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Whether you spend it inside or in the great outdoors, summer is a tricky season for keeping an infant safe and comfortable. Overdress a baby and he could develop an angry heat rash; expose his fragile body to hot conditions and he could be vulnerable to a painful, damaging sunburn or to heatstroke, a serious affliction characterized by a high fever and rapid breathing. Overheating has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a fatal sleeping disorder. “Babies sleep deeply when they’re hot, making them difficult to arouse, which may increase the risk of SIDS,” explains Bruce Epstein, M.D., a pediatrician in Pinellas Park, Florida.

To make sure your little one stays cool and protected during the long, hot days of summer, check out our expert advice.

Pick the Right Clothes

If you’re going to be indoors, dress your infant in loose-fitting, lightweight garments, preferably made from a natural fiber like cotton, which absorbs perspiration better than synthetic fabrics. A good rule of thumb: “Dress the baby the way you’re dressed,” Dr. Epstein says. “If you’re wearing shorts and a T-shirt, that will be fine for her too.” For the outdoors, put her in light-colored long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield her face. Resist the temptation to leave her exposed on a gray day, since harmful rays can penetrate the clouds.

Provide Good Ventilation

Since a baby doesn’t perspire effectively, he can become overheated far more quickly than an adult. That’s why you should never leave an infant in a hot room or a parked car. Even a few minutes could cause his temperature to spike and, in extreme cases, may prove life-threatening.
Use a Summer-Friendly Baby Carrier

The combination of your body heat and the carrier’s confining space can make an infant hot and bothered within a matter of minutes. Choose a carrier made from lightweight nylon rather than a heavy fabric like denim. If a child’s face starts to look flushed, remove her from the carrier at once.

Keep Him Hydrated

Even if you don’t see beads of sweat dripping from your infant’s forehead, he can be losing precious fluids to perspiration in hot weather. A flushed face, skin that’s warm to the touch, rapid breathing, and restlessness may be warning signs of dehydration. Since infants under 6 months shouldn’t drink water (babies over 6 months can take in modest amounts), replace the lost liquids by giving him extra formula or by nursing more frequently. Babies should drink at least 50 percent more than usual in the summer (normal fluid intake is at least two ounces per pound per day), so a ten-pound baby who usually takes in 20 ounces should be offered a minimum of 30 ounces.

Time Outdoor Activities Wisely

The worst time for your baby (and you, for that matter) to be outdoors is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun does the most harm to skin, says Eric Siegel, M.D., a dermatologist in Millburn, New Jersey. Plan outdoor excursions for before or after this peak period.

Seek Out Shade

When you arrive at the beach or the park, look for a protected spot, such as under a tree, an umbrella, or a canopy. A handy item to take to the shore is a tent made of fabric treated to block the sun’s harmful rays. Make sure it has see-through mesh sides for proper ventilation. Sunglasses for your little one are a good idea, to protect her eyes and reduce glare; the label should state that the lenses block at least 99 percent of ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation.

Be Cautious With Sunscreen

Since a baby under 6 months has thin, delicate skin, try to keep him out of direct sunlight. But for times when that’s impractical (such as taking a dip in the water with Mom or Dad), make sure he’s wearing sunscreen. The American Academy of Pediatrics now says it’s okay to apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to a baby’s exposed skin, including the face.

For a baby older than 6 months, use sunscreen more liberally and more often. Reapply every two hours, or whenever he gets wet or sweaty. Choose a waterproof sunscreen designed for kids, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it under clothing too. “An average cotton T-shirt has an SPF of only five,” Dr. Siegel notes.
Skin Soothers

If an infant sweats profusely during hot, humid weather, tiny red bumps may start to cluster on her neck or groin, in the folds of her skin at the back of her knees, or in the crease of her elbows. To relieve heat rash, remove her sticky outfit and dress her in loose cotton clothes (or simply a diaper), and apply cornstarch baby powder to the affected areas. Keeping her in a cool, well-ventilated room will help relieve symptoms.

A sunburn, characterized by hot, red, swollen skin that’s painful to the touch, can cause a baby even greater misery. Contact your doctor immediately if a child under age 1 gets a sunburn. He’ll likely have you apply cool (not cold) tap water, followed by a moisturizer, to the burned area. Don’t pop blisters; they protect against infection. Infants’ acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be appropriate for relieving discomfort.

