Kids' health
![Sad looking boy walking through school corridor alone to illustrate anxiety. Sad looking boy walking through school corridor alone to illustrate anxiety.](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/anxiety-in-children-dpdmre-924f2844-9d1e-441e-8ffc-b5f97f3b76c9-87e378.jpg)
Anxiety in children
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of anxiety in children, when it may be an anxiety disorder and how to help children with anxiety.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-64f489.jpg)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects people of all ages. Find out about ADHD symptoms and how ADHD is diagnosed and treated.
![Image of sad-looking little girl sitting on a bed to illustrate bedwetting in older children. Image of sad-looking little girl sitting on a bed to illustrate bedwetting in older children.](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/bedwetting-child-42cc7a.jpg)
Bedwetting in older children
Bedwetting can happen when children don’t wake when they need to urinate. There are several things you can do to help your child.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/e59858-1aeac245-465c-42ff-a02f-8708c3505d23-630f88.jpg)
Benefits of physical activity for children
Children over 5 should be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day. Encourage your child to be active and set them up for a healthy life.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/chickenpox_boy_calamine_h-257ca6.jpg)
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, that can also occur in adults. It is occasionally serious. Here's how you can prevent catching chickenpox.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/childrens-feet-0a9389.jpg)
Children's feet
Caring for your child's feet is important for their development. Learn how to look after your child's feet, choose footwear, and spot foot problems.
![Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining of the eye and eyelid. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining of the eye and eyelid.](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/conjunctivitis_h.jpg)
Conjunctivitis
Known as 'pink eye', conjunctivitis is a contagious disease where the whites of the eye appear pink and may have a sticky discharge.
![Close-up image of boy clutching his stomach in a doctor's room to illustrate constipation in children. Close-up image of boy clutching his stomach in a doctor's room to illustrate constipation in children.](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/boy-clutching-stomach-8fab5e.jpg)
Constipation in children
Constipation in kids is quite common and isn't usually caused by something serious. Here's how to help your child when they're constipated.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/coughs-colds-ear_0_h-42e455.jpg)
Coughs and colds in children
Most coughs and colds in children are caused by viruses. Find out how to treat your child and prevent them from developing and spreading a cold.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/baby_cough_croup_h-3e43f5.jpg)
Croup
Croup is very common in children under 5 years old. Find out how croup is diagnosed and treated here.
![generic hda banner generic hda banner](/assets/images/theme-banner.png)
Dental care for children
Tooth decay is on the rise, so it's vital to teach your child good oral health habits. Get tips on child dental care and teeth cleaning.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/team-spirit-f039c4.jpg)
Developing life skills through sports
Sport isn’t just good for children’s bodies. Sport has psychological benefits for children and adolescents, and teaches them important life skills.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/diarrhoea-in-children-d514e9.jpg)
Diarrhoea in children
Diarrhoea in children is very common. It can sometimes be serious. Read more here to find out about the causes, symptoms and treatments.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/asthma-and-children-24dc13.jpg)
Exercise for children with asthma
Asthma is not a reason for children to avoid sport. Find out more about managing asthma during exercise.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/sick-child-with-fever_h-44906d-5b3865bc-41d4-444a-be08-9850a6e3673b.jpg)
Fever in children
Fevers are quite common in young children and they are usually mild. Find out how to deal with fever and high temperatures in children here.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/food-allergies-in-children_h-19ef5f.jpg)
Food allergies in children
Does your family have a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever or food allergies? Learn about food allergies in children and how to spot a reaction.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-9c4f62.jpg)
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness mainly affecting children under 10 years old but sometimes affecting older children and adults.
![Removing head lice can be done using the conditioner and comb method. Removing head lice can be done using the conditioner and comb method.](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/head-lice_h.jpg)
Head lice
Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood by biting skin. Here's what to do if your child's affected by lice - and how to prevent an infestation.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/boy-watermelon-healthy-eating-77a620.jpg)
Healthy eating for children
Healthy eating helps kids stay well and helps prevent illness. Read on for tips on how to encourage healthy eating habits in children.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/hydration-tips-for-children-cdf78e.jpg)
Hydration tips for children
Children are sometimes at risk of dehydration, especially in hot weather and when exercising. These tips will help keep them safe and healthy.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/immunisation-babies_h-9578ee.jpg)
Immunisation and vaccinations for your child
Vaccinations and immunisation protect babies and children. Read more on why and when to vaccinate your child, and about side effects and costs.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/impetigo_h-0ccd18.jpg)
Impetigo
Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It's very common and mainly affects children.
