Children's Health: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Your Child Well

Every parent wants their child to be healthy. But knowing how to protect your child's health — what to watch for, when to seek care, and how to build healthy habits from an early age — requires knowledge that is not always easy to find.

The Foundation: Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the most powerful tools available for protecting children's health. They protect against diseases that were once major causes of childhood death and disability — including measles, polio, whooping cough, and meningitis.

Nigeria's National Programme on Immunisation provides a schedule of recommended vaccinations from birth through childhood. Ensure your child receives all recommended vaccinations on schedule. If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status, speak to your healthcare provider.

Regular Paediatric Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with a paediatrician or general practitioner are important even when your child appears healthy. These visits allow the doctor to monitor your child's growth and development, detect any concerns early, and provide guidance on nutrition, sleep, and development.

• Newborns: Check-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months.
• Toddlers: Annual check-ups from age 1 to 3.
• School-age children: Annual check-ups, including vision and hearing screening.
• Adolescents: Annual check-ups with attention to mental health, nutrition, and physical development.

Nutrition for Growing Children

Children's nutritional needs are different from adults — they need adequate protein for growth, calcium for bone development, iron for brain development, and a range of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Nigerian foods offer excellent nutritional options for children: beans and eggs for protein, dairy products and fish for calcium, leafy vegetables for iron and vitamins, and a variety of fruits for vitamins and fibre. The key is variety and consistency.

Common Childhood Illnesses to Know

Some illnesses are particularly common in Nigerian children. Knowing the signs and when to seek care can make a significant difference:

• Malaria: Fever, chills, headache, and vomiting. Seek medical attention promptly — malaria can progress rapidly in young children.
• Diarrhoea and dehydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake and seek care if diarrhoea is severe or prolonged.
• Respiratory infections: Cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Seek care if breathing is laboured or the child appears very unwell.
• Typhoid fever: Prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and weakness. Requires medical treatment.
• Skin infections: Common in children — keep wounds clean and seek care if infection signs appear.

Supporting Your Child's Mental Health

Children's mental health is as important as their physical health, yet it is often overlooked. Children experience stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties just as adults do — they simply may not have the words to express it.

Create an environment where your child feels safe to talk about their feelings. Pay attention to changes in behaviour, sleep, appetite, or school performance — these can be signs of emotional distress. If you are concerned about your child's mental health, speak to your healthcare provider.