Understanding Pain in Children: How to Recognise and Relieve It Safely

Pain in children can be tricky, especially when they’re too young to explain what hurts. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah unpack how to recognise, assess, and manage pain in babies, toddlers, and older kids.

They cover how pain presents in non-verbal children, common causes like teething, illness, or minor injuries, and how to tell the difference between general discomfort and signs that something more serious is going on. You’ll learn practical non-medication strategies to soothe your child, as well as how to use paracetamol and ibuprofen safely and effectively.

Penny and Sarah also bust a few common myths around pain relief and fever, and share essential tips for tracking medication to avoid accidental overdose. When you’re exhausted and worried, having a clear system really matters.

This episode will leave you feeling informed, calm, and confident the next time your child is in pain.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ Signs of pain in babies and non-verbal children
▶︎ Common causes of pain: teething, illness, injury, post-surgery
▶︎ Comfort-based care: cuddles, distraction, breastfeeding, and more
▶︎ Using paracetamol and ibuprofen safely
▶︎ How to avoid double dosing with medication trackers
▶︎ What to do if your child vomits medicine
▶︎ When pain is a red flag and you need to see a doctor
▶︎ Myths about fever and pain relief, and what you really need to know

Additional Resources:

Medicine Tracker

Poisons Hotline 131126

Medicine Hotline 1300MEDICINE 

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens
Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education 

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

Understanding and managing childhood rashes: Practical tips for parents

Rashes can be one of the most confusing and anxiety-inducing symptoms in childhood. In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to confidently assess and manage your child’s rash.

They explain the different types of rashes: viral, allergic, heat-related, and bacterial, and guide you through the “blanching vs non-blanching” test to help you recognise red flags early. You’ll also learn when to seek medical attention, how to manage itchy or painful rashes at home, and what to know about contagious rashes and childcare exclusions.

This episode is packed with practical, no-panic advice to help you feel more in control when those mystery spots appear.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ Common types of rashes in kids: viral, allergic, heat, and bacterial
▶︎ The glass test: how to identify non-blanching rashes
▶︎ Red flags: fever, irritability, vomiting, behaviour changes
▶︎ Home care tips: antihistamines, cool compresses, infection prevention
▶︎ When to call the GP, go to hospital, or dial 000
▶︎ Contagious rashes and navigating childcare policies
▶︎ Understanding meningococcal disease and the importance of vaccination

Additional Resources:
Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens
Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education


Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

Poisoning is one of the most common (and preventable) childhood emergencies. In this episode, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah guide you through what every parent needs to know about poisoning in young children, especially toddlers who are naturally curious and quick to act.

From button batteries to eucalyptus oil, they explain the different types of exposure (ingested, skin, eye, and inhaled), how to respond in the moment, and practical ways to make your home safer. Plus, Sarah shares a real-life story to remind us that accidents happen: even to nurses.

You'll leave this episode feeling more prepared, less panicked, and empowered to act confidently if your child is ever exposed to a poison.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ The most common poisoning risks in toddlers.
▶︎ What to do (and what not to do) for different types of exposure.
▶︎ When to call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) vs 000.
▶︎ Real-life example of a poisoning incident at home.
▶︎ Prevention strategies that actually work.
▶︎ How to stay calm, act fast, and trust your instincts.

Additional Resources:
Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens
Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

Food Allergies in children

With Dr Nelu Simonesz

In this episode, we’re joined by Paediatric Doctor and allergy expert Dr Nelu Simonesz to cut through the confusion around allergic disease in children. From starting solids to understanding reactions and knowing if kids can outgrow allergies — we answer your most commonly asked questions with evidence-based, practical advice.

We cover:

▶︎ What is an allergy?

▶︎ Are there different types of allergies?

▶︎ How to introduce allergenic foods

▶︎ How often you need to keep them in the diet

▶︎ Can reactions happen on first exposure?

▶︎ And… can children outgrow allergies? Whether you’re just starting solids, navigating ongoing symptoms, or deep in the allergy trenches, this one’s for you.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

▶︎ Nip Allergies in the Bub Trusted resource from ASCIA to help parents introduce allergens safely and confidently. 

