Child Health Recognising Red Flags
Key Information:
● Your Instinct: As a parent, you have a built-in smoke alarm for your child's health: your instinct.
● Most of the time, a cough or cold is just "burnt toast". A brief worry, but not a fire.
● The Goal: This page lists the "Red Flag" signs that are the equivalent of the alarm blaring. These are the signs you must not ignore.
1. Check Their Breathing (The Loudest Alarm)
The most critical sign to watch for is a change in breathing.
● Struggling: Is your child struggling for breath?
● Recessions: Can you see the muscles under their ribs "sucking in" with each breath?
● Sound & Speed: Are they breathing very fast, or making a grunting noise with every breath?
● Colour: Look at their lips. Do they have a bluish tinge?
2. Watch Their Behaviour
● Drowsiness: Are they unusually drowsy or difficult to wake up?
● The Rash: Do they have a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it? (The ‘Glass Test’).
3. Other Critical Warning Signs
● Fever (Under 3 Months): A very high temperature in a baby under 3 months old.
● Dehydration: Signs include a dry nappy for 12 hours or more.
Trust Your Instinct
This list does not cover everything. Your instinct is the most sensitive smoke alarm there is.
● We Listen: We will always take your instinct very seriously.
● Don't Hesitate: You are never bothering us by acting to keep your child safe.
Who to Call?
● For urgent advice when we are closed: Call 111.
● Emergency: If your child is struggling to breathe or you are very worried, call 999.
What Happens Next?
If you are worried about a sick child, but it is not an emergency, please contact us for advice.
Further Information
Caring for Your Child During a Cold
For a complete guide on spotting signs of serious illness in children, please visit the NHS website.
Page created: 05 January 2026