First aid for babies

First Aid for Babies: A Practical Guide for New Parents

Being a new father is an experience full of joy, excitement, and uncertainty. One of the biggest concerns for new parents is how to deal with a medical emergency with their baby. Knowing what to do in those crucial moments can make the difference between life and death.

Accidents or minor emergencies with babies are more common than you might think. Knowing how to act in these moments can make all the difference. That’s why we present this practical guide to first aid for babies, an invaluable resource for keeping calm and providing the right care for your little one.

Why is it important to know first aid for babies?

mom with her baby

Babies are fragile and vulnerable. Their immune systems are still developing and their bodies are more susceptible to injury and illness.

In an emergency, speed and accuracy of care can save a baby’s life. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between a minor scare and a tragedy.

Situations requiring first aid in infants:

  • Choking: A small object can block a baby’s airway, preventing him from breathing.
  • Drowning: The baby may fall into a pool, bathtub or any container of water and begin to drown.
  • Burns: Contact with hot objects or boiling liquids can cause burns to the baby’s skin.
  • Bumps and falls: Babies are prone to falling out of bed, off the changing table or even out of their arms.
  • High fever: A high temperature may be a sign of infection or illness.
  • Seizures: Involuntary, repetitive movements of the baby’s body.
  • Poisoning: The baby may accidentally ingest medicines, cleaning products or toxic substances.

Tips for staying calm in an emergency:

  • Take a deep breath and stay calm. Your calmness will reassure your baby.
  • Act quickly and accurately. Don’t waste time on unnecessary phone calls or searching for information online.
  • If you are unsure what to do, call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital.

What should I have at home to give first aid to my baby?

Before your baby is born, it is important to prepare a first aid kit with the following items:

  • Thermometer
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Bandages
  • Adhesive dressings
  • Scissors
  • Wet wipes
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Burn cream
  • Antihistamine
  • Physiological saline solution
  • Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen

Basic first aid manoeuvres for babies

Infant CPR:

Infant CPR is a vital technique that can save a child’s life if their heart or breathing stops. Parents and caregivers must learn this technique so that they can act quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Steps to perform infant CPR:

1. Call an ambulance: Immediately call for emergency medical help. Do not waste valuable time trying to resuscitate the child alone.

child rcp

2. Check if the child is conscious:

  • Shout his name and pat him on the back.
  • If he does not respond, tilt his head back and lift his chin to open his airway.
  • Observe breathing for 10 seconds. If not breathing or only gasping, start CPR.

3. Perform chest compressions:

  • Place the base of your palm on the centre of the child’s chest, just below the nipples.
  • Place the other hand on top of the first, interlacing the fingers.
  • With your elbows straight, press firmly on your chest, bringing it down 3 to 5 cm.
  • Perform 30 compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. You can use a metronome or a familiar song to help you keep the rhythm.

4. Gives rescue breaths:

  • Pinch the child’s nose shut.
  • Cover his mouth completely with yours and blow twice, watching his chest rise.
  • After the two breaths, continue with 30 chest compressions.

5. Continue CPR until:

  • The child begins to breathe on its own.
  • Medical help arrives.
  • You are too tired to continue.

Heimlich manoeuvre for babies:

The Heimlich manoeuvre is an emergency technique used to unblock an infant who is choking on an object. Parents and caregivers must learn this technique to be able to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Steps to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre on infants:

children's first aid

1. Call an ambulance: Immediately call for emergency medical help. Don’t waste valuable time trying to unstrap the baby alone.

2. Position the baby:

  • If the baby is conscious: Place the baby face down on your forearm, with the head lower than the body.
  • If the baby is unconscious: Place the baby on its back on a hard surface.

3. Back blows:

  • Give him five blows on his back with the palm of your hand, between the shoulder blades.
  • Make sure your palm is cupped and strike firmly.

4. Chest compressions:

  • Give five chest compressions, just below the nipple.
  • Use two fingers to perform compressions.
  • Press the chest firmly and quickly.

5. Repeat:

  • Repeat the series of five back blows and five chest compressions until:
    • The object is ejected.
    • The baby begins to breathe.
    • Medical help arrives.

Haemorrhage control:

Controlling bleeding in an infant is a crucial step in avoiding blood loss and preventing serious complications. Parents and caregivers need to learn how to control bleeding in an infant so that they can act quickly and effectively in the event of an injury.

Steps to control bleeding in an infant:

1. Stop the bleeding:

  • Apply direct pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
  • Maintain pressure for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • If the blood soaks through the gauze or cloth, place a new layer on top without removing the previous one.

2. Elevate the injured area:

  • If the wound is on a limb, elevate it above the level of the baby’s heart.
  • This will help reduce swelling and bleeding.

