Where can I find the best advice about my child’s health?

As parents, we’re always aware of the health of our children. Whilst it’s true that some may be a little over sensitive and rush to an internet medical dictionary at the first instance of even the slightest of sniffles, it’s fair to say that most of us are able to tell the difference between a feigned stomach ache when it’s time to do their chores or go to school, and a genuine illness.

In fact, the internet is the first port of call for many parents when seeking child’s health advice. It’s true that much good advice can be found online, but it is important for parents to make sure that any information that they get is from a reputable source. In fact, in a 2025 study by researchers at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, it was found that the quality of advice varied significantly online. Advice was sought from 500 websites about five topics – ‘baby sleeping position’, ‘HIV breastfeeding’, ‘MMR Autism’, ‘mastitis breastfeeding’ and ‘green vomit’ – but it was found that only 200 of these offered any correct information. As an estimated 70% of households in the UK have internet access, there is a potentially worrying amount of incorrect child’s health advice being given out.

Illness is not the only aspect of your child’s health – when asking yourself ‘what is best for my child’s health?’ you need to take into account diet, exercise and mental health. For younger children, you need to be aware of the perils that seemingly innocuous household objects pose. Not every parent is an expert in health and safety, and so many are unaware of the dangers posed by seemingly innocuous everyday household objects.

However, for all parents, quality advice about their child’s health provides something beyond compare – peace of mind.