7 Essential First Aid Tips For Your Baby
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As a new mom, you would want the best for your baby. You’ll do everything possible to keep your baby safe and protected. However, there may arise some unforeseen emergency situations which put your little one in danger. Knowing the basics of first aid for babies can make all the difference and can help you tend to your baby before you seek serious medical attention.
We bring to you a list of the basics of first aid for babies. Read through and make sure you have a mini first aid baby kit handy wherever you are!
Tips for First Aid for Baby :
Take a look at some quick measures to tackle everyday bruises and injuries that your baby may be prone to while playing or running.
1. Cuts and Animal Bites:
The best way to tackle minor cuts and animal bites is to clean the wound nicely with an antiseptic liquid and wash the area to remove all traces of bacteria. If the bleeding continues, you can firmly press the area with little pressure and hold it for a couple of minutes till the bleeding stops. Applying some antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin can help speed up healing and prevent infections.
Keep checking for signs of infection over the next few days. If you discover swelling on the affected area or pus like formation, seek medical care immediately. Animal bites must be reported to a physician (especially dog bites) regardless of the severity.
2. Burns:
Run the burnt area under cold water to bring the temperature down and cover with a clean, light piece of gauze or a bandage. Don’t wrap it around too tightly. Leave the area breathable. Seek medical attention immediately and talk to your doctor about painkillers for your baby.
If your baby has been a victim of severe burns or was in an area where there was a widespread fire, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your baby isn’t burnt, the smoke may have entered his respiratory tract, and this could be dangerous.
3. Insect Stings:
When it comes to insect bites or stings, wrap a piece of ice in a cloth and place this on the affected area to decrease swelling. Calamine lotion can also be applied to relieve itching and swelling. If you find your child experiencing severe symptoms, rush to the doctor immediately.
4. Head Injuries:
The best way to tackle a minor head injury is to wrap a few ice cubes in a piece of cloth and apply it on the affected area. If your baby doesn’t stop crying even after the situation has been handled, take him to the doctor. If your child experiences seizures or starts vomiting or feeling sleepy, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Eye Injuries:
If an irritating substance has hurt your baby’s eye, wash immediately with clean cold water. If something has entered the eye, get to the doctor as soon as possible. Never try to remove by yourself. This requires to be dealt by an expert.
6. Choking:
If your baby’s airway is blocked by a particular food or an object, the best way to tackle it is with expertise and care. Don’t be too harsh, but be firm and use the heels of your palm to tap between the shoulder blades. If your baby doesn’t respond to your actions, rush to the doctor immediately. Chest compressions can also help, as long as you know how to do them correctly.
[ Read: Baby Choking ]
7. Poisoning:
Poisoning is probably the only case where you need to get your baby to the ER without any delay whatsoever. This is a situation where you can do nothing to help and a medical team needs to be roped in.
Never try to handle things yourself if you’re not sure- after all, it’s your little baby here at risk. Even if things have calmed down and your baby is okay, get her to the doctor and explain all that happened, just to be sure.
Do share your medical experiences with your first aid for baby in the comment section below:
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