How often do we, as adults, find ourselves responsible for a child’s unfortunate accident? It’s often our lack of attention and focus that puts them at risk. This is especially true during the stage when little ones start to roll over, sit up, and walk on their own. Here are some typical scenarios.
A mother is changing her baby on a changing table or couch. She steps away for just a moment, and the child falls to the floor.
You placed a kettle or pot of hot liquid on the table. A child playing nearby pulls the tablecloth or plastic cover towards them, tipping over the container and suffering burns.
Adults carelessly left medications within reach of the child, who mistook them for candy and swallowed them.
Small objects—buttons, coins, pins, beads—are scattered everywhere. A child, intrigued by a new item, will inevitably “test” it: putting it in their mouth, nose, or ear.
What to do if a child bumps their head. Lay them down in bed. Apply cold compresses to the bruise and change them as soon as they warm up. If the child experiences nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, call a doctor immediately; they may have a concussion.
If they cut or scraped themselves. Clean the affected area with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Apply iodine or antiseptic to the edges (only the edges!) and cover with a bandage. If the cut is deep and bleeding, seek medical attention.
If they scalded themselves with hot water. Rinse the affected area with cold water to reduce pain. Do not pop any blisters. If the burn is severe, larger than the child’s palm, immediate medical assistance is necessary. Until help arrives, cover the area with sterile gauze. Do not apply any ointments or powders!
If they swallowed MEDICATION. Quickly induce vomiting by inserting a finger wrapped in a bandage into their mouth and pressing on the back of their tongue. Immediately find out what medication was ingested and in what quantity. Sudden drowsiness, weakness, or, conversely, extreme agitation are signs of poisoning. Call for emergency help right away.
If they drank an ACID SOLUTION or VINEGAR. Before the ambulance arrives, start giving the child clean water or a mixture of water and egg whites.
If they swallowed a small OBJECT. If it’s a round, smooth object, don’t worry; it won’t harm their digestive system and will pass through in a day. However, a sharp object can injure the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. If the child complains of stomach pain, seek urgent medical assistance.
Under no circumstances give them laxatives! Feed them soft, bulky foods—like stewed apples, mashed potatoes, or well-cooked, pureed porridge.
If they inhaled a small object. Encourage the child to cough. Do not stop a strong cough; instead, hold the child upside down over your knees (for a small child, you can lift them upside down by their legs) and gently pat their back. This position helps expel foreign objects from the airways. If it doesn’t work, seek medical help.
If they shoved beads or peas UP THEIR NOSE. Pinch the unaffected nostril with a tissue and have the child blow their nose hard. If the object is not too deep, this method may work. In other cases, seek medical attention immediately. Clumsy attempts to help can push the object deeper. Ensure the child breathes through their mouth; if they breathe through their nose, they may suck it in even further.
If they inserted a foreign object in their ear. Never attempt to remove it yourself—you risk damaging the eardrum. Take the child to a clinic immediately.
IN ALL CASES, TRY TO CALM THE CHILD.
Do not show your own anxiety.
ACT QUICKLY,
BUT WITHOUT PANIC.