Caring for your unwell child

You know your child best and it’s important to follow your instincts if you are concerned they are unwell.  Here you can find helpful resources from the NHS regarding caring for your child when they are unwell.

If you are concerned and want to speak to a health professional you can contact your health visitor, practice nurse, GP and Pharmacist. For out of hours advice call 111 and in an emergency call 999.

NHS Looking after your sick child

Developed by Imperial College London NHS Trust this booklet provides advice for parents and carers of children under five years old. You will find information on how to manage common childhood illnesses including coughs, fever and rashes. How to help your unwell child booklet.

Sepsis is life threatening. It can be hard to spot and there are lots of possible symptoms. 

To find out more about Sepsis and how to spot the symptoms go to:
NHS Conditions Sepsis 
Sepsis Trust 

If you think you or someone you look after has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Trust your instincts.

Thinking about your child being hurt or becoming unwell is likely to feel scary but taking the time now to look at this information about what to do in an emergency could help you look after your child if they ever need it. We also recommend you get anyone else who will be caring for your child to look at them too. 

First Aid apps:

• British Red Cross Baby and Child First Aid app
• St Johns Ambulance First Aid apps

First Aid resources:

St Johns Ambulance – Child CPR

St Johns Ambulance – Child recovery position

St John’s Ambulance - Choking child

NHS Burns and Scalds

St John’s Ambulance – Minor Burns and Scalds in children

These resources are for advice only - accessing them does not make you a qualified first aider. 

You can find out more about first aid training here St Johns Ambulance and British Red Cross