First Aid Basics Every New Parent Should Know

No matter how well you baby-proof, injuries happen. Babies fall, bump their heads, choke on things, and burn themselves. What you do in the first few minutes matters a lot. Here's what every parent should know.

Choking

This is the one that terrifies every parent. Here's what to do:

For babies under 1 year:
1. Lay the baby face-down on your forearm, supporting their head
2. Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
3. Turn them face-up and give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest
4. Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the object comes out or the baby starts coughing

For toddlers over 1 year:
1. Stand behind the child and wrap your arms around their waist
2. Make a fist and place it above the belly button, below the ribcage
3. Give quick upward thrusts (abdominal thrusts)
4. Repeat until the object comes out

Don't do this: Don't stick your fingers in the mouth to fish out the object unless you can clearly see it. Blind finger sweeps can push it deeper.

Call 911 if: The child can't breathe, turns blue, or becomes unconscious.

Burns

For minor burns (small area, red skin, no blisters):
1. Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes
2. Don't use ice, butter, or toothpaste (yes, people still try these)
3. Cover with a loose, sterile bandage
4. Give age-appropriate pain reliever if needed

For serious burns (blisters, white/brown skin, large area):
1. Call 911
2. Don't remove clothing stuck to the burn
3. Cover with a clean, cool, wet cloth
4. Don't apply ointments or creams

Head Bumps

Babies and toddlers bump their heads constantly. Most head bumps are minor. But some need medical attention.

Watch for these red flags after a head bump:
• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Vomiting more than once
• Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
• Unequal pupil size
• Clear fluid from nose or ears
• Seizures
• Worsening headache or crying

If none of those are present:
Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes. Watch the child for 24 hours. It's normal for a bump to swell impressively. The forehead has lots of blood vessels, so even minor bumps can look dramatic.

Cuts and Scrapes

For minor cuts:
1. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding
2. Clean with soap and water
3. Apply antibiotic ointment
4. Cover with a bandage

Seek medical help if:
• The cut is deep or gaping
• You can see fat or muscle tissue
• It won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
• It's on the face (may need special closure for minimal scarring)
• It was caused by a dirty or rusty object

Poisoning

If you suspect your child has ingested something toxic:
1. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (US)
2. Have the container handy so you can tell them exactly what was ingested
3. Don't make the child vomit unless Poison Control tells you to
4. Don't give milk, water, or ipecac unless instructed

Save the Poison Control number in your phone right now. Don't wait until you need it.

Febrile Seizures

Some babies have seizures when they spike a fever. It's terrifying to watch but usually not dangerous.

What to do:
1. Place the child on their side on a safe surface
2. Don't put anything in their mouth
3. Don't try to hold them still
4. Time the seizure
5. Call 911 if it lasts more than 5 minutes

Build Your Kit

Every home with a baby should have a first aid kit with:
• Bandages in various sizes
• Gauze pads and medical tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Infant pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen, age-appropriate dose)
• Digital thermometer
• Cold packs
• Tweezers
• Saline wound wash
• Poison Control number on the fridge

Take a Class

Reading about first aid isn't enough. Take a hands-on infant CPR and first aid class. The American Red Cross, local hospitals, and fire departments all offer them. Practice on the mannequins. Build the muscle memory. You'll be glad you did.