Infection and illness

Babies have immature immune systems, so they're at an increased risk from infections. Here we explain the signs and symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent infections in babies.

Preventing infection in babies Check your baby's symptoms
A baby is getting one of their early vaccinations. They are sucking their thumb as the nurse inserts a needle into their arm, administering the vaccine. They are being held by a parent.

Preventing & spotting infection/illness in babies

A close up of a woman washing her hands. She has soap suds on her hands and black nail polish, and the tap is off.

Preventing infection in babies

Keeping babies safe from infection is particularly important in the first few weeks of life. Mild infections in adults can be life-threatening for babies. Learn about preventing infections in babies.

Preventing infection
A baby is receiving a vaccination. They are looking down at the needle curiously. They have olive skin and dark hair.

Vaccinations and SIDS

Research has shown that babies who are up to date with their vaccinations have a significantly lower risk of SIDS.

Vaccinations and SIDS
An illustration of a hand holding a phone with the Baby Check app open by The Lullaby Trust. It is on a page saying 'temperature', with an illustration of a baby and a thermometer.

Baby Check app

The free Baby Check app asks you questions about your baby's symptoms, helping you decide whether to take them to a health professional or not. Peace of mind, in your pocket.

Baby Check app
A young couple visiting a medical clinic in Newcastle upon Tyne, England with their baby daughter for a check up. They are sitting in a doctor's office while the nurse listens to their concerns about their baby, who is crying.

Talking to health professionals

Many parents tell us they worry about being a nuisance or wasting NHS time. But you are never a nuisance when it comes to your baby’s health.

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Young women play with newborn baby

Talking to visitors

It’s important to protect your newborn baby from infection. Learn how to kindly and confidently ask visitors to wash hands and avoid kissing your baby.

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Illustration of a baby wearing blue, with eyes open and smiling.

COVID (coronavirus) and caring for your baby

You may have concerns about COVID if you are pregnant or have a baby. We have put together the following advice on Covid (also known as COVID-19 or coronavirus) and caring for your baby.

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  • Matt and Laura are taking a selfie in front of green grassy moors. They are dressed warmly and both smiling.

    If it wasn’t for the awareness about infection from The Lullaby Trust, I don’t think we'd have taken his temperature. And you always worry about babies having high temperature too, so I didn’t even think about it being low. We both wonder if Laura hadn’t seen that Instagram post, whether our son would be with us now. If sharing our experience today can save another baby, that means everything.

    Laura and Matt
    Matt and Laura’s story
  • Beth and Joshua at the table, smiling.

    We tell Joshua’s story because someone might read it and get their baby checked in time. We recently learnt that one family watched a video we did for The Lullaby Trust, and sought help for their baby, who had a low temperature. Knowing our Joshua could’ve helped save Sam’s life, is exactly why we tell Joshua’s story. 

    Beth
    Joshua’s story
  • Izzy and Laura sitting next to each other on the sofa, holding Alo and Jovie.

    I’ve been recommending the Baby Check app to all the new mums in the group I’m part of, I just wish everyone knew about it!

    Izzy
    Izzy’s story