![Image of anxious-looking pre-teen girl with her head leaning against her palm, to illustrate kids and mental health concerns. Image of anxious-looking pre-teen girl with her head leaning against her palm, to illustrate kids and mental health concerns.](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/k22fbr-a9fc127c-ee42-448d-9ec3-85687ed76841-550c0b.jpg)
Kids and mental health
Mental health problems affect a child’s emotions and behaviour, and can be worrying for them and their family. Discover signs and strategies to help.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/looking-after-a-sick-child-1925d3.jpg)
Looking after a sick child
Mild illnesses are common in children, but knowing about symptoms will help you care for your child and know whether their condition is more serious.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/medicine-eye-dropper-dn18pb_89a4c996-e8fa-4658-8855-943b2905638e-e40337.jpg)
Medicines for babies and children
Get practical and reliable advice on giving your sick infant or child medicine, including help with measuring dosage and managing side effects.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/measles-133ffb.jpg)
Measles
Measles is a very infectious viral disease. It’s spread via droplets in the air. Learn about the symptoms of measles and why vaccination is essential.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/meningitis-6dc651.jpg)
Meningitis
Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness requiring urgent medical treatment. Learn more about meningitis, including the common symptoms.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/mumps-f6fd67.jpg)
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection, most common in children between 5 and 15 years. These days it’s rare thanks to effective immunisation.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/childhood-obesity-953d14.jpg)
Obesity in children
Childhood obesity is when a child has too much body fat for their age. Learn about helping your child move towards a healthy weight.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/personal-hygiene-for-children-838ce8.jpg)
Personal hygiene for children
Good personal hygiene can boost your child's self-esteem, as well as keep them healthy. Find tips and links that will help support your children.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/rashes-618a71.jpg)
Rashes
Rashes can be red, pink, purple, flat or bumpy, itchy, scaley or pus filled. Read on to learn about the causes and management of various rashes.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/child-with-fever-and-rubella-741fa6.jpg)
Rubella (German measles)
Rubella (also known as German measles) is best prevented by the MMR vaccination. Learn more about its distinctive rash, other symptoms and treatments.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/safe-exercise-for-kids-06af41.jpg)
Safe exercise for children
Your child needs to exercise safely, so there are some simple rules to remember. Know how much exercise is right and why warming up is important.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/ep8ap3-75edad93-a4bb-49f1-b114-8108c9d22035-bf6d8a.jpg)
A safe sports environment for children
Learn how sporting groups and parents can provide an environment that is safe, supportive and fair for children who play sport.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/scabies_h-676426.jpg)
Scabies
Scabies is caused by a tiny bug that burrows under your skin, causing intense itching and sometimes a rash. Read more about scabies and its treatment.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/little-girl-home-sick-dd1df7.jpg)
School exclusion for health reasons
Kids with certain infectious diseases must stay away from school or childcare. Find out how exclusions work and when your child can return to school.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/banners/w760h217/sleeping-well-249d74.jpg)
Sleep tips for children
Sleep is vital for a child’s growth, learning and development. Find out how much sleep children need, and discover new ways to help them sleep well.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/speech-development-in-children-80c904.jpg)
Speech development in children
Kids learn to talk and develop at their own rate, but there are some general patterns of speech development for babies and children. Find out more.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/symptoms-of-serious-illness-in-babies-and-children-c42d7d.jpg)
Symptoms of serious illness in babies and children
If your child has a serious illness, it's important to get medical attention quickly. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and what to do.
![Image of white cotton thread and a needle to symbolise threadworm, or 'pinworm', which resemble tiny pieces of thread. Image of white cotton thread and a needle to symbolise threadworm, or 'pinworm', which resemble tiny pieces of thread.](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/white-thread-4c678c.jpg)
Threadworms (pinworms)
Threadworms infect children when eggs are transferred from their hands to their mouths. Learn the symptoms, treatment and prevention of threadworm.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/vomiting-in-children-3e01c4.jpg)
Vomiting in children
Learn more about what can cause vomiting in children. Read our tips to help you manage the symptoms and know when you should see a doctor.
![](https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/theme_promo/w760h217/whooping-cough-d49ed2.jpg)
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here’s how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.