It can be difficult as a parent to know how to approach the difficult task of cutting your child’s nails. As children get older, they can think of much better things to be doing than sitting still and being groomed – and it might feel like a daunting task for to pin them down and overcome any built-up fears. Whilst it’s tempting to leave it, any scratches or marks serve as a reminder that the job can't be ignored forever. There’s the additional concern, as they get older, of long nails being a warm, moist haven for bacteria. This puts them at risk of infected skin if they get itchy conditions like eczema, and short nails reduce the chance of nail-biting habits. Toenails in children can often become ingrown, and the sides of fingernails can get bacterial infections if bitten or pulled off. We’ve put together some tips from our own experience to help get the job done.

The UK COVID-19 vaccine programme has been extended to include all children aged 5 and over. This has been carefully debated and weighed up, as to any potential risks and benefits, and how this affects both each individual child and the wider community. It remains up to parents to consent for any child under 16, and they must weigh up what’s best for their child. Whatever your final decision, let’s give you the facts as we understand them to help you on the way. The UK has been later than some countries to offer this to children, which gives us the advantage of their experience, so we now have worldwide data from tens of millions of children, along with lab data and that from the millions of adults vaccinated.

Constipation can happen in all ages but is particularly common in children. Here are some of the common questions parents often ask me in my work as a Paediatrician.

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva: the clear tissue covering the eye's white part and the eyelids' inside. This condition can be caused by several factors, including bacterial infections and allergic reactions, leading to different types of conjunctivitis. Understanding the differences between bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis is crucial for individuals in the UK, where pollen levels can be high, and bacteria can spread quickly in close-contact environments like schools and workplaces. This knowledge helps ensure proper treatment, reduces the risk of spreading infections, and allows for more effective management of symptoms.

You may think that you don’t need to worry about your baby’s teeth until they have a full set of pearly whites, but it’s important to start early to set the foundation and tone. You may be surprised to know that you can begin to clean your baby’s gums twice a day from birth.

Projectile vomiting is when vomit flies out of a baby’s mouth forcefully. It will project like an arc several feet back, and looks quite different to the undramatic dribble of possetting. One important cause of projectile vomiting is pyloric stenosis, which affects 2-4 in 1,000 newborn babies. Pyloric stenosis occurs when there is a progressive thickening of the lower aspect of the stomach, causing a tightening or narrowing of the outlet of the stomach where it goes into the small intestine. This tightening means food can’t leave the stomach, causing an obstruction, and it requires immediate medical attention and treatment. The symptoms often occur in the first 5 weeks of life. It is more common in children whose parents had pyloric stenosis as a child, and in first-born males.

Colic - a small word with a big impact! You may be wondering, as you try every technique under the sun to soothe your crying newborn, why you haven’t heard of it before now, and why someone didn’t explain exactly what to do. But you’re here now and you are not alone: 1 in 5 babies suffer from colic. With qualifications of being a GP and a mother of two, I’ll talk you through what it is, what you can do about it and how long it will last. Colic is the word used for when babies cry for a consistent period of time without any obvious cause. It’s not well understood and there’s no consensus on the cause. One theory is that a baby’s gut is underdeveloped early on, making it harder for them to digest food and causing some temporary distress. Another theory is that it occurs with an overactive supply and let down when breastfeeding. How long does it last? Colic typically starts in the first six weeks of life. It fits the diagnosis if a baby cries for more than three hours a day, for at least three days a week. Most babies suffer from colic in the evening, but it can happen at any time of day. Colic usually goes away by itself after three to four months. But, of course, every baby is different: you may feel relieved if it’s short-lived, or you could be unlucky and it lasts for six months or so.