The normal body temperature for children ranges from 36°C (96.8°F) to 37°C (98.6°F). Anything over 37.7°C (100°F) is classed as a fever.
Anything under 35°C (95°F) is also a concern because if the body temperature falls below this level hypothermia can develop.

Remember that a child’s temperature will be higher if he has been running around and lower in the morning than the evening because of muscle activity throughout the day. If your child’s temperature is high, wait for 20 minutes and take it again to check it is still high.

How to take your child’s temperature

It is best not to rely on the hand-on-the-forehead method, and invest in a good children’s thermometer.  There are lots of different types available and some are more suitable for children and babies than others.

Digital thermometers

These are probably the most accurate as they give high and low readings and can be inserted quickly into your child’s ear. They are probably the easiest as they can get a temperature reading almost straight away so if you have a wiggly, sick child, it will not be too disruptive for them. They are probably the most expensive thermometer available and need batteries to work. You can also place a digital thermometer in your child’s mouth under her tongue, but it is best to read the thermometer’s instructions on how to get the best reading.

Mercury thermometers

Mercury thermometers are unsuitable for small children to use as they have a tendency to bite the thermometer and object to it being in their mouths for a long time. For small children, it may be better to place the thermometer under their armpit for three minutes, but bear in mind this will give you a reading 0.6° C or 1°F below body temperature so you need to adjust accordingly.

Forehead thermometers

Forehead thermometers are also easier to use with small children and babies, but are the least accurate.  Place the strip on your child’s forehead with the numbers and panels facing outwards. Try not to touch the strip too much with your own fingers. Press flat and leave in place for 15 seconds. The panels will light up the temperature of your child’s forehead.

What should I do if my baby has a fever?

Whilst a raised temperature is actually a good sign because it means your child is responding and fighting off infection, it also needs to be treated because a high temperature in young children can lead to convulsions.
If the temperature is high, remove clothes and bed sheets and sponge your child’s forehead down with e tepid sponge.
To reduce a temperature effectively you can give your child medicine. Children’s Paracetamol like Calpol, or Children’s Nurofen can reduce a temperature quickly. Make sure that the medicine is suitable for the age of your baby, and that you are administering the right dose for his age.

Teething is known as the period in an infant’s life that the teeth grow and break through the gums. For some babies this can be a painful experience and for others it occurs with no complaint at all. The answer to ‘When do babies teeth?’ is different for every baby. Some babies are born with a tooth (known as a natal tooth) while others get their first tooth after the age of one. If a natal tooth is securely set in the gum, there is no problem. If a natal tooth is loose, it will more than likely be removed as this can be inhaled into your baby’s windpipe if it were to fall out. If it is removed, your child will be left with a gap until a second tooth grows around school going age. Your doctor should be made aware if your baby has a natal tooth. The average age for a baby’s first tooth to break through is about six months. Your baby will probably have been drooling and biting from the age of three to four months already. It is thought that the teething pattern could be hereditary. If either you or your partner were an early or late teether, chances are your children will follow the same pattern. You should consider visiting your dentist to check that everything is growing fine if your baby has no sign of showing teeth by the time they reach their first birthday.

In most cases, the lower teeth appear before the upper teeth. It is usually the girls that cut teeth before boys. All babies are different. It could be the first tooth that causes the most pain for some babies, while it is the molars in other children that are the cause of the most pain. It’s the most painful for some babies when they cut a few teeth at the same time.

The first two teeth to appear are usually the lower central incisors. These are followed by the four upper incisors. This is the average tooth development by the time a baby is one year old. There is normally a few months break before the remaining two lower incisors break the gum. At around the same time the four molars break through. These are at the back of the mouth, leaving space for the canines which appear several months after this. This is usually the second half of the second year. By the first half of the third year the second set of molars break through the gum. This completes the set of baby teeth.

Some babies show no signs of teething, while others might have a variety of symptoms. Teething symptoms can begin days, weeks or months before the tooth appears. The symptoms can include drooling, one of the cheeks might appear flushed and the area on the gum where the tooth is trying to cut through may appear to look red and sore. Your baby will be looking to chew on anything to relieve the pain. They might rub their cheeks and pull their ears. There could be an increase in saliva and your baby might become irritable. Symptoms like diarrhoea, rashes, fever and earache should not necessarily be put down to teething. If you have any concerns, you should contact your paediatrician.

