Advice and resources : General child health and development
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Healthy weight and keeping active
Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active increases a child's overall health.
Learn moreImmunisations
If children are not fully vaccinated, they're at risk of catching diseases.
Learn moreHow can we help
Healthy weight and keeping active
Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active increases a child's overall health.
Learn moreImmunisations
If children are not fully vaccinated, they're at risk of catching diseases.
Learn moreOverview
To ensure your child is healthy and develops to their full potential, we recommend the following.
Health services
Make sure your child is registered with a GP.
They should also have regular check-ups eye-checks with opticians, and teeth checks with their dentist. Some of these services are available free of charge and can help find issues early.
Follow our advice on how to keep your child's immunisations up to date to protect them from common childhood illnesses.
Remember to teach your child proper handwashing and personal hygiene habits, to stop the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness.
Diet and mental health
Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support their growth, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
Teach your child the importance of staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. This is really important during physical activities and hot weather.
Try to avoid sugary drinks.
For mental health, encourage open communication with your child. Ask them about their feelings and emotions, and give them support if they experience stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
Activities
Regular physical activity helps your child develop strong muscles, bones, and a healthy cardiovascular system.
Aim for at least 60 minutes of active play every day.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep each night, or around 9 to 11 hours depending on their age. This can help support their physical and mental development, and their ability to focus and learn in school.
Limit screen time and encourage activities that promote creativity, social interaction, and physical movement.
Teach your child about safety, including road safety, stranger danger awareness, and online safety.