NITTY GRITTY LICE COMB, £9.99 If you have school-age children the chances are that you will encounter head lice at some point. Infestation is most common between the ages of 4 and 11, although your child may not feel itchy for up to three months. Get into the habit of regular detection-combing to help catch this early. Invest in a good-quality comb from your local chemist. Search for nits when your child’s hair is wet by combing it through carefully, starting with the teeth of the comb touching the scalp. Then look carefully at the comb in good light. If your child is infested, you will find at least one louse (a tiny insect often no bigger than a pin head) on the comb. If you find something but are not sure what it is, stick it on clear plastic tape and show it to your school nurse, or GP. Stockists www.nittygritty.co.uk

5 MINUTE FIRST AID FOR CHILDREN, £6.99 This slim paperback book is the ideal accompaniment if you want quick advice while out and about or on holiday. It gives clear, helpful information on how to deal with common problems that anyone caring for children might encounter. It covers a wide range of topics, including cuts, burns, poisoning, fractures, allergies and illness. It is produced in association with the British Red Cross, so the emphasis is on practical advice — what to do there and then. Publisher Hodder Arnold

BOOTS FAMILY FIRST AID KIT, £20.99 A first aid kit in the house is particularly useful if you have young children. Although there is a wide range available, including the one featured, it is easy to assemble one yourself. Useful items, available over the counter from your local chemist, include: children’s analgesic and small syringe for administering it (if your children are too young to be given it on a spoon); antiseptic cream; plasters; gauze; bandages; tweezers; scissors and an antihistamine such as Benadryl Allergy Oral, which is suitable for children over the age of 2, and is useful both for alleviating the symptoms of hayfever and for treating stings. If travelling, add rehydration sachets. Just remember to keep the kit out of reach of young children. Stockists 0845 0708090

MR HAPPY GEL PAD, £6.99 A useful gel pack that can be gently moulded to fit the shape of the body when used either hot or cold. Used hot, it can help to ease aches and pains. When cold it can help to reduce swelling and ease the pain of sports injuries such as sprains and strains. It can also help to relieve toothache, headaches and insect bites. Available from most chemists. Stockists Great Little Trading Co (0870 8506000)

DIGITAL THERMOMETER, £8.99 It isn’t always easy to know whether a child has a fever or how high it might be. There is a wide range of thermometers now available. If you prefer to avoid glass and mercury, which is sensible if you have young children, try this digital thermometer. For babies and young children, you might find that a forehead strip, £3.99 from Boots, is easier to use. Stockists Boots, 0845 0708090

Complete Family Health Guide, £35 Produced in association with the British Medical Association, an endorsement for accuracy, this covers a wide range of health problems and has user-friendly charts. Topics are clearly set out, the pictures are high quality, and it lists the best medical information websites. Publisher Dorling Kindersley

Jane Collins is the chief executive and honorary consultant paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital