Boo-Boo: Cut or scrape
Fix: If the wound is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean washcloth for about 10 minutes (tip: a red washcloth will disguise the blood to keep your baby calm). If the bleeding persists or if the wound is deep and open, you should take him to the doctor. Wash away any debris with cool, running water. If you can still see foreign objects such as glass, dirt or pebbles, try carefully removing the objects with a sterilized set of tweezers. After the wound is free of debris, wash it gently with warm water and soap. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and a fun adhesive bandage and you’re good to go!
Boo-Boo: Diaper rash
Fix: The best thing you can do when treating your baby’s rash is to keep the area clean and dry by constantly changing her diaper. Wash the area at every diaper change with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Make sure to use a thick layer of diaper rash ointment to protect your baby’s skin (look for an ointment with zinc oxide or petroleum). Fasten the diaper looser than normal to make your baby more comfortable.
Boo-Boo: Nosebleed
Fix: Rest your baby in your lap and slightly lean her forward. Using a tissue or a clean cloth, pinch the end of her nose gently and hold for 10 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped, repeat for another 10 minutes. You can also place a cold compress on the bridge of your baby’s nose to speed up the process.
Boo-Boo: Splinter
Fix: Wash your own hands thoroughly before touching the area. If the splinter is sticking out of the skin where you can see it, use a set of sterilized tweezers to grab the splinter at the point where it emerges from the skin and pull it out towards the direction it is pointing. If the splinter is fully or mostly lodged under the skin, soak the area for several minutes in warm water. Then carefully use a sterilized needle to make a slit in the skin directly above the splinter. Use a set of sterilized tweezers to lift the splinter out of the skin. Wash the area with warm water and soap, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover with a colorful adhesive bandage.
Boo-Boo: Head bump
Fix: It’s almost a guarantee that your baby will bump his head at some point while learning to walk. If your baby takes a nasty tumble, apply ice to the bump and make sure that it’s poking out, not in. You should also check your baby’s eyes to make sure that his pupil size has not changed and keep an eye out for other signs of something more serious than a simple boo-boo, such as vomiting or difficulty waking. But in most cases, your baby will crawl away with nothing more than a battle-scar bruise.
Make boo-boos less scary
Taking care of life’s little accidents doesn’t have to turn into a cry-fest. Dry your baby’s tears and tickle his funny bone with these sure-fire tips.
[tip:] Distract with humor. Sing a song, dance a jig, make a face…anything to allow your baby to focus on her silly mom instead of her bleeding knee.
[tip:] Play it down. Oftentimes, your baby’s reaction to pain is really just a mirror of your own reaction. Resist the urge to freak out and let your baby mimic your nonchalant attitude instead.
[tip:] Use “cool” boo-boo gear. Buy a first-aid kit in a fun shape or band-aids in colorful shades to make injury care fun for your baby. With all of the kid-friendly options on the market, it won’t cost you any more than the standard stuff.
