Common Topics

The Little Orange Book (LOB) contains advice and tips on how to manage common illnesses and problems that babies and young children often experience in the first 5 years of their lives

This page is for parents/carers of children with a tracheostomy fitted when they have a fever, using a traffic light system (red, amber, green) to help you decide when and where to seek care for your child.

It can be difficult to tell when your baby has an infection, as infections can cause lots of different signs and symptoms and babies can’t say how they feel. It is important to trust your instincts and, if you feel that something is ‘not quite right’ with your baby, seek help from your midwife, health visitor, GP, NHS 111 or visit an emergency department if you are very worried.

Fever is extremely common in children and can happen when your child has an infection. Most children recover quickly with no treatment.

Babies have immature immune systems, which means that they are particularly at risk from infections. These infections may be mild in older children or adults but can be life-threatening for babies. It is very important to try and stop babies catching infections, particularly in the first few weeks of life