Pressure on the gums helps to alleviate the pain. Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can do wonders to ease the pain. It might be a bit uncomfortable for your baby at the start, but after a few moments, it will become increasingly soothing. A rubber teething ring of any shape is good too. You can get gel-filled teething rings and water-filled teething rings. A teething ring, which can be chilled in the refrigerator, helps in reducing pain. This should never be frozen. Do not allow your baby to chew on toys or objects that are made from thin, brittle plastic. It is too easy for these to break and your child can end up choking on this. There are over-the-counter teething drops available which contain a mild anaesthetic. They are thought to be well tolerated by most babies. Get the advice of your paediatrician before giving your baby medication. You can use a barrier cream on your baby’s chin to prevent soreness from constant dribbling.

Give your baby lots of extra attention when he/she is teething. Cuddles might just be what your baby wants and needs at this time.

A pacifier is an artificial nipple designed for babies to suck on for comfort. Pacifiers have always been a popular way for parents to soothe their little ones when all else fails. It’s important to understand that your child can become dependent on them rather quickly, so before you pop that binky in your infant’s mouth, consider the pros and cons to using one.

Pacifier Pros

Most babies cry for an average of three hours a day, because they do not have methods for soothing themselves yet. Giving your baby a pacifier to suck on is a good way to calm them down, because their energy goes into sucking rather than crying.

Parents find pacifiers especially helpful when they are preparing a bottle, getting ready for a diaper change or putting their baby to sleep. A binky will often keep your baby content while you get everything in order. Pacifiers are also commonly used in public places to keep your baby quiet, so that the people around you are not subjected to a screaming child.

Studies have shown there are some health benefits linked to pacifiers as well. Preemies who suck on pacifiers will gain weight faster. Sucking promotes oral-muscle function and muscle development. There is also some evidence that a pacifier may decrease the risk of SIDS when used at bedtime or naptime.

Pacifiers Cons

Offering a pacifier early on can interfere with breastfeeding. Babies may get confused with the different nipples they are presented, and those with problems latching on may find it more difficult to nurse if they also use a pacifier. If you’d like to use a binky, wait about 4-6 weeks so that a breastfeeding routine is well established.

Pediatricians recommend that pacifiers be taken away when babies hit six months in age because pacifier sucking promotes fluid collection in the ears, which leads to ear infections. To make it easier to get rid of a pacifier- try reading, rocking or singing to your baby. Although this requires more time and energy, it will gently break your child of the pacifier habit.

Children who suck on anything- fingers, thumbs or pacifiers- past the age of 3 have a higher risk of developing dental problems. Pacifier use can contribute to protruding front teeth or an overbite. Many dentists believe that the use of a pacifier should cease once all of the baby teeth have erupted.

Pacifiers tend to get dirty easily, which leads to germs and poor hygiene. Make sure you clean your baby’s pacifier daily with boiling water or by washing in a dishwasher. Do not store them in plastic bags, where dampness can encourage fungal growth. It’s also a good idea not to share your baby’s binky with other playmates.

Parents who become dependent on pacifiers to soothe their baby create more work for themselves, since the baby may be relying on a pacifier to fall asleep. Hurrying back and forth all night to pop a binky back into your baby’s mouth every time it falls out will get exhausting pretty quickly.

Breaking the Habit

Many babies begin to lose interest in pacifiers at about 4-5 months of age, as the need to suck subsides. They will suck on it less or spit it out. Fight the urge to replace the pacifier in your child’s mouth when this happens. Other ways to wean your baby off slowly ~ try dipping the pacifier in pickle juice to make it less appealing and reward pacifier-free days. Don’t worry- it may take several weeks for your baby to give up their pacifiers, but with constant encouragement, the habit will eventually drop.

We already know how much infants need fresh air and sunlight. It is insufficient to confine with ventilation of the space, where the child is. Newborns must daily walk in the fresh air on the hands of the mother, in the sledge, or in a wheel chair. Until the child is still unable to walk, it is best to daily put him to sleep in the fresh air. Fresh air and sunlight enhance the child’s body and protects it from disease, especially from rickets. A child used to walk every day in summer and winter, catches cold much less. Daily walks improve appetite and strengthen the nervous system of the child, the child capricious less and sleep better. In winter, if there is no strong cold wind, you can walk with your child even with the cold of 10-15 degrees.

You can also put the child to sleep outdoors in the afternoon, children should dress in accordance with the seasons.

In winter, the child may sleep in a room with an open window, and it will be very useful for him. When doing so, it is necessary to dress the child as if going for a walk. Close the window about 15 – 20 minutes before the child wakes up. When the room warms up, the warm blanket, warm hat should be taken off the child, otherwise the baby will be hot, and can catch cold later.

