Health Info > Children
The topics cover health issues in children under 12 years of age
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CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION
Nine serious infections can be prevented by childhood immunisation: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis (polio), measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B. Immunisation uses the body’s immune system – our natural defence mechanism – to build up resistance to these specific conditions. Childhood immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children against these diseases.
Childhood Immunisation [ 252 KB]
INFANT COLIC
All babies cry some of the time. Most seem to cry more in the late afternoon and early evening. It is their way of telling you they are hungry, they want to be held, or are uncomfortable. It can be difficult and tiring coping with a baby who cries a lot. It helps to know that if it is colic, it will
usually stop by about three months and there will be no long-term effects. It also helps to know that if your baby has colic you are not alone – it has been suggested that up to one quarter of all babies have colic at some time. There is help available for both you and the baby.
MEDICINES & BREASTFEEDING
Some medicines or drugs taken by nursing mothers may affect the baby through the mother’s milk. Medicines and drugs include prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal medicines, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and illegal drugs. The use of any medicine or drug while breastfeeding must be thought about carefully, weighing up all the pros and cons. When breastfeeding, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine or drug.
Medicines & Breastfeeding [ 78 KB]
NAPPY RASH
Nappy rash, sometimes called ‘napkin dermatitis’ occurs most often in infants 6-12 months of age. Most babies will have nappy rash at some time during infancy. A baby’s skin is much softer and thinner than an adult’s. Contact of urine or bowel motions with the skin and infrequent nappy changes can irritate, causing nappy rash. Advice from your pharmacist can help in both treating and preventing nappy rash from occurring.
