Child Health

As a parent it is hard to tell whether you need to worry about your child. Here is some basic advice that may help. 

High temperature is very common in young children. The temperature usually returns to normal within 3 or 4 days.

Here is some sensible advice on what to do from NHS choices: Fever in Children. (There is a really helpful video at the bottom of the page)

child health

 

 Do

  • give them plenty of fluids
  • look out for signs of dehydration
  • give them food if they want it
  • check on your child regularly during the night
  • keep them at home
  • give them paracetamol or ibuprofen if they’re distressed or unwell
Read more about giving medicines to children
 

See the GP urgently or go to A&E if your child…

  • is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a fever
  • is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a fever
  • has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature
  • has a high temperature that’s lasted for more than 5 days
  • doesn’t want to eat, or isn’t their usual self and you’re worried
  • has a high temperature that doesn’t come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • is showing signs of dehydration – such as nappies that aren’t very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they’re crying

Call 111 at evenings and weekends

 

Health Visitors

The Health Visiting service support families with a new born baby or a child under 5 years of age. 

There is a Tunbridge Wells duty health visitor who is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm who can talk to you about any concerns you may have or support you to access the right service.  Call 0300 7900 243.

They can help with a number of issues including:

  • Growth, physical and emotional development and learning through play
  • Breastfeeding, introducing solid foods and healthy eating
  • Immunisations
  • Common infections, skin problems and minor illnesses in children
  • Challenges such as teething, temper tantrums, sleeping, eating and toilet training
  • Post-natal depression, bereavement and violence in the family
  • Reducing accidents in the home

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