 39°C (102°F)or higher. Check for ear pain, cough, lethargy, skin rash, vomiting or diarrhoea. Soothe baby with plenty of cool water to drink, dress him in lightweight clothes and keep his room cool. Check with your GP or pharmacist about safe medicine options.

Little children and constipation

Some babies pass stools several times a day; others go a few days between bowel movements. Don't worry if your baby or toddler doesn't go as often as you'd expect. True constipation is when stools are hard and painful to pass. The NHS says if your baby has not been weaned, give him extra water between feeds. If your baby is on solid food, give them plenty of water and diluted fruit juice, such as prune or apple juice. If constipation continues or your baby has other symptoms, such as abdominal pain or vomiting, seek medical advice.

Rashes

Babies have sensitive skin. Rashes can range from pimples to little white bumps (milia) to red, dry, itchy patches (eczema). The NHS says, to avoid nappy rash, change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible and use a barrier cream such as zinc cream or petroleum jelly. For eczema, avoid harsh soaps and keep skin moisturised. Most rashes aren't serious, but see your GP or health visitor if your baby’s rash is painful or severe, or if he also has a high temperature or blisters.

Cough: Babies and toddlers

Babies' coughs come in many varieties. Signs of croup are a bark-like cough along with a harsh sound as baby breathes in. Coughs accompanied by a raised temperature are often from a cold, but a high fever may mean pneumonia or the flu. Wheezing with a cough could be asthma or an infection. Babies with whooping cough, also called pertussis, make a "whooping" sound. Seek medical advice if you notice these symptoms.Over-the-counter cough medicines should not be given to babies or children under six.

Stomach ache symptoms

Uncontrollable crying, back arching and spitting up are all symptoms of an upset tummy. It could be caused by colic, gastroesophageal reflux, food intolerance, virus or other reasons. Toddlers can also have problems as they try different foods. Most stomach aches aren't dangerous and will go away. If it doesn't improve or your child vomits, has diarrhoea, becomes lethargic or runs a fever, seek medical advice.

Teething pain

By about the sixth month, baby’s first teeth usually start pushing through her gums. Sore gums can make babies very irritable. Relieve teething pain by giving your baby something to chew on. A teething ring works well. The NHS  says, for babies over four months old, you can gently rub sugar-free teething gel on their gums.

Babies, toddlers and wind

Burping, crying, and flatulence can be signs of infant wind. Wind isn't the same as colic, which can lead to inconsolable crying. Because wind is often caused by swallowing air, feed your baby slowly and wind her often by gently rubbing her back to release trapped air. Toddlers can get gas from high-fibre or fatty foods, or by drinking too much juice.

Stuffy noses

When babies have colds, their noses can get very stuffy. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine should not be used in children under six years old. The NHS suggests asking your GP or health visitor about saline nose drops which can help relieve a stuffy nose by loosening dried nasal secretions.

Nausea and vomiting

It’s normal for babies to spit up often after eating, but forceful or persistent vomiting needs a GP’s evaluation right away. Vomiting with diarrhoea may signal a virus. The NHS says to make sure your child keeps drinking fluids, as fluid loss from vomiting can lead to dehydration. Ask your GP or pharmacist if they would recommend oral rehydration fluids. This is a special powder that mixes with water and contains sugar and salts to help replace those lost during vomiting. If vomiting doesn't stop in a few hours, is accompanied by a fever in an infant, or your child can’t keep down fluids, seek medical advice.

Keeping calm when baby's not

There's nothing more distressing to a new parent than a sick baby. Try to stay calm. Trust your instincts, but stay alert for signs that you need to seek medical advice or emergency care. Some warning signs include changes in appetite, extreme irritability, lethargy, breathing problems, skin rash, neck stiffness, seizure, high temperature, and unusually dry nappies.

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