Every parent or carer wants to know what to do when a child is ill - use the Common childhood illnesses and wellbeing to learn how to care for your child at home, when to call your GP and when to contact the emergency services. Most issues your child will experience are part of growing up and are often helped by talking to your midwife, health visitor or local pharmacist. Almost all babies, toddlers and children will get common childhood illnesses like chickenpox, colds, sore throats and earache.

Some of these are easily treated at home with advice from your pharmacist, your GP or your health visitor rather than a trip to your surgery or A&E.

Please take a look at this guide for parents and carers of children aged birth to 5 years.