With the weather finally picking up and giving us the chance to enjoy wonderful sunny days in the garden, park and days out, mum of two Katherine Whitby a paediatric nurse and founder of Baby Steps, shares with us in a series of articles her top tips safety and looking ahead to the holidays to help you have a carefree summer with your little ones.
Unfortunately accidents will happen, but if you’re prepared hopefully the outcome will be less stressful for everyone – especially the little patient…
Burns and Scalds
Potential hazards: hot drinks, barbeques, hair straighteners, hot bath water
What to do:
- Cool and soothe the burn under cold (preferably running) water for at least 10 minutes or use whatever you have to hand (towel, muslin) soaked in cool water or any cool suitable liquid. Continue to cool under water if remains painful
- Once cooled if possible remove clothing from the burned area. Cut around area if sticking
- If possible cover area with cling film
- Do not burst any blisters as this can cause infection
- If area is larger than palm of child’s hand (1%) seek medical advice or if you have any concerns
- Give pain relief if required
Stings/ Bites
Potential hazards: bees, wasps, mosiquitos, midges, gnats, horseflies, ants, some spiders, fleas, lice.
What to do:
- Remove any remaining sting with tweezers or scrape it off with your fingernail, or a credit card. Do not attempt to press out the sting, as this will only help the poison spread under the skin.
- Cool area with ice pack or ice wrapped in tea towel/muslin
- Use a sting relief cream or gel suitable for the child’s age
- Administer ‘Piriton’ antihistamine if desired, only in children over 1 year
Allergic Reactions
Potential hazards: Many things! Foods, insect bites, animals, medicines (keep out of little ones reach!)
What to do:
- Seek medical advice immediately if you notice a sudden onset of:
Any signs of difficulty breathing
Any swelling or severe rash to lips, eyes, face or anywhere else on body
- These may be symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and can be life-threatening. Dial 999 for an ambulance and if you have undertaken a Resuscitation course consider ‘DRABC’.
- Allergies can be more minor and cause symptoms including: flushing, itching, hives, rash, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting.
- Administer ‘Piriton’ antihistamine if desired, only in children over 1 year
- Seek medical advice if you are concerned.
Cuts and Bruises
Potential hazards: Jumping/falling from height, new environment/hazards
What to do:
- Apply pressure to wound
- Clean with water
- Apply plaster
- TLC!
- Arnica can help and do give pain relief if needed
If wound appears severe and bleeding is not stopping:
- Keep applying pressure and elevate if wound is on a limb
- If there is an foreign object in place do not remove as this may be stemming the bleeding, apply pressure on either side of wound or make a bandage into a ‘doughnut’ shape
- Give pain relief
- Seek urgent medical advice, if wound gapping then do not allow child to eat incase of surgery, a little drink is fine
About the author: Katherine Whitby is the owner of Baby Steps, which offers relaxed and friendly courses in the comfort of home or at handpicked venues. The team, of experienced nurses are passionate about teaching CPR and choking techniques, accident prevention, first aid and managing childhood illnesses. The courses include lots of chances to ask questions and are the perfect opportunity to learn vitals techniques and tips galore in a social way! Babies are always welcome.
Photo credit: Brian Smith
