5 Toddler First Aid Tips
We know that having a toddler can be a prime time for first aid accidents to occur. The figures are scary – in 2020, over 60,000 children were admitted to hospital in the UK after a preventable accident. But don’t worry – a little first aid knowledge can go a long way – we’ve compiled our top first aid advice to help guide you through the craziness of toddlerhood!
We chatted to Mini First Aid, who are the largest paediatric first aid company in the UK, to hear the top 5 life-saving first aid tips.
1. What To Do If Your Toddler Bumps Their Head
If your toddler bumps his/her head, use a cold compress (either from the fridge or a wet paper towel / t-shirt – anything clean that you can grab!) and apply to the bump for 10 minutes. During the 10 minutes encourage your toddler to rest and relax - perhaps read a story so you can monitor them
Any signs of sickness, drowsiness, dizziness or any unnatural behaviour could be concussion. You need to take get your toddler to A & E as soon as possible
If you are leaving your toddler with a carer after a head bump, make sure you tell them so that they can continue to monitor for any signs of concussion
2. How To Treat A Burn On A Toddler
Run the affected area under cool (not cold) water for 20 minutes. Depending on the size of the burn, this may need to be in the shower. It will be uncomfortable for your toddler, so keep the rest of their body as warm as possible and reassure them that this will help it hurt less
Whilst cooling, carefully remove any clothing or jewellery near the burn, unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound. Hot liquid can run into nappies, socks and shoes so remove these too
Cover the burn with clingfilm, or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth
Keep your child warm (not the burnt area) and take them to A & E
3. What To Do If Your Toddler Is Chocking
If your toddler is choking, stay calm and carry out the following first aid urgently:
Encourage your toddler to cough
5 back slaps between shoulder blades. Check if anything comes out and check mouth
Up to 5 abdominal thrusts. Clenched fist between tummy and breastbone, with other hand over the top. In and upwards motion. Check if anything comes out. If nothing has come out, call 999
Cycles of 5 back slaps and 5 abdominal thrusts
You must refer any child to hospital where abdominal thrusts have been used.
4. How To Treat A Bleeding Child
If blood can come out, germs can get in! No matter how insignificant the bleeding, and even if only a graze, first aid treatment is required
Clean the wound with water or a non-alcohol cleansing wipe to remove grit and dirt
Once clean, use an appropriate sized plaster to cover the grazed or cut area
5. Prevent An Accident In The First Place
Mini First Aid note that prevention is better than cure. Their Baby Proofing class will help you see your home through the eyes of your toddler, creating a bespoke plan to prevent first aid accidents before they happen. With a handy refresher on choking and burns, it’s the ideal class for toddler parents.
More first Aid Advice
For first aid and child safety advice in the early years, check out our Post Birth Pack which is led by first aid expert and Mini First Aid founder Kate Ball. This £30 course also includes workshops from our experts covering:
✔ Potty training
✔ Sleep
✔ Weaning
✔ Checkups, vaccines and health,
✔ Child development
✔ Parental mental health
✔ PLUS lots of additional extras!