3. Keep the baby calm:

  • A calm baby will bleed less.
  • Speak to him in a soft voice and rock him to reassure him.

Seek medical attention:

  • It is important to seek medical attention even if the bleeding has stopped.
  • A doctor can assess the severity of the injury and provide appropriate treatment.

Burns:

Burns in babies are a common injury that can be very painful and serious. Babies can get burns from contact with hot objects, such as the cooker or oven.

Steps to treat a burn on a baby:

1. Move the baby away from the heat source.

2. Cools the burn:

  • For first-degree burns (reddening of the skin): Apply cold water for 10-20 minutes.
  • For second-degree burns (blisters): Do not pop the blisters. Apply cold water for 10-20 minutes.
  • For third-degree burns (white or charred skin): Do not apply cold water. Cover the burn with a sterile dressing.

3. Do not apply:

  • Ice
  • Butter
  • Toothpaste
  • Antibiotic creams

4. Seek medical attention:

  • Seek immediate medical attention for second and third-degree burns.
  • Also, seek medical attention if the burn:
    • It is larger than 2 inches in diameter.
    • It affects the face, hands, feet, genitals or joints.
    • It is caused by a chemical or electricity.

Choking:

A baby can choke on any small object, such as a toy or a piece of food. It is important to know what to do to clear the airway

Steps to take in case of choking in an infant:

1. Call an ambulance immediately. Do not waste time trying to unstrap the baby alone.

2. Position the baby:

  • If the baby is conscious:
    • Place him face down on your forearm, with his head lower than his body.
    • Hold the baby’s head with your hand and his jaw with two fingers.
  • If the baby is unconscious:
    • Place it face up on a hard surface.
    • Open your airways by tilting your head back and lifting your chin.

3. Back blows:

  • Give him five blows on his back with the palm of your hand, between the shoulder blades.
  • Make sure your palm is cupped and strike firmly.

4. Chest compressions:

  • Give five chest compressions, just below the nipple.
  • Use two fingers to perform compressions.
  • Press the chest firmly and quickly.

5. Repeat:

  • Repeat the series of five back blows and five chest compressions until:
    • The object is ejected.
    • The baby begins to breathe.
    • Medical help arrives.

Fever:

Fever in an infant is the body’s natural response to an infection. Although it can be worrisome to parents, most fevers are not serious and go away on their own within a few days.

Steps to treat fever in a baby:

nappy caddy

1. Take the baby’s temperature:

  • Use a digital thermometer to get an accurate reading.
  • A baby’s normal temperature is 36°C to 37°C.
  • A temperature of 38°C or higher is considered a fever.

2. Keep the baby hydrated:

  • Offer your baby breastmilk or formula frequently.
  • If the baby is older than 6 months, you can give water.

3. Dress the baby in light clothing:

  • Avoid overdressing the baby, as this can make the fever worse.
  • Dress him in light, breathable clothing.

4. Give him a warm bath:

  • A warm bath may help to reduce fever.
  • Do not use cold water, as this can make the baby shiver.

5. Medicines:

  • Check with your doctor before giving your baby fever medication.
  • Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most commonly used medicines for fever in infants.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for the correct dose.

When to seek medical attention:

  • If the baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever.
  • If the baby’s fever is above 39°C.
  • If the fever lasts more than 72 hours.
  • If the baby has other symptoms, such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, or convulsions.

Convulsions:

Seizures in infants are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A variety of factors, such as fever, infection, or developmental problems can cause them. Although seizures can be frightening for parents, most are not serious and have no lasting effects.

Steps to treat seizures in an infant:

1. Keep calm:

  • It is important to remain calm during a seizure.
  • Your baby may sense your fear, which can make the situation worse.

2. Note the duration of the seizure:

  • It is important to know how long the seizure lasts.
  • This will help your doctor diagnose the cause of the seizures.

3. Protects the baby from injury:

  • Make sure the baby is in a safe place where he/she cannot hit his/her head.
  • Loosen the baby’s clothing around the neck.
  • Turn the baby on its side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.

4. Do not try to hold the baby:

  • Do not try to hold the baby during a seizure.
  • This can worsen the seizure and injure the baby.

5. Call an ambulance:

  • Call an ambulance immediately if the baby has a seizure.
  • Even if the seizure stops on its own, the baby must be examined by a doctor.

Remember:

You are your baby’s first line of defence. Knowing how to act in an emergency can save your little one’s life.

Don’t be afraid to learn. Baby first aid courses will give you the tools and confidence you need to deal with any unexpected situation.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing you can act in the event of an emergency will allow you to make the most of the parenting experience.

Knowing basic first aid manoeuvres allows you to act quickly and effectively in an emergency, giving your baby the best chance of getting the care he or she needs. Don’t hesitate to invest time in this valuable training – your peace of mind and your child’s health will be at stake.

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