Parenting Club

9 - 18 Months: Is It Serious?

Young children pick up no end of common minor ailments – but that doesn’t mean you don’t worry when your baby catches her first cold or has a temperature. So how can you tell if it’s serious?

If your child has any of the following symptoms, see a doctor as soon as you can. (And if she doesn’t but you’re still concerned, don’t hesitate to see your doctor or health visitor – even if other people think you’re over-reacting. You know your baby best.)

  • Has a high temperature that you can’t lower

  • Seems disorientated or unusually drowsy

  • Has trouble breathing

  • Seems in severe or prolonged pain, and cries inconsolably

  • Is pale, listless, unresponsive or floppy

  • Refuses feeds

  • Pulls at ears

  • Suffers persistent vomiting or diarrhoea for more than 24 hours

  • Has any symptoms of meningitis – see the feature in the ‘health’ section

How Boots can help

Want to know which medicines and remedies are appropriate for your baby’s age, how to make her feel better or what to keep in your first-aid cabinet? Our pharmacists help hundreds of new parents with simple health enquiries every week, and can also recommend whether your child should see your GP. Also while you’re in store, pick up our free leaflet, Kids’ health.