NAPPY RASH and MINOR AILMENTS IN BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN

NAPPY RASH

Change nappy as soon as possible when its wet or dirty
wash nappy area with plain warm water and cotton wool, and pat dry,
try to avoid baby wipes, as these can make the rash worse.
apply a barrier cream to promote healing
if the rash doesnt clear, or its a persistant red moist rash, this maybe due to thrush,
In this case an anti fungal cream may be needed available from a pharmacist or on prescription from your doctor.

Diarrhoea
young babies

Most young children have occasional loose stools. Diarrhoea means frequent watery stools,
Diarrhoea together with vomiting is called gastro-enteritis.

If the diarrhoea last for more than a day or if baby is also vomiting or is unwell,
contact your doctor or health visitor for advice.

If diarroea continues for more than 24 hours your child can become dehydrated
This can lead to your child becoming lethargic, dry mouth, sunken eyes,pale skin and passing less urine.

Diarrhoea in toddlers

Give plenty of clear fluids betweeen meals
Reduce foods with a lot of fibre or wholemeal
Introduce more foods with fat such as full fat yoghurt, cheese, fromage frais
Toddlers can go back on to normal diet 3-4 hours after having rehydration fluids

Remember if your child is not well or diarrhoea lasts more than 24 hours, consult a doctor.

COUGHS AND COLDS

Its normal for a child to have a cold eight or more times a year, this is because there are many viruses about,
and these are being met for the irst time.

Colds are caused by viruses not bacteria, antibiotics are pointless
Colds get better in 7-8 days
Cough and cold medicines are shown not to work and may produce side effects in young children.
Stuffiness may be made worse by nasal decongestants, if these are needed only use for 2-3 days.
Saline drops may help loosen dried nesal secretions or clear a stuffy nose.
Increase fluid intake
A pillow under the babies mattress to slightly raise the head, may help snuffly babies breath more easily.

CROUP

Your child will have a hoarse, barking cough & noisy breathing.

A steamy atmosphere may help to relieve a croupy cough and ease breathing
Contact doctor if you think your child has croup.

IMPORTANT SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
indrawing between the ribs or below the ribs with breathing
restlessless and lots of saliva
irritability
blueness of lips and face

TEMPERATURE

37c normal
37.2c possible first sign of fever
38c Fever, no major cause for concern, treat at home
39c+  Fever, call doctor

Do not use a rectal thermometer to take a temperature
Strip thermometors only take skin temperature, so are not accurate
Digital thermometers, takes the temperature from the ear, but may give a low reading if not places correctly, read instructions carefully.

EAR INFECTIONS

Ear infections are common in babies and small children, they usually follow a cold and can cause a fever.
your child may pull at an ear but babies can't always tell where the pain is, and may just cry and seem unwell.

If your child has earache but seems otherwise well, paracetamol canbe given for 12-24 hours.
Do not put oil or drops in the childs ear unless directed by your doctor

some doctors may give antibiotics, while others believe it will clear with paracetamol and decongestants.

TRUST INSTINCT
LOOK FOR CHANGES IN YOUR CHILD

more tearful
loss of appetite
lessresponsive
difficulty sleeping

in all cases, if unsure about baby, contact your doctor

Adapted from HNS Health visiting.