Saving this page to a PDF file.
Chrome
Step 1: Click the "Print this page" button. Alternatively, press Ctrl + P (on Mac, use Cmd + P)
Step 2: In the resulting pop-up window, click the Down Arrow to the right of Destination and select Save As PDF in the drop-down menu. You can also optionally choose to hide 'Headers and Footers' with a checkbox.
IE/Edge
Step 1: Click the "Save / print page" button. Alternatively, press Ctrl + P (on Mac, use Cmd + P)
Step 2: On the following dialog, under Printer, choose 'Microsoft Print to PDF'
Click 'Print' and you have saved your webpage to a PDF file.
Swallowed a foreign object
Most swallowed objects are harmless and will pass through the digestive system without causing any harm. Studies suggest that it takes about 3-5 days for the object to pass out into the stool (poo).
We do not routinely recommend looking through the stool to find the object, as this can be unpleasant and not helpful.
It can be challenging to stop young children putting things in their mouth that they might swallow. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of accidents happening. You can learn which objects are particularly harmful if swallowed and make sure your child cannot get hold of them.
When should you worry?
If your child has any of the following:
-
Swallowed a battery
-
Swallowed a magnet or more than one magnet
-
Swallowed something large or sharp
-
Swallowed the object to harm themselves
-
Is choking
-
Breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
-
Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs, or noisy breathing (grunting)
-
Drooling more than normal
-
Starts gagging, vomiting or retching
-
Refusing food or eating less than usual
-
Child develops severe pain
-
Has blood in their poo
-
Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
If your child has any of the following:
-
Finding it hard to have a poo
-
Mild abdominal pain
-
Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
-
Dry skin, lips or tongue
-
Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
-
Irritable (Unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
-
Getting worse or you are worried about them
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.
Please call NHS 111 - dial 111
If none of the above features are present.
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, speak to your health visitor, local pharmacist or call NHS 111– dial 111
Swallowed Objects
-
Most objects that children swallow are harmless and will pass through the digestive system without causing any harm. Studies show that it usually takes about 3-5 days for the object to pass out in their poo.
-
We don’t recommend checking their poo for the object, as it can be unpleasant and isn’t very helpful.
-
It’s hard to always stop young children from putting things in their mouths, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of accidents. By learning which objects are especially dangerous if swallowed, you can take steps to keep those items away from your child.
Button Batteries
-
Button batteries are especially dangerous if swallowed. These flat, round batteries range from 5 to 25mm in size. If swallowed, they can get stuck in the food pipe (oesophagus) and cause serious damage in just a few hours. If your child swallows a button battery, take them to the Emergency Department right away. They may need a procedure to remove it.
-
Button batteries are found in many items at home, such as hearing aids, car keys, remote controls, musical greeting cards, and some toys.
What you can do:
-
Check all battery-powered devices in your home and anywhere your child stays. Make sure the battery cases are securely closed.
-
Know which items in your home use button batteries, and make sure your child can’t access them. Keep these items out of sight and reach.
-
Be cautious when buying toys online or in markets, as they may not meet UK safety standards.
-
Teach older children about the dangers of button batteries and remind them not to give them to younger children to play with.
-
Store spare batteries in a locked cabinet or box.
-
Safely dispose of old batteries. Supermarkets and other stores that sell batteries usually offer a collection bin for used batteries.
-
[Click here for more information on button battery safety.]
Magnets
-
Magnetic ball toys are much stronger than regular magnets. If a child swallows more than one, the magnets can stick to each other inside the body, causing serious damage to the intestines and other organs. Removing them can be very difficult and may require surgery. If your child swallows one or more magnets, take them to the Emergency Department right away.
What you can do:
-
Don’t buy magnetic ball toys for your children or for other people’s children.
-
If your child is older, talk to them about the dangers of these toys and discourage them from buying them. Many unregulated toys are sold online.
-
If you have magnetic toys in the house, consider getting rid of them.
More information:
Click here for more information on magnetic toys.
Click here for information on toy safety.
Click here for information on choking prevention.
References
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Swallowed_(Ingested)_foreign_bodies/
For wear and tear, minor trips and everything in between.
Self-care
You can treat your child's very minor illnesses and injuries at home.
Some illnesses can be treated in your own home with support and advice from the services listed when required, using the recommended medicines and getting plenty of rest.
Sound advice
Children can recover from illness quickly but also can become more poorly quickly; it is important to seek further advice if a child's condition gets worse.
For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?
Pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets. You don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call. Your pharmacist will say if you need further medical attention.
Sound advice
- Visit a pharmacy if your child is ill, but does not need to see a GP.
- Remember that if your child's condition gets worse, you should seek further medical advice immediately.
- Help your child to understand - watch this video with them about going to the pharmacy.
For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?
Health visitors are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness through the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme. They work with you through your pregnancy up until your child is ready to start school.
Health Visitors can also make referrals for you to other health professionals for example hearing or vision concerns or to the Community Paediatricians or to the child and adolescent mental health services.
Contact them by phoning your Health Visitor Team or local Children’s Centre.
Sound advice
Health visitors also provide advice, support and guidance in caring for your child, including:
- Breastfeeding, weaning and healthy eating
- Exercise, hygiene and safety
- Your child’s growth and development
- Emotional health and wellbeing, including postnatal depression
- Safety in the home
- Stopping smoking
- Contraception and sexual health
- Sleep and behaviour management (including temper tantrums!)
- Toilet training
- Minor illnesses
For more information watch the video: What does a health visitor do?
School nurses care for children and young people, aged 5-19, and their families, to ensure their health needs are supported within their school and community. They work closely with education staff and other agencies to support parents, carers and the children and young people, with physical and/or emotional health needs.
Contacting the School Nurse
Primary and secondary schools have an allocated school nurse – telephone your child’s school to ask for the contact details of your named school nurse.
There is also a specialist nurse who works with families who choose to educate their children at home.
Sound Advice
Before your child starts school your health visitor will meet with the school nursing team to transfer their care to the school nursing service. The school nursing team consists of a school nursing lead, specialist public health practitioners and school health staff nurses.
They all have a role in preventing disease and promoting health and wellbeing, by:-
- encouraging healthier lifestyles
- offering immunisations
- giving information, advice and support to children, young people and their families
- supporting children with complex health needs
Each member of the team has links with many other professionals who also work with children including community paediatricians, child and adolescent mental health teams, health visitors and speech and language therapists. The school health nursing service also forms part of the multi-agency services for children, young people and families where there are child protection or safeguarding issues.
GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it.
Sound advice
You have a choice of service:
- Doctors/GPs can treat many illnesses that do not warrant a visit to A&E.
- Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about visiting the GP or going to a walk in centre
For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?
If you’re not sure which NHS service you need, visit 111 Online or for children under 5 call 111. An adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and then give you the advice you need, or direct you straightaway to the best service for you in your area.
Sound advice
Use NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services.
For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?
A&E departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice.