Baby & child health
Baby & child health
How to tell when a child’s illness is serious, plain-English guides to common childhood illnesses and rashes, and the warning signs that always need urgent help — clinically reviewed and UK/NHS-aligned.
Children get ill often — several coughs, colds and temperatures a year is completely normal, especially once they mix with other children. Most of it is mild and passes in a few days. The skill worth having is not naming every illness, but recognising the small number of warning signs that mean a child needs to be seen urgently. That is what this hub is built around.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if a baby or child comes with any of these warning signs:
- Pale, blue, blotchy or ashen skin, lips or tongue
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, a stiff neck, or bothered by light
- Very hard to wake, unusually drowsy, or a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry
- Breathing very fast, grunting, or the skin sucking in under or between the ribs
- A fit or seizure, or a fever in a baby under 3 months (38°C+) or under 6 months (39°C+)
- Not drinking, far fewer wet nappies, no tears, or a sunken soft spot on a baby’s head (dehydration)
When to see a doctor
You know your child best. If they seem seriously unwell, are getting worse, or you are frightened, do not wait — call 999 or go to A&E. For a baby under 3 months with any fever, always seek urgent advice.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Common childhood illnesses
Clear guides to the infections, rashes and conditions children get most — what they look like, how long they last, how to ease them and when to seek help.
Infections & fevers
Coughs & breathing
Tummy & bowels
Development & behaviour
Answers
Baby & child health: frequently asked questions
How do I know if my child’s illness is serious?
Most childhood illnesses are mild and get better on their own. Trust your instinct: a child who is alert, drinking, and settles when their temperature comes down is usually reassuring. Warning signs that need urgent help include pale/blue/blotchy skin, a rash that does not fade under a glass, being very hard to wake, fast or laboured breathing, a seizure, or signs of dehydration. If your child has any of these, or you are simply very worried, get help straight away.
What temperature counts as a fever in a child?
A fever is generally a temperature of 38°C or above. Fever itself is a normal response to infection — how your child looks and behaves matters more than the exact number. However, a fever of 38°C or more in a baby under 3 months, or 39°C or more in a baby aged 3–6 months, should always be assessed urgently.
When should I call 999 versus 111?
Call 999 or go to A&E for the emergency signs above — a non-fading rash, blue or very pale skin, serious breathing difficulty, a fit, or a child who is unresponsive. Call NHS 111 (day or night) when you are worried but it is not an emergency, or are unsure what to do. For non-urgent concerns, see your GP or pharmacist.
Is this a substitute for a doctor?
No. This hub is educational and UK/NHS-aligned. It cannot examine your child. If you are worried about a baby or child, especially a very young baby, seek advice promptly — professionals would always rather check than have you wait.
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