Baby ill at nursery: what should you do?

Ah, the joys of illness! When adults are struck down, it can be hard enough to cope. But when it involves children, it can feel even more overwhelming — especially when they can no longer go to nursery and everything starts to unravel! Baby ill at nursery: what should you do? We tackle this in the article below!

Baby ill at nursery: infectious diseases that are not accepted

When both parents work outside the home, a sick child can feel like an absolute crisis — particularly for those who are not lucky enough to have grandparents nearby, or who simply have no childcare solution.

So, when it is a small cold with a runny nose, there is no need to panic. But certain infectious diseases absolutely require that baby stays out of a group setting — simply for the wellbeing of the other children and the nursery staff!

Let us first look at which infectious diseases these are:

• Mumps
• Whooping cough
• Covid-19
• Measles
• Tuberculosis
• Streptococcal throat infection
• Hepatitis A
• Scarlet fever
• Gastroenteritis
• Impetigo
• All invasive meningococcal infections
• Certain cases of chickenpox (depending on severity)

Solutions when baby is ill at nursery

First, there is the scenario where your little one is unwell but their condition still allows them to attend nursery. Speak to your doctor about whether medication can be given twice a day — morning and evening — to avoid the need for doses during nursery hours.

Bear in mind that it is ultimately the nursery manager who will decide whether or not to accept your child, based on their condition.

Finally, if baby cannot go to nursery, you will need to arrange alternative childcare:

• Request to work from home with your employer
• Call on a childminder
• Take a sick child leave day — which allows you to take 3 to 5 days off per year upon presentation of a medical certificate

Tips for keeping the little bugs at bay

1. If baby is still breastfed, make the most of it! Breastfeeding is genuinely an excellent way to give them a powerful boost of antibodies!
2. From 18 months onwards, it is possible to give your child fresh pollen by adding it to their fruit purée, for example;
3. Vary their diet and choose seasonal fruit and vegetables. We have a whole range of little recipes, such as savoury summer recipes for baby!
4. Vitamin D is recommended for children up to the age of 3, particularly during the winter months.