A guide for parents and carers of children from birth and beyond

Being a parent is a wonderful and rewarding experience. We want to help you enjoy parenting and support you during times when you may need a bit of extra help or advice.

We are working together to improve the lives of all children in Suffolk. This resource has been put together by Suffolk County Council, NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group and Public Health Suffolk. In bringing these services together and working in partnership, we are able to offer advice about common health issues as well as social, emotional wellbeing alongside more specialised care in a much more coordinated way. There is of course specialist support if your child needs it, but there is so much you, as a parent or carer can do to promote a healthy lifestyle early on, and in turn help prevent your child from becoming unwell or unhealthy in the first place. This resource promotes wellbeing and healthy lifestyles right from the start.

Every parent or carer wants to know what to do when a child is ill - use this resource to learn how to care for your child at home, when to call your GP, when to discuss with your health visitor or pharmacist and when to contact the emergency services. Most issues your child will experience are part of growing up and are often helped by talking to your health visitor or GP.