Parenting Club

9 - 18 Months: Common Health Problems

Your quick guide to common health concerns

Cuts and grazes
Dry coughs
Chesty coughs
Colds
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Earache
Fever

Here’s what to do when you can’t kiss it better

Cuts and grazes

Symptoms: Broken skin that may be bleeding.

Treatment: Clean with cool water and apply antiseptic spray for peace of mind. Alternatively, clean with an antiseptic wipe. Cover with a plaster for a few days and then leave it open to the air. Deeper cuts may require medical attention.

Dry coughs

Symptoms: Irritating tickly cough with no excess mucus. Throat often looks red and inflamed.

Treatment: Increase fluid intake, to help lubricate the back of the throat (a spoonful of honey can help, but only give to children over a year old). Simple cough products containing glycerin, honey and lemon can be used.

Chesty coughs

Symptons: Painful chest and mucus.

Treatment: Simple cough products containing glycerin, honey and lemon can be used. If your child is in pain, her breathing is rapid or any of her symptoms concern you, see your GP. She may have developed a chest infection.

Colds

Symptoms: Sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, temperature, aches and pains.

Treatment: An age-appropriate pain-relief suspension to bring down her fever (ask your Boots pharmacist for advice). See your GP if your baby’s blocked nose is causing feeding problems, or if she has a persistently high temperature. For stuffy, blocked noses, ask your Boots pharmacy team about saline nasal drops, baby vapour rubs and suitable baby inhalant decongestants.

Constipation

Symptoms: Straining to poo, passing small, hard, dry stools and not emptying her bowels as often as usual. Babies normally pass more than one stool a day and these are generally quite soft.

Treatment: Breastfed babies rarely get constipation. In bottlefed babies it may be due to insufficient fluids. Offer cooled, boiled water between feeds and double-check you’re making up formula milk correctly. If her stools remain hard, see your GP.

Diarrhoea

Symptoms: Loose, watery stools that look brown, yellow or green.

Treatment: Diarrhoea is common in babies and often settles within a few hours. There’s no need to stop breastfeeding or bottlefeeding if she will feed. It is important to keep your baby hydrated – ask your Boots pharmacist. If diarrhoea lasts more than 24 hours, is accompanied by vomiting or fever, or if you are otherwise concerned, see your GP.

Earache

Symptoms: Pulling or rubbing the ears, which may look red. Your baby might also have a temperature, be grouchy and off her food.

Treatment: A trip to the GP will always be necessary as antibiotics may be needed. A children's pain-relief suspension may provide some relief.

Fever

Symptoms: Your baby feels hot and may be flushed and sweaty.

Treatment: Any fever over 38°C should be referred to the GP and a children's pain-relief suspension can reduce fever. Dress her lightly (a vest and nappy is usually enough) and cover her with just a sheet at night. Keep the room cool, but avoid a draught. Sponge her skin with tepid water. See your GP if her temperature stays high.

For more on your child's health, visit www.bootshealthclub.com