Being a parent can, at times, be worrying. Children are susceptible to various ailments and I know that we have relied on Google to answer some of our questions over the last two years. So I have teamed up with Dr Wayne to share his answers to the most common questions he is asked.
What are the most common questions parents ask their GP?
As a GP I’ve been asked many questions by concerned parents wanting the best for their little ones. It is important that parents feel happy to approach their GP for help when it concerns their child’s health no matter how big or small the question. Here are my top four most commonly asked questions by parents and my answers:
‘How long does my toddler need to sleep for?’
Sleep is extremely important for your child’s health and development. Toddlers need 12-14 hours sleep each day. It can be difficult to judge whether or not your toddler is getting enough sleep. If you’re unsure then ask yourselves these questions: Do you have to wake them up almost every morning? Are they restless and grumpy throughout the day? Do they sometimes fall asleep much earlier than their usual bedtime? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then there is a chance that your toddler needs more sleep. A regular routine is key to successfully ensure your child receives the right amount of sleep. Get ready to set down some rules and stick to them.
‘Should I let my child eat sugary sweets?’
This is down to personal preference. High amounts of sugar-filled treats can cause health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and poor bone density. The likelihood is that as your child grows up they will come into contact with sugary and unhealthy foods more. If you completely ban sweets then there is a chance that your child will crave them and even binge on them if given the opportunity. You want your child to build a good relationship with food and introducing them to a wide variety at a young age can help this.
‘What should I have in my first aid kit?’
A basic first aid kit can come in handy in all sorts of eventualities. You should look to include plasters of varying sizes, a thermometer, skin rash cream, painkillers, cream or spray for insect bites, antiseptic cream, cough medicine, antihistamines, bandages, scissors and tape. It might be an idea to keep a bigger first aid kit at home and have a smaller one for the car.
‘What are the best bathing products for children?’
Your child’s skin can be very sensitive. How you treat it when they are young can have an effect on them developing allergies in the future. Bathing too often can strip away natural oils which are used as a defence against allergies. Therefore making your child susceptible to developing conditions like eczema. As a general rule try to avoid products that use fragrances. If you are concerned that your child may be developing dry skin, you can look to introduce an emollient bath oil to their routine.
Those are my top four questions from parents and I’ll be continuing to answer more questions on my blog at Treated.com.
Dr Wayne Osborne, Head Practitioner of online doctor service Treated.com