Basic First Aid Tips for Mothers

When a child has a significant injury or illness, getting them in to see their pediatrician or taking them to an urgent care center or emergency room as appropriate is crucial. However, you can handle many bumps, scrapes, cuts and minor illnesses effectively with home treatments.

As a mother, being prepared to address those issues can make a significant difference in keeping your kids safe and comfortable. This article provides helpful tips, including how to treat common injuries and illnesses and what you need in your home first aid kit.

Ensuring You Have the First Aid Supplies You Need

The faster you can address your child’s injury or illness, the less likely it is to worsen. A prompt response also helps put their mind at ease. Consequently, it’s crucial to have a well-stocked, easily accessible first aid kit. Of course, it should be accessible to you and other adults in your home, but not your little ones.

You can buy a first aid kit or assemble your own, but either way, some of the key items include:

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes
• Sterile gauze pads
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Antibiotic ointment
• Instant cold packs
• A thermometer
• Tweezers and scissors
• Children’s pain relievers (not aspirin)

Check out our comprehensive list of first aid kit items.

You might also find it helpful to have a printed quick reference guide. It can be easier to use than a mobile device when you’re trying to assist a potentially upset child.

How To Handle Common Childhood Injuries and Illnesses

Again, it’s best to seek medical attention if a child’s injury or illness is significant or you’re unsure how to gauge the severity. But when it’s clear your child will be fine with a bit of home treatment and TLC, here’s how to deal with common issues:

Cuts and Scrapes

For minor cuts and scrapes, the first step is to wash your hands thoroughly, so you don’t contaminate the wound as you work on it. Then, gently clean the wound with mild soap and water to remove dirt or debris. Use tweezers cleaned with alcohol to remove small particles that don’t wash out. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a sterile bandage to keep it clean and prevent infection. Change the bandage daily or if it becomes wet or dirty. Contact your healthcare provider if you see increased redness, swelling, pain or pus, or if your child develops a fever, as those can be signs of an infection.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains (damage to ligaments that hold bones together) and strains (damage to muscles or tendons) are best evaluated by a healthcare provider. Until you can be seen, you should have your child rest and avoid putting weight on the injured area, apply ice for 10–15 minutes several times a day, compress the area with an elastic bandage, and elevate the area above the heart if possible. (Remember the acronym RICE.)

Head Injuries

Minor bumps and bruises can be treated with adhesive bandages, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. However, you should contact your pediatrician right away if your child experiences a severe headache, vision changes, dizziness or balance problems, vomiting, confusion, sleeping problems or behavior changes.

Nosebleeds

If your child has a nosebleed, have them sit upright and lean slightly forward. Pinch the soft part of their nose just below the bridge continuously for 10–15 minutes, having them breathe through their mouth. Don’t have them tilt their head back, as this can cause blood to run down their throat and potentially lead to choking or vomiting. Avoid letting them blow their nose immediately after the bleeding stops, as that can restart it. If a nosebleed doesn’t resolve after 15 minutes of direct pressure, seek medical attention.

Burns

For minor burns that don’t cause more than a little redness and pain, immediately run cool (not cold) water over the affected area for at least 10–15 minutes to cool the skin and reduce swelling. Don’t apply ice, as it can further damage the skin. After cooling, use an antibiotic ointment or aloe vera and loosely cover the site with a sterile, non-stick bandage. Don’t break any blisters, and don’t allow your child to do so. Seek medical attention for burns larger than three inches or those occurring on the face, hands, feet or joints or that appear deep.

Choking

This is a frightening situation that requires immediate action. If your child is conscious but unable to cough, cry or speak, you’ll need to perform back blows and abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) as appropriate for their age. It’s highly recommended that all parents and caregivers take a certified CPR and first aid class that includes training on responding to choking in infants and children.

Fevers

You should contact your pediatrician immediately if a baby younger than three months has a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. For older children, contact your pediatrician for a fever that exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. To help make them comfortable, you can give age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on weight, dress them lightly and encourage them to drink fluids. You should also consider getting medical advice if a fever of any level is accompanied by severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, stiff neck, breathing problems, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea.

Talk With Your Pediatrician About First Aid

If you have questions about first aid for children, your pediatrician can answer them. Don’t have a Baptist Health provider? Check out our online directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Mother and Baby Care at Baptist Health
How to Get Rid of Newborn Baby Hiccups
How Much Breastmilk Should a Newborn Eat?
Newborn Fevers: What You Need To Know