You can start taking the baby for a walk when he is two weeks old. Initially, bring the child out for 15 – 20 minutes, then gradually extend the time of walking up to 1.5 – 3 hours. In winter, the child must walk 2 times a day, a total of at least 3 – 4 hours. In the warm season, it is desirable that the baby stays in the air all day.

For walks in the winter time the child should wear a warm hat, as well as a warm blouse. Wrap the baby in diaper, and then in a warm blanket, protecting it from wind. You should close the baby so as not to disturb him to breathe fresh air. In winter, during frosty days it is recommended to lubricate the face of the baby with some kind of fat before leaving for a walk.

Taking the child for a walk in spring and autumn, just turn it into flannelette blanket. In summer, on hot days, you can dress the baby in a light blouse, a white linen hat, protecting the head from overheating sunlight.

Parents  of young children are kept busy looking after their children’s myriad needs. In all this, the hair often gets neglected. Proper hair care, even at this age, is important for your child. It will also help to make hair care a habit with your child as he grows up.

Here are some tips to help you care for your children’s hair:

• Always keep your child’s scalp clean; this is important even if your baby has no hair yet.
• Wash your child’s hair every few days; due to their scanty growth, it is not necessary to wash your baby’s hair everyday.
• Gently ease out any tangles in your baby’s hair before washing it.
• Be gentle and exercise caution. Do not exert pressure on the baby’s soft spot on the scalp.
• Use a gentle baby shampoo that will not hurt the baby’s eyes.
• Many children may find the process of having their hair washed distressing. Speak to your child gently and in comforting tones. Encourage your child to enjoy having the hair washed.
• ‘Cradle cap,’ a condition marked by red or flaky skin on the scalp, is prevalent amongst young children. It can be controlled by regularly washing the scalp with a gentle shampoo; your doctor may prescribe a cortisone cream.
• Remember: It is a myth that shaving off an infant’s hair helps it grow thicker and better.

Ringworm is one of several related skin infections called tinea and it can occur on the skin, scalp and nails. You will probably have heard of (and may even be familiar with!) athlete’s foot, which is the term used to describe ringworm when it occurs on the feet, but in young children it’s more likely to appear on the face, torso or scalp. It’s very contagious and common in toddlers and preschoolers who tend to mix more with other children. Here’s gurgle’s roundup of the facts you need to know to recognise, treat and prevent it…

1. It’s not a worm
Ringworm is actually a fungal infection caused by mould-like fungi called dermatophytes that live on dead cells from the skin, hair, and nails.

2. It doesn’t always appear as a ‘ring’
Ringworm first appears as a red, scaly, itchy (but not painful) patch before gradually forming the shape of a ring or a series of rings with raised borders and a smooth, clear centre. The rings can range in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres and may merge if they’re close together. If ringworm occurs on the feet, it usually doesn’t form a ring at all, but instead appears as red, scaly patches.

3. It can resemble cradle cap
On the scalp ringworm may first appear as a sore and progress into a dry flaky patch, or a moist patch that oozes fluid. It’s fairly easy to confuse it with cradle cap but if your child is over a year old, cradle cap is unlikely so if you notice sore patches on her scalp, with hair loss, it’s most likely to be ringworm.

4. Your child can catch it from people, pets and soil
Ringworm is very contagious and easily spread if your child comes into contact with another child who has ringworm and the fungus gets into your child’s body through a scratch or a patch of eczema. It’s also possible to catch it from a pet dog or cat, and it also can be transmitted through soil if your child has a cut on her hands and they get dirty while she’s playing outside.

5. It’s easy to treat
Thankfully, ringworm can be easily treated with antifungal cream or ointment – your doctor may prescribe one or you can buy an over-the-counter cream containing one or two percent clotrimazole (your pharmacist can recommend one). Use the cream as directed and watch for any signs of sensitivity, such as a rash. You should continue using the cream on the affected areas for a week or so after the patches have cleared. If your child has ringworm on her scalp your doctor will prescribe an oral antifungal medicine and a medicated shampoo.

