Serious childhood illnesses: 0-3 years
Call an ambulance if your child has symptoms like drowsiness, difficulty breathing, pale or blue skin, seizures or a rash that doesn’t fade. Go to emergency if your newborn has a fever, or your baby or child is feeding poorly, vomiting a lot and/or weeing less than usual.If you’re not sure whether your child is really sick, trust your instincts. You know your child best.
Call an ambulance if your child has symptoms like drowsiness, difficulty breathing, pale or blue skin, seizures or a rash that doesn’t fade. Go to emergency if your newborn has a fever, or your baby or child is feeding poorly, vomiting a lot and/or weeing less than usual.If you’re not sure whether your child is really sick, trust your instincts. You know your child best.
Poos and wees
Key points:
- Plenty of clear, colourless wee shows that your baby is healthy and getting enough fluids.
- The frequency, colour, consistency and smell of baby poo varies a lot among babies.
- Baby poo is affected by baby diet.
- Poo problems include constipation and diarrhoea. It’s best to see your GP about poo problems.
Key points:
- Plenty of clear, colourless wee shows that your baby is healthy and getting enough fluids.
- The frequency, colour, consistency and smell of baby poo varies a lot among babies.
- Baby poo is affected by baby diet.
- Poo problems include constipation and diarrhoea. It’s best to see your GP about poo problems.
Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is a misshaped or flat head.It can happen in the uterus or during birth. It can also develop in the early months of life. Plagiocephaly usually fixes itself as your baby grows, but sometimes treatment is needed. Help prevent plagiocephaly by giving your baby tummy time and alternating his head position.
Plagiocephaly is a misshaped or flat head.It can happen in the uterus or during birth. It can also develop in the early months of life. Plagiocephaly usually fixes itself as your baby grows, but sometimes treatment is needed. Help prevent plagiocephaly by giving your baby tummy time and alternating his head position.
Newborn hearing test
Newborn hearing test (universal neonatal hearing screening) enables timely detection of hearing impairment, rehabilitation and treatment.
Newborn hearing test (universal neonatal hearing screening) enables timely detection of hearing impairment, rehabilitation and treatment.
Neonatal jaundice
Jaundice is a common cause of a newborn's prolonged stay in the maternity hospital, and sometimes causes (unnecessary) concern for the parents. It is most often transient jaundice during the period of adaptation, rather than a disease in the newborn.
Jaundice is a common cause of a newborn's prolonged stay in the maternity hospital, and sometimes causes (unnecessary) concern for the parents. It is most often transient jaundice during the period of adaptation, rather than a disease in the newborn.
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is common and can happen no matter how carefully you look after your baby’s bottom. Almost all children who wear nappies get nappy rash at some stage.
Nappy rash is common and can happen no matter how carefully you look after your baby’s bottom. Almost all children who wear nappies get nappy rash at some stage.
Milia
Milia are tiny white lumps that can appear on babies’ faces soon after birth. They’re harmless and go away by themselves. They’re common in newborns, but also in young children and adults.
Milia are tiny white lumps that can appear on babies’ faces soon after birth. They’re harmless and go away by themselves. They’re common in newborns, but also in young children and adults.
Microcephaly
Microcephaly is a problem with the way the brain or nervous system grows. Children with microcephaly have smaller than usual heads and brains. Babies can be born with microcephaly, or it can develop in the early years of life. Children with microcephaly sometimes have other syndromes. Children with microcephaly often have intellectual disability, seizures or problems with muscle stiffness or balance. Early intervention can improve your child’s quality of life.
Microcephaly is a problem with the way the brain or nervous system grows. Children with microcephaly have smaller than usual heads and brains. Babies can be born with microcephaly, or it can develop in the early years of life. Children with microcephaly sometimes have other syndromes. Children with microcephaly often have intellectual disability, seizures or problems with muscle stiffness or balance. Early intervention can improve your child’s quality of life.
Medications for children: a guide
Children’s medicines are designed for children’s bodies. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which medicines are right for your child. Always check dosage instructions before giving medicine to your child. Call the Poisons Information Centre if you think your child has accidentally taken medication or has taken the wrong dose.
Children’s medicines are designed for children’s bodies. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which medicines are right for your child. Always check dosage instructions before giving medicine to your child. Call the Poisons Information Centre if you think your child has accidentally taken medication or has taken the wrong dose.
Measles (morbilli)
Measles is a highly contagious exanthematous viral disease. The cause of the disease is the measles virus, which spreads easily from person to person through droplets when coughing and sneezing or by direct contact.
Measles is a highly contagious exanthematous viral disease. The cause of the disease is the measles virus, which spreads easily from person to person through droplets when coughing and sneezing or by direct contact.