Things you should have at home
Be prepared for minor illnesses by making sure your medicine cabinet is fully stocked with the basic essentials. Find more information about things you should have at home.
Your GP practice or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for medicines for a range of common childhood illnesses. Instead, these over-the-counter medicines are available to buy in a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and, if your symptoms suggest it's more serious, they'll make sure you get the care you need.
Thermometer
Digital and forehead thermometers are available for checking your child's temperature. As a general rule, in children, a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever. If your child does have a fever, there are various things you can do to bring it down: Give children's paracetamol (for children three months and over) and encourage your child to drink extra fluids, use their favourite cool drink, or ice lollies.
Make sure your child is not wearing too many clothes - a vest or pants is enough if the house is at a normal temperature. Reduce the night-time bedding to a light cotton sheet only. Make sure your child is up-to-date with immunisations.
Simple pain killers
Ask your pharmacist for advice. Paracetamol suitable for children can be bought from a supermarket or pharmacist. There is no need to ask your GP for a prescription.
Antihistamines
These are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever. Speak to your pharmacist about what is suitable for your child. You do not need a prescription.
Oral rehydration sachets
For diarrhoea. Ones that can be dissolved in water are the most suitable products for children. These replace the salt and water lost in diarrhoea.
Plasters
Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home. When the wound has stopped bleeding, wash it under tap water.
Avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing. Pat it dry and apply a plaster.
Minor wounds should start to heal within a few days, but if they don't, use NHS 111 online or by phone.
Sunscreen
Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life
From March to October in the UK, children should:
- cover up with suitable clothing
- spend time in the shade, particularly from 11am to 3pm
- wear at least SPF30 sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.