6. Prevention is simple

• If you suspect your child may have ringworm, keep her home from nursery or her childminder until you have seen the doctor. Once she’s being treated, it’s not necessary to keep her at home.
• Wash your hands after applying ointment to your child’s skin and ensure she frequently washes her hands.
• Keep her nails short so that she can’t break the skin while scratching and try to distract her from doing so as scratching can transfer fungi spores to her fingers and under her fingernails, making it easier to pass on.
• Avoid using the same towels as your child and don’t let any siblings use her towels or facecloth, or play with her soft toys.
• If she has ringworm on her scalp don’t let siblings use her hairbrush, comb, or pillow, or wear her hat.
• If you have more than one child and are in the habit of bathing them together, don’t do this as long as one of them has ringworm.
• If you’re at all suspicious your pet might have ringworm (giveaway signs are crusty patches of skin with fur loss), take it to the vet.

Vomiting is very common in babies and young children and can often happen when nothing is wrong. Babies normally ‘posset’ up their feeds, where a tiny amount of milk will be brought up from time to time, usually after a feed or whilst being winded and this is completely normal. If your baby brings up most or all of her feed, is it more likely that she is vomiting, but try not to panic. All children are sick from time to time whether they are breast or bottle-fed and they usually get better quickly or within 24 hours.

Causes of vomiting:
Consult your doctor is your child continues to vomit over a six-hour period, or if the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhoea, fever, earache or a rash.
- If babies have eaten too much it may cause them to vomit. Sometimes they just bring up the surplus food, but sometimes the whole feed can come up. If this is the case she will probably only vomit once after the feed.
- Indigestion can cause your baby to vomit so try not to rush her feeds.
- Occasionally babies can have a milk allergy to the proteins in their mother’s breastmilk and this may cause her to vomit. Consult your doctor if you suspect this is the case and you may be advised to change your diet or give your baby a hypoallergenic formula for a while.
- A viral or bacterial infection can cause your child to vomit. If bacteria has entered the stomach lining your baby may have an episode of vomiting, have diarrhoea, fever and a loss of appetite. If the vomiting has not stopped after six hours, consult your doctor.
- A fit of coughing can sometimes make a baby vomit as the force on her stomach makes her bring her food up. If this is the case she will probably only vomit a few times, but if she keeps vomiting, contact your doctor.
- Other illnesses that can be accompanied by vomiting are; urinary tract infections, ear infections, meningitis, appendicitis and reflux, Pneumonia and Reye’s syndrome.  (Read further features to find out additional symptoms).
- Reflux can also cause babies to vomit. (see link above)
- Upset tummies from something your baby has eaten can cause her to vomit, and will most likely be accompanied by diarrhoea, loss of appetite, general irritability and sometimes fever. This should not last for long, but if symptoms persist for more then six hours, consult a doctor.
- Excessive crying can sometimes cause a baby to vomit as they take in gulps of air.
- If your child has a very runny nose and swallows a lot of mucus, it can cause her to vomit. Treat her symptoms as you would a common cold.
- If your baby has swallowed something toxic (cleaning products, medication etc) try to identify what she has swallowed and call 999.
- Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is a common cause of infant vomiting and happens when a virus infects the gastrointestinal tract and is usually accompanied by diarrhoea. It normally clears up on its own but if symptoms persist for more then six hours consult a doctor.

Pyloric Stenosis
Pyloric Stenosis is a rare condition that affects babies in the first few months of life. It occurs because the muscle controlling the valve that leads from the stomach to the intestines thickens so much, so that food is unable to pass through.
Symptoms:
Your baby will start to projectile vomit and cannot keep any food down.
Treatment
If this is the case consult your doctor immediately as your baby may need an operation to rectify the problem and unblock the valve.

What to do if your child is vomiting:
If your child vomits for more then six hours consult a doctor. If diarrhoea, fever, earache or a severe rash accompanies vomiting, seek medical help.

Infants under six months:
Offer your infant small but frequent amounts (about 2/3 teaspoonfuls) of oral electrolyte solution every 15-20 minutes. Electrolyte solution contains salt and sugar and replaces important salts your body relies on that it may have lost from a bout of vomiting. Always read the instructions of the solution carefully and give the right dose for the age of your child. This will help to stop your child becoming dehydrated.
If your child goes for eight hours without vomiting, gradually re-introduce her normal feeds feeding her little and often to give her tummy the chance to get used to feeds again.
For breastfed infants, if the sickness seems to cease, breastfeed your child for five minutes every two hours. After eight hours of keeping her feeds down you can resume her normal feeding routine.

