Vitamin D is crucial for children's health as it plays a vital role in various physiological functions, especially in bone development and overall immune system function. Here are some key points commonly sked by parents to our paediatricians about Vitamin D and its importance for children:

Teething is a significant developmental milestone in your baby's early years, marking the arrival of their first teeth. As this natural process begins, it often brings with it a host of discomforts and challenges for both the baby and the parents. From the first signs of swollen gums to increased drooling and irritability, teething can be a difficult phase to navigate. Understanding the signs and symptoms of teething is crucial for providing effective relief and support. This article aims to guide you through the various indicators that your baby is teething, helping you to distinguish between typical teething symptoms and other health concerns. Additionally, we will explore practical strategies for alleviating teething pain and discomfort, including both over-the-counter remedies and natural approaches. One common concern among parents is the potential link between teething and gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea. We'll clarify this relationship and offer advice on how to manage your baby's symptoms effectively. By familiarising yourself with the signs of teething and the best ways to help your baby through this period, you can ensure a smoother transition and provide much-needed comfort during this developmental phase.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is commonly referred to as cot death. It is the term for the sudden death of a healthy baby in its sleep that occurs without explanation or expectation. Thankfully, SIDS is rare with about 1 in 3,000 babies dying from it in the UK every year, but every death is one death too many, so the aim is to reduce the risk as much as possible

Being a parent is tough, and no tougher than when your child is unwell. While you get used to mild illness happening on a frequent basis – stuffy nose, mild fleeting fever, there may be certain symptoms that cause you to question whether you’re doing the right thing in staying home, or whether you should take them to see a doctor.

After the journey of childbirth, there will be several screening tests and examinations that happen to your newborn baby to check that they are healthy and there is no risk of a long-term or potentially serious health condition.  These screening methods have been thoroughly researched and there is no harm that comes to babies as a result of them. Below is a breakdown of what to expect.

All children get unwell from time to time, and they may need time off school to recover. For certain illnesses your child may be required to take a set time period off. This is particularly if they have something contagious, such as chickenpox, in order to protect other children as well as letting them rest up and get better. Schools can be strict on absences, to avoid disrupting your child’s education and this is set in UK law. We’ve set out some guidance for instances that are acceptable and appropriate to keep your child from the classroom, although do bear in mind that every school will lay out their own policy. It’s always important to liaise and discuss with your child's school as early as possible. As a general rule of thumb, if your child is unwell or feverish for whatever reason, they should stay at home to recover.

Children get ill from time to time – they pick up diarrhoea and vomiting bugs at nursery, and the coughs, colds and sore throats roll in at the start of every autumn term. Sharing their germs with each other is essential to strengthen their immune systems, and this doesn’t usually need medication or a doctor’s opinion. Which may leave you wondering, at what point should you worry? You’ve heard that dehydration is to be avoided, but how can you tell if they’re dehydrated? You know fevers are common, but when should this concern you? As practising family doctors here at Healthwords, we’ll take you through what we’re looking for in sick children and when there’s cause for concern.

Meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord called the meninges. You must be able to identify the symptoms of meningitis as it can develop into a life-threatening infection known as sepsis or septicaemia. It is critical to know that the symptoms of meningitis can occur in any order. Because of the severity, if you suspect that a family member or someone you know could have meningitis, you should seek urgent medical advice.

It can feel scary when your child is having breathing problems, and difficult to know when to wait and see, and when to know that they are really struggling. Let’s talk you through the tell-tale signs we, as doctors, look for that indicate a child’s breathing is a concern. Signs your child is struggling to get air in include a grunting sound or nodding their head with each breath, if they flare their nostrils or purse their lips to breathe. You might notice the muscles under their ribs are being sucked inwards or their tummy goes out to help them draw air in. Signs of life-threatening difficulty are any episodes where they stop breathing for 20 seconds or longer, they become pale or blue around the lips, or they have a fit or become unresponsive. They may be breathing very fast, but it is also important if they start looking very tired from the work of breathing.

You may think that you don’t need to worry about your baby’s teeth until they have a full set of pearly whites, but it’s important to start early to set the foundation and tone. You may be surprised to know that you can begin to clean your baby’s gums twice a day from birth.

It’s an endless debate about whether dummies (or pacifiers) are good or bad for your baby. There are a few hard and fast rules, but other than that, it’s up to you. There’s evidence in the first few weeks that dummies can bring breastfeeding to a close early, as baby is just getting used to the sucking action needed for feeding, and mum’s milk supply. Once breastfeeding is established, the general advice is that dummies can be introduced, as it doesn’t cause the same level of disruption. Let’s talk you through the pros and cons of dummies.

Colic - a small word with a big impact! You may be wondering, as you try every technique under the sun to soothe your crying newborn, why you haven’t heard of this word much before now, why someone didn’t explain exactly what to do. But you’re here now and you are not alone: 1 in 5 babies suffer from colic. As a GP and a mother, I’ll talk you through what it is, what you can do about it and how long it will last.