Children's Health
Fever in a child under 5
If your child has a fever you may wish to use the traffic light table to help you determine how serious it is, and the most sensible action to take.
Click here to see the traffic light table.
Help for Parents
Most relationships have their ups and downs, and disagreements and arguments are normal. But arguments between parents that are intense, hostile, and poorly resolved can be harmful to their children and put their mental health and long term life outcomes at risk. Learning to argue in ways that are helpful rather than harmful is vital for maintaining healthy relationships, whether parents are together or not.
OnePlusOne in conjunction with the County Council offer free digital resources designed to help parents reflect on conflict in their relationship with current or ex-partners, as well as the impact on their children. The resources use videos and animations that incorporate evidence-based techniques to promote behaviour change and help parents to argue in ways that are helpful rather than harmful.
Please click on a title to access free course information:
Me, you and baby too- course information
NHS Healthy Start – get help to buy healthy food and milk
Are you pregnant or have a child under four? Did you know you could be missing out on free fruit, vegetables, or milk worth at least £220 a year and free vitamins?
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, and in receipt of certain benefits, you could be entitled to a Healthy Start prepaid card worth £4.25 per child per week, to spend on healthy food and milk.
If you are entitled to Healthy Start, you will also get free vitamins designed to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.
Pregnant women and parents of children over one and under four years old can apply online for a new Healthy Start digital prepaid card which will be topped up every 4 weeks. Parents of children under one year old can get £8.50 per week. Previous voucher recipients must re-apply to continue getting help.
Check your eligibility and apply at NHS Healthy Start.
You can also use the benefit-checker on the Hertfordshire County Council website, and access free information about benefits that you might be missing-out on.
Health Visitors in Herts
The Health Visiting team offer confidential health advice and support right through from pregnancy to your child's 5th birthday. You will find their contact number in your child's red book or by calling 0300 1237572. You can also access a text advice service on 07480 635164.
Health Visitors are registered Nurses or Midwives who have a specialised degree in Public Health and can offer advice on breast feeding, introducing solids, behaviour difficulties, post natal depression and many other topics. For more information and to visit their website click here.
Introducing Solid Foods
Weaning is when a baby is introduced to solid foods alongside breastmilk or infant formula. The new NHS Better Health Start for Life campaign offers parents support and advice on how to do this.
A dedicated weaning huboffers support and advice during what can be a confusing time. It is packed with NHS-endorsed advice, videos and tips, plus simple, healthy recipes, it puts everything parents need to know in one place.