Infants – six months to a year
Offer your infant small but frequent amounts (about 2/3 teaspoonfuls) of oral electrolyte solution every 15-20 minutes. Electrolyte solution contains salt and sugar and replaces important salts your body relies on that it may have lost from a bout of vomiting. Always read the instructions of the solution carefully and give the right dose for the age of your child. This will help to stop your child becoming dehydrated.
After eight hours of no vomiting you can re-introduce formula feeds slowly, not giving your child too much at a time. (One to two ounce feeds working gradually up to the normal feeding routine).
For breastfed infants, if the sickness seems to cease, breastfeed your child for five minutes every two hours. After eight hours of keeping her feeds down you can resume her normal feeding routine.
After eight hours you can try to give your baby small amounts of bland foods like bananas, crackers or mild baby food.

For children over 1:
Give clear liquids such as water, but dilute fruit juice and avoid giving milk.
Give your child the oral electrolyte solution to help replace lost salt and sugars. (Always follow instructions). If they vomit up solution start again with small teaspoonfuls.
After eight hours of no vomiting, try giving your child bland, soft, easy foods like soup, toast (no butter) and banana. After 24 hours of no sickness, you can resume your child’s normal diet.

When to call a doctor:
If your child continues to vomit over a six-hour period, has diarrhoea or a fever of over 38°C (100.4°F) or you notice other symptoms such as a rash, earache or dehydration (sunken eyes or fontanelle, dizzy or drowsiness).

Babies and young children are more susceptible than adults to illness and disease because their immune systems are still forming.

Due to this vulnerability, meningitis is more prevalent amongst little ones. As a parent it is important to understand the warning signs and find ways to protect both you and your child against meningitis.

Listeriosis: what is it?

Mums-to-be are at a higher risk of contracting listeriosis, a bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis. Listeriosis is not usually harmful to pregnant women and can feel like a mild flu case with body aches and a high temperature. However, it can be dangerous for an unborn baby if passed on to him from the mother. The bacteria can be found in food but will usually be killed if cooked or reheated thoroughly. Though the chance of being infected by this disease as a pregnant mum is very small – about one in every 20,000 pregnant women will be affected – it is important to go to your GP if you suspect an infection. Listeriosis can be detected by your GP through a blood or urine test.

Meningitis: what is it?

Meningitis occurs when the lining around the brain and spinal cord becomes inflamed. Almost any microbe can cause meningitis; however, it is usually bacterial or viral and occasionally due to fungal infections. Viral meningitis is more common and milder form, but bacterial meningitis can come in many different and dangerous forms. When bacteria enter the bloodstream and migrate to the brain and spinal cord they can result in acute bacterial meningitis. It can also occur when bacteria are able to enter the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord directly due to a sinus infection or a skull fracture. Meningococcal disease is the most common serious type of bacterial meningitis to be acquired by individuals. In the UK about four out of every 100,000 people will get Meningococcal each year.

What are the symptoms?

Signs of infection include a tense or bulging soft spot on your baby’s head, a purple-red rash, a refusal to feed and irritability when picked up – with a high-pitched or moaning cry. He may have a stiff body with jerky movements, or appear limp and lifeless. An infected baby may also experience high temperatures, throbbing headaches, vomiting, fast breathing, extreme shivering, cold hands and feet and may develop a dislike to bright lights. He may have a stiff neck and be unable to put his head to his chest.

If your child has any of the above symptoms or you suspect he may have meningitis it is imperative that you take him to the hospital immediately. It is far better to be safe than sorry. Most meningitis infections occur in babies and children under the age of five. The disease can be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, contact with infected blood, or contact with contaminated food or water. If the disease is acquired, it normally takes up to five days for visible symptoms to appear.

The glass test

A way of checking whether a rash on you or your child’s body signifies meningitis is by performing the glass test. To carry out the glass test, you must press a clear drinking glass firmly against the affected area. If the spots of the rash do not fade in response to the pressure being placed upon it, this could be a sign of a medical emergency and you must take your baby to hospital immediately. The rash may also be accompanied by a fever. For more information read our feature on Meningitis.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for bacterial meningitis is vital, as 10-20 percent of all cases are fatal. Urgent hospital treatment of antibiotics and other remedies are given to any individuals found to have Meningitis. If left untreated it can result in other severe disabilities such as deafness and brain damage.

How can I protect my child?

To protect against meningitis there are available vaccines, however no vaccine can protect against all forms of the disease. Due to a national UK immunisation programme for meningitis C, babies are given the meningitis C vaccine along with their other immunisations at two, three and four months of age. However there is no vaccine for cases of meningococcal disease, which is the most common form of the disease in the UK. The lack of a vaccine makes it even more vital to know and understand the symptoms of the disease.