Anxiety is a normal response to stress or perceived danger, helping us stay alert and ready to cope with challenges. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or constant, it can begin to interfere with daily life. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to anxiety because adolescence is a time of rapid physical, emotional, and social change. Academic pressures, social expectations, family dynamics, and the influence of social media can all contribute to increased stress. By understanding the causes of anxiety and recognising the signs early, parents and professionals can help teenagers manage stress effectively and build resilience. Causes of Anxiety in Teenagers Several factors can contribute to anxiety in young people: Biological Factors Brain Development Teenagers' brains are still growing, especially the areas that control emotions and decision-making, which can make them more prone to intense feelings, including anxiety. Genetics Anxiety can run in families. If a parent or sibling has an anxiety disorder, a teen may have a higher risk. Hormonal Changes Puberty hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can amplify stress responses, making anxiety more likely. Life Events and Social Pressures Peer Pressure: Teens often feel intense pressure to fit in with friends or social groups. School Expectations: Tests, homework, and exam pressures can lead to stress and anxiety. Social Media: Online platforms can create unrealistic standards, leading teens to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate. Family and Environmental Stressors Family Conflict: Arguments or unresolved issues at home can make teens feel unsafe or anxious. Parental Expectations: High expectations can create pressure, especially if teens think they aren't meeting them. Stressful Home Life: Financial problems, health issues, or family separation can increase anxiety. Chronic Stress or Traumatic Events Bullying: Both in-person and online bullying can have lasting effects on mental health. Academic Failure: Struggling at school can reduce self-esteem and increase stress. Traumatic Events: Losing a loved one, accidents, or significant life changes can trigger anxiety.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during adolescence: a time of rapid growth and change. Teenagers face unique challenges, including hormonal shifts, social pressures, school stress, and identity development. While feeling stressed or anxious occasionally is normal, ongoing mental health struggles can affect daily life, relationships, and school performance. Understanding teenage mental health helps parents, caregivers, and teens themselves identify problems early and access support. This article covers common mental health issues, their causes, signs to watch for, and strategies to help teens maintain emotional well-being. What is Teenage Mental Health? Teenage mental health refers to a teen's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how they think, feel, and interact with others. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant development, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Common mental health issues include: Anxiety Depression Body image concerns Low self-esteem Persistent or severe mental health problems can affect confidence, academic performance, and relationships. Recognising the signs early is key to practical support and intervention.

Teething is a significant developmental milestone in your baby's early years, marking the arrival of their first teeth. As this natural process begins, it often brings with it a host of discomforts and challenges for both the baby and the parents. From the first signs of swollen gums to increased drooling and irritability, teething can be a difficult phase to navigate. Understanding the signs and symptoms of teething is crucial for providing effective relief and support. This article aims to guide you through the various indicators that your baby is teething, helping you to distinguish between typical teething symptoms and other health concerns. Additionally, we will explore practical strategies for alleviating teething pain and discomfort, including both over-the-counter remedies and natural approaches. One common concern among parents is the potential link between teething and gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea. We'll clarify this relationship and offer advice on how to manage your baby's symptoms effectively. By familiarising yourself with the signs of teething and the best ways to help your baby through this period, you can ensure a smoother transition and provide much-needed comfort during this developmental phase.

What Are Lungworms? Lungworms are tiny parasites (worms) that usually live in the lungs of animals like rats, dogs, and cats. Sometimes, these worms can also accidentally infect humans. The most common type that affects humans is called "rat lungworm" or Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Although these infections are rare in humans, they can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Lungworms have a life cycle that normally involves animals. The worms first live in rats, then move to snails or slugs, and then back to rats. Humans get infected accidentally when they eat something that has lungworm larvae (baby worms) on it. How Do People Get Lungworms? People can get lungworm infections in several ways: Eating unwashed produce: If you eat fruits or vegetables that haven't been washed properly and have tiny snails, slugs, or their slime on them Eating undercooked food: Eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or other carriers. Drinking contaminated water: Water that has lungworm larvae in it Travelling to certain areas: Infections are more common in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Teething is a natural developmental process where an infant’s first set of teeth, known as primary or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums. This usually starts between 4 and 7 months of age, although it varies. Some babies might begin teething as early as three months, while others may not start until closer to their first birthday. The teething process can last until the child is about three, as the full set of baby teeth gradually emerges. Teething is an important milestone, but it can also be challenging for babies and parents. The discomfort associated with teeth breaking through the gums can lead to various symptoms, some of which may cause concern for caregivers. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for identifying what is expected during teething and what might indicate another issue, such as an illness that could cause a fever.