Sudden spots, fever or tummy ache. Sometimes it may be a well-known childhood illness, other times an unknown virus. Here we tell you about some of the commonest illnesses affecting young children.

If you're a vegetarian, you may want your child to follow the same diet. This is absolutely fine, but often requires a bit of planning to make sure that your child gets all the important nutrients they need.

Here are some practical tips about infants, food and eating habits.

Children don't just play for the fun of it - play is essential for their development.

It can be difficult leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time. It's important not to do it too early, both for the child's and your own sake. However, you may feel a strong need to relax and do adult activities. Weight up the pros and cons and do what you feel is best.

Is it difficult to get your baby to sleep? This can be caused by various factors. First, try reducing its activities during the day; maybe a calmer life would suit your infant better. Babies are individuals right from the start.

Young children babble, make sounds and enjoy listening to the family talking. At around six months, your child will start using their own conscious sounds and at about a year old, they could say their very first words. When this happens it's usually a big event in the family.

If the mother and child are doing well after a hospital birth, they can usually go home after six to eight hours, although many have the option of staying one or two days. Before leaving a hospital or clinic, your baby should be checked by a paediatrician. You may be able to come back for the paediatrician's exam next day.

Milk and eggs are common allergens affecting young children. In most cases, the problem goes away within a few years, but other allergies may turn up instead.

Lumps or knotty areas in the breast are not uncommon when breastfeeding, but if left untreated can progress to a painful condition in which the milk ducts became blocked or plugged; also known as 'caked breast'. Here are a few tips.

Sitting there, holding that newborn baby in your arms is probably one of the happiest moments of your life. But at the same time you can feel vulnerable, sad or anxious for a while after childbirth.

Is your baby teething? When the baby's first teeth start appearing, it can cause painful, itching gums and general discomfort.