Please note:
The resources on this page are for information only and are not a substitute for medical advice. If your child is unwell or you have concerns about their health, please contact a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 999.
Protecting your child’s health starts with prevention. This includes routine immunisations, which help protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough and meningitis. Your health visitor can talk you through these and help you decide what’s right for your family.
To learn more about common childhood illnesses and prevention, explore the topics below:
Scarlet fever is a highly infectious illness caused by Group A Strep bacteria and mostly effects children.
Strep A and Scarlet Fever – When to worry and when to get help
Strep A information with Dr Ranj Singh
This short (4 min) video has been made by the NHS and Department of Health and Social Care to give families information about what Strep A is and what to look for.
Dr Ranj, a paediatric doctor, explains what symptoms to look out for and where to get help when your child may have fever – with symptoms listed in Red, Amber and Green categories.
Reflux is the medical term used when some of your baby’s milk or food comes back up from the stomach into the oesophagus (the tube from the stomach to mouth). Because stomach contents are acidic, this can cause irritation and discomfort. Your baby may vomit or bring up milk, seem unsettled, cry a lot, arch their back, or refuse feeds.
Silent reflux is similar, but your baby may not always vomit or bring up milk. Instead, the milk may stay in the throat and be swallowed again. This can make it harder to spot, but your baby may still seem uncomfortable, cry often, have trouble feeding, cough, or arch their back.
An umbilical granuloma is an overgrowth of tissue during the healing process of the belly button (umbilicus). It usually looks like a soft pink or red lump and often is wet or leaks small amounts of clear or yellow fluid. It is most common in the first few weeks of a baby’s life.
Sepsis is a rare but serious condition. It happens when the body’s response to an infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. It is also known as blood poisoning or septicaemia.
Sepsis needs treatment in hospital straight away because it can get worse quickly. It is important to recognise the signs as early as possible.
For further information please see Healthier Together - Sepsis.
Dr Ranj, a paediatric doctor, explains what symptoms to look out for and where to get help when your child may have Bronchiolitis and RSV – with symptoms listed in Red, Amber and Green categories.
Dr Ranj, a paediatric doctor, explains what symptoms to look out for and where to get help when your child may have Croup – with symptoms listed in Red, Amber and Green categories.
Dr Ranj, a paediatric doctor, explains what symptoms to look out for and where to get help when your child may have Difficulty Breathing or Wheeze – with symptoms
Childhood cancer is rare, but it can happen. In the UK, around 2,000 children are diagnosed each year. The information in the Parent Tip below will help you recognise possible signs so your child can be checked as early as possible. Early diagnosis can make a real difference.
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) happens when the amount of glucose in the blood drops too low. Glucose is a type of sugar made from foods like bread, potatoes and pasta, and it’s the body’s main source of energy - especially for the brain.
This matters because the brain needs a steady supply of glucose to work properly. When levels drop too low, it can make your child feel unwell and, if not treated, can become serious.
Sticky eyes are very common in newborn babies. You might notice a white or yellow discharge in the corner of one or both eyes. In most cases, this isn’t an infection but is caused by a blocked tear duct.
You can find simple advice on how to care for your baby’s eyes, including what to look out for and when to seek help, in the iHV Parent Tip.
Glue ear (also called Otitis Media with Effusion or OME) happens when fluid builds up inside the middle ear. This can stop the eardrum moving properly, so sound can’t pass through as well as it should. As a result, your child may have reduced hearing in one or both ears.
You can find practical advice on how to manage glue ear, what signs to look out for, and when to seek help in the iHV Parent Tip.
Please note, further information regarding hearing can be found in our child development (including children with additional needs) section.
Good oral health in childhood helps children eat, sleep, and speak comfortably, and it sets the foundation for healthy habits that last a lifetime. Preventing tooth decay early not only avoids pain and infections but also supports confidence and overall wellbeing as children grow.
You can find simple tips on caring for your child’s teeth, including what to do and when to start, in the iHV Parent Tip on looking after your children’s teeth.
Looking after your children's teeth
Childsmile Scotland - Childsmile
The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry - Patient Info
The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry - Smiles for life! KidsVids
Health Education England (HEE) - Now You Have Teeth (video)
NHS - Healthy teeth and gums
NHS - Teething
NI Direct - Oral health
Public Health Wales - Designed to Smile, Information for parents and carers
Oral health in children with SEND webpage was created by the iHV in collaboration with Healthier Together to help promote good oral health for babies and children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
Vaccinations play a vital role in keeping children healthy by protecting them from potentially serious diseases that can cause long-term complications. For parents, ensuring children are vaccinated is a simple but powerful way to support their long-term health and wellbeing.
Childhood Immunisations Part 1: An introduction to childhood immunisations
Childhood Immunisations Part 2: Frequently asked questions
iHV and Barnardo’s created a short film to give families clear, reassuring information about the MMR vaccine. It follows two parents as they share why they chose to vaccinate their son, and how they found trusted information after feeling unsure about what they saw online. They talk about the importance of protecting not just their own child, but also vulnerable relatives and friends, and encourage any parent with questions to speak to a health visitor or GP for reliable advice. Their son is also proud to show off his vaccination certificate to his nursery friends.
Little Sparks, Big Starts
We also recommend that you access our Little Sparks, Big Starts webpage created in collaboration with Kindred Squared and Ready to Relate to discover how the everyday moments of connection that build your baby’s brain and shape their future health and development.
The iHV recommends the websites below:
