Caring for a sick child

When children are sick, they need to be checked often to make sure they are all right and not getting sicker. If you are concerned, take them to see a doctor.

Often when children are unwell they are not hungry. Don't worry if they don’t want to eat - drinking is the most important. Their appetite should improve as they get better.

They may need extra rest and cuddles, as being unwell can make them tired and miserable.

When they are unwell, to help stop passing infections on to others, wash your hands after caring for them and before preparing and serving food. You may also need to keep them home from playgroups and preschool to help stop infections passing to other children. Discuss the policy on unwell children with the centre your child attends.

Caring for an unwell child can be very tiring and stressful. Getting some rest during the day, accepting offers of help and trying not to expect too much of yourself may help you to cope.

Medicines for your unwell child

Some medicines can be bought from a pharmacy; others are prescribed by a doctor or midwife. Read the label to check how much of the medicine to give and how often to give it. Only give the dose (amount) recommended by the doctor, midwife or pharmacist.

Never give your child another child's or adult's medicine even if they have a similar problem. Discuss any over-the-counter medicines bought from a pharmacy with the pharmacist to check that the medicine is Ok for your child’s age and problem.

Antibiotics must be taken for as long as the doctor says, to make sure the infection is completely gone, even if your child seems better. Always keep medicines out of reach of children and use child-resistant tops on medicines. Medications that need to be kept in the fridge should be kept out of reach and sight.

Using liquid paracetamol

Paracetamol poisons more New Zealand children than any other poison because children have opened the bottle themselves and accidentally swallowed it, been given too strong a dose, given too much or given it too often. Too much paracetamol can seriously harm or even kill a child. 

Paracetamol is not a sedative to make children go to sleep.  Any baby or child who is unwell, or in moderate to severe pain should be seen by a doctor to find out what the cause is.

If you use liquid paracetamol when your child is unwell:

• check the strength of the paracetamol as it comes in different strengths and you could give your child too large a dose
• follow the instructions on the bottle
• give the right dose for their age and weight
• check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct amount to give
• do not give it more than 4 times a day or for more than a couple of days
• always keep it locked away.

Paracetamol can make pain less severe, but does not make the cause of the pain go away. If the pain lasts for more than a few hours, or it is severe, the child is clearly unwell or you are worried, it is important to find out what is causing the pain and to see the doctor. 

If you think your child has taken an overdose of medicine you need to see a doctor urgently or phone the Poisons Information Centre 0800 POISON (0800 764 766).