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Available Episodes

5 of 14

Understanding Pain in Children
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.
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44:42
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44:42
Help! My child has a rash
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 HappensFind paediatric first aid training at Paeds EducationDisclaimer: 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.
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41:00
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41:00
Poisoning in children
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.
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38:56
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38:56
Food allergies in children
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.
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38:06
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38:06
Bronchiolitis in hospital: What happens and why?
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.
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43:16
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43:16