Self Care for Children

This page has been put together to highlight some of the best self care resources for children from across the South West region. Much of the information here is tailored to Bristol area.

A lot of what you read on social media and forums is driven by commercial interests, pharmaceutical companies and pressure groups. Please think carefully about the origin of what you are reading before acting on the advice contained within it. Take a look here for trustworthy information that we are happy to recommend to you. If you can't find what you need here try the NHS website or Patient website.
Click on the links below for self care advice leaflets provided by the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRCH). These leaflets cover the many common, self limiting illnesses that are a right of passage en route to adulthood. Most can be managed at home with the right know-how. But it's important to know when expert help is needed.

HANDi App
HANDi is an application that has been developed by the paediatric team at Musgrove Park Hospital to provide expert support to parents/carers and medical professionals looking after children with the most common childhood illnesses.
  • Chesty Baby (Bronchiolitis)
  • Chesty Child (Wheeze and Asthma)
  • High temperature
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Common newborn problems
Within the app you can choose the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children to tailor the information to the bristol area with imprortant contact numbers and websites. Download the apps here for Apple  and Android
​Please click here for more information.

Coughs and colds

An excellent leaflet produced by the University of Bristol department of academic primary care. The leaflet covers lots of useful tips about caring for your child, particulary when you need to see a doctor. Click the image for the leaflet or visit their site.

The Bristol Royal Children's Hospital
The Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) provides a local service for Bristol children and a referral service for specialist care for families across the South West and nationally.

Visit their interactive website designed for young patients between the ages of 8-12. You'll find lots of information about what happens at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, and some fun activities too.

Video guides - unwell toddlers

Find it easier to watch a video than to read through information sheets? You're not alone. The NHS choices website has self-help and educational information provided various easy to access formats including videos. This is just one example we have chosen to include on our site. There are many, many more.

If you wish to look at other videos from managing nits, dealing with a chocking child, managing eczema, giving your child antibiotics etc follow this link to the NHS Choices video pages or visit the NHS choices YouTube channel.

Healthy eating for kids.

You know the saying - you are what you eat. Children are building up their bodies for adulthood. Setting your child up with healthy eating habits with have a life long positive impact. But do you know what a growing child needs?

How many fruit and vegetables a day?
How much sugar is too much sugar?
Is it OK to give my child pizza?
Do kids need vitamins?
Click on the image to see the Association of UK dieticians advice sheet. For other general advice regarding babies, children and diet please follow this link to the BDA website.

Want to help your family eat better and move more? Click here.

Meningitis

A rare condition. But one not to miss. This video from the Meningitis Research Foundation, along with their website, gives details about the more meningitis specific symptoms.

The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Some symptoms are more specific to meningitis and septicaemia and less common in milder illnesses. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.