First Aid Tips for Parents of Small Children

Young children are full of energy and curious about the world around them. But sometimes, this excitement can lead to trouble, like bumps, scrapes, and tummy aches. Whether it’s a skinned knee or a late-night fever, knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference.

At Rise & Shine Pediatrics in South Plainfield, New Jersey, our pediatricians, Dr. Kalpana Kumari and Dr. Himabindu Kasivajjula, want to help you take action when your small child is hurt or sick with these first aid tips.

First aid essentials

A first aid kit is a must-have for parents of small children. Having all the bandages and ointments you need in one place can help you tend to your child quickly.

A first aid kit should have:

Band-Aids
Gauze pads and medical tape
Antiseptic sprays or ointments
Thermometer
Children’s pain reliever
Ice packs
Gloves
Tweezers

Keep your kit in a cool, dry place that’s accessible to you and out of reach for your small child.

Managing minor wounds

Cuts and scrapes are common in small children, and standard first aid is all you need for most of these minor injuries. After washing your hands, cover the wound with gauze or a clean cloth and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.

Keep applying pressure until the bleeding slows down so you can clean the cut. This may take a few minutes.

If possible, rinse the wound under cold running water. Or, pat the scrape with clean, damp gauze or cloth. Soap isn’t necessary and may irritate the wound. Also, skip the hydrogen peroxide and iodine because they offer no additional help and may cause discomfort.

Use tweezers to remove any dirt or debris. Then, cover the wound with a Band-Aid. Or, you can keep it uncovered (it may heal faster) and apply an antiseptic cream or foam to kill germs.

If your child’s cut or scrape is deep or doesn’t stop bleeding after several minutes, call our office for guidance. We may have you come in for wound care or recommend a visit to the emergency room (ER).

Caring for bumps and bruises

Bumps and bruises may not require the same level of first aid as cuts and scrapes, but they do require some care, especially if your child bonked their head.

These injuries benefit most from rest and putting an ice pack on the bump or bruise to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth before applying it to the wound, and remove it after 20 minutes. Your child may also benefit from over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

If your child has a head bump, monitor them closely for signs of concussion, such as:

Dizziness or stumbling
Excessive crying
Nausea or vomiting
Irritability

If you’re concerned about your child following a head injury, call our office right away so we can determine whether your child needs an in-office visit or a trip to the ER.

Treating minor burns

Whether they touched a hot stove or spilled hot soup, burns hurt! But don’t panic. Ease their pain by running room-temperature water over the burn for five minutes or wrapping it in a clean towel dampened with cool water. Then, cover the burn with gauze or a clean towel.

If the burn leads to a blister, don’t pop it or you risk infection. Then, schedule a visit with us so we can look at the burn and make further recommendations, such as whether you should apply an antibiotic ointment.

What to do for fevers

Fevers help the body fight infection and may not require treatment. However, if your child is uncomfortable, you can give them children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower their temperature or put them in a lukewarm bath.

If your child’s fever doesn’t go away within a few days or they have other concerning symptoms, like a headache or vomiting, schedule a sick visit with us. We can determine the cause of your child’s symptoms and provide appropriate care.

We’re here when first aid isn’t enough

You can manage minor injuries and illnesses with first aid at home. But if you have any concerns, we can provide the guidance and support you need. Call us today or use the Book Online button to schedule an appointment. We also welcome walk-ins for urgent care and offer telemedicine appointments.