▶︎ ASCIA Allergy Information for Parents: Factsheets, videos and practical guidance.

▶︎ Safe Introduction of Allergenic Foods

▶︎ Sick Tracker: Track symptoms, reactions, patterns and progress all in one place. Also includes Allergenic food tracker, hydration tracker and medicine tracker. 

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

Hospital visits with a sick baby can be incredibly overwhelming. In this episode, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah walk you through what actually happens when a baby is admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis, so you know what to expect and feel more confident at every step.

They explain what dictates hospital admission, what treatments may be used, and how you can stay involved in your child’s care while also looking after yourself.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ Why some babies with bronchiolitis need hospital care

▶︎ What monitoring, treatments, and rehydration methods are used

▶︎ Oxygen therapy and when CPAP might be needed

▶︎ How pain and comfort are managed in hospital

▶︎ What parents can expect and how to advocate for your child

▶︎  What discharge looks like and signs to watch for at home

Additional resources

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens
Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah break down what parents need to know about bronchiolitis. Bronch is one of the most common reasons babies under six months end up in hospital, BUT, not all cases are quite so severe. Lots of the time bronch can be safely managed at home. 

Learn what bronchiolitis is, how to manage it at home, and when it’s time to seek help. From recognising red flags to practical tips to optimise breathing and hydration, they’ll help you feel calm and prepared during a stressful time.

Key Topics Discussed:

▶︎ What bronchiolitis is and why it’s so common.

▶︎ Symptoms to watch for.

▶︎ Home care tips for feeding, comfort, and breathing support.

▶︎ Red flags that mean it’s time to see a Doctor.

Medicine Tracker

Hydration Tracker

Learn more about managing childhood illness at Sick Happens
Find paediatric first aid training at Paeds Education

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah help parents prepare for a safe and stress-free holiday season. From preventing injuries to staying vigilant around water, they share practical advice to navigate the unique risks that come with Christmas and summer celebrations.

With the excitement and chaos of the holidays, accidents can happen quickly. Penny and Sarah break down the most common risks and offer tips to keep your kids safe—whether they’re riding a new bike, splashing in the pool, or enjoying festive fun.

Key Topics Discussed:

Additional Resources:

Learn First Aid and what to do when your child is sick:

Visit Paeds Education for paediatric first aid courses.

Sick Happens for childhood illness courses.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah tackle the alarming rise of whooping cough in Australia, equipping parents with essential knowledge to protect their families during this epidemic. With over 40,000 cases this year, the highest in nearly a decade, they explain what’s behind the surge, who’s most at risk, and the critical steps you can take to prevent its spread.

Key Topics Discussed >>>

Takeaways >>>

Additional resources >>>

https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/ 

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Whooping_cough/ 

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/whoopingcough 

Learn First Aid and what to do when your child is sick:

Visit Paeds Education for paediatric first aid courses.

Sick Happens for childhood illness courses.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah delve into one of the most common—and preventable—injuries in childhood: burns. Through personal stories and professional experience, they highlight the realities of burns in children, covering everything from kitchen mishaps to outdoor fires and playtime accidents. With practical advice on first aid for burns, Penny and Sarah provide straightforward, evidence-based steps that parents can use to prevent burns and respond effectively if one occurs.

Key Topics Discussed:

Takeaways:

Additional Resources:

Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah dive into one of the most challenging and contagious childhood illnesses: gastro. Drawing from personal experiences and professional expertise, they break down everything parents need to know—from understanding symptoms and spotting red flags to practical hydration tips that help prevent dehydration. With real-world advice on managing vomiting and diarrhoea, Penny and Sarah equip parents with the tools to confidently handle gastro at home and know when it’s time to seek medical help.

Key Topics Discussed:

Additional Resources:

Learn First Aid and what to do when your child is sick:

Visit Paeds Education for paediatric first aid courses.

Sick Happens for childhood illness courses.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your child's health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've heard on this podcast.