Utilizing our first aid kit checklist and gaining some knowledge about baby first aid will help you feel better prepared to handle any minor crises that may arise in the home.
First Aid Essentials
What kinds of things should I have in my first aid kit?
Even if you have taken every effort to establish a secure environment for your baby, some mishaps and diseases are unavoidable with a little one. Because of this, it is essential to keep a supply of basic medical supplies on hand at all times.
You should be able to treat common injuries and illnesses with the help of these essential materials. Be mindful, however, that if there is any indication of a more serious issue or if you are unsure as to the reason, it is in your best interest to seek the guidance of a trained medical practitioner.
A digital thermometer is helpful since it allows you to check your baby’s temperature in a hurry.
Liquid pain relief for children and infants should have either paracetamol or ibuprofen as its active ingredient.
To give medication, an oral (no-needle) syringe or a measuring spoon are typically used.
Plasters that are waterproof and come in a variety of sizes and forms are used to protect and assist in the healing of minor wounds.
Dressings made of sterile materials are used to cover and protect wounds in order to promote healing.
Use antiseptic cream and wipes to clean cuts and grazes, and to help prevent infection by wiping them down with the antiseptic.
The purpose of a roller bandage is to secure wound dressings in place. Having items in a variety of sizes is a smart move.
Swabs made of sterile gauze can be utilised for both the cleaning of wounds and the application of ointments.
Tweezers are useful for extracting splinters as well as thorns.
Scissors, for trimming plasters and dressings to the appropriate dimensions.
For securing dressings, safety pins or hypoallergenic tape can be used.
Insect repellent is something that you should definitely have during the summertime.
Finger bandages are used to protect, support, and immobilise wounded fingers. In addition, they can be used to keep dressings in place.
When dealing with any kind of cut or scrape, be sure to put on a pair of sterile gloves.
Clean your hands with a gentle liquid soap before and after tending to wounds such as cuts and scrapes.
Calamine lotion is an effective remedy for soothing mild skin irritations, including sunburn and rashes.
Sprays designed to treat the symptoms of stings and bites, such as itching and discomfort, are available.
Eyewash solution is used to flush foreign particles out of one’s eyes.
Include any medication or equipment that is necessary to meet the requirements of your own child. Also, make sure you are familiar with how to use each item so that you won’t have to waste time in a crisis reading the directions.
Six pointers for the first aid kit
If you purchase a pre-assembled first aid kit, you should verify that it contains all of the necessary items before using it. In the event that it does not, top it off.
Keep in mind that you will need to replenish products as they begin to run out or past their expiration date.
Keep your first aid kit in a watertight container that is roomy enough to allow the components to be arranged in a way that makes them easy to find when you need them. It would be best to use a plastic container that has a lid that can be sealed tightly.
It is a good idea to label things so that they can be recognised simply; this will come in helpful in situations where you need to move swiftly.
Keep the kit where children can’t get their hands on it.
Be certain that any other people who may look after your baby at home are aware of the location of the kit and how to get it.
Courses in infant and child first aid
You can learn how to recognise and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous scenarios by enrolling in a baby first aid course that has been developed specifically for new parents and caregivers. The aim is that you’ll never need to utilise these skills, but having the knowledge that you need to handle potentially stressful situations might assist to offer you some piece of mind.
Sessions often range anywhere from three to five hours and are provided by a wide variety of organisations, such as the NCT and the British Red Cross.
What exactly will I pick up by taking this class?
First aid
Classes in first aid provide instruction that is both hands-on and practical, and are taught in a group environment by a qualified instructor. In most classes, you will have the opportunity to practise your skills on a baby manikin doll before your own child is born. This can be an extremely beneficial experience.
You can anticipate, among other things, learning what to do in the event that your child:
It then begins to choke on itself
Becomes unresponsive
has a temperature
suffers a burn
has a higher than normal temperature.
Because there is typically a lot of time for questions, it is important that you make a note of any specific issues or concerns that you have so that you can inquire about them on the day in question.
When will I be able to take a course in baby first aid?
You are free to take a lesson on newborn first aid at any time, either on your own or with a partner, before or after the birth of your child, and at any stage of pregnancy.
You should verify with the event organiser beforehand, but in most circumstances you will be able to bring your infant child along with you.
When you’re expecting a child, it could be beneficial to take another first aid class, even if you’ve taken one in the past as part of your general education. There are some situations in which administering first aid to a baby requires a very different approach than administering it to an adult, such as when conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or while assisting an infant who is choking.
How much does it cost to take first aid classes?
First aid classes
The cost of the first aid training varies depending on the company that you sign up with, as well as the location of your home and whether or not you will be attending the class alone or with another person (such as your birth partner).
Training provided by the British Red Cross is often offered at a cost that is between £45 and £60, which is slightly higher than that of other organisations.
The NCT Baby First Aid course, which is taught in conjunction with the British Red Cross and costs as little as £20, is presently being taught online because of the pandemic.
The Essential First Aid training offered by St. John’s Ambulance costs £30 and lasts for three hours anywhere in the United Kingdom.
During the pandemic, a large number of classes are being conducted online. Check with the person who is providing the training for specifics on how this operates.
Are there any other options than taking a first aid class?
If a lack of financial resources prevents you from attending a session, there are numerous resources available to you on the internet, including films and advice that are free of charge:
St. John’s Ambulance, affiliated with the British Red Cross
Learning the fundamentals of first aid will assist you in recognising and managing less serious medical crises. Nevertheless, it is of equal significance to be aware of when additional medical treatment is required and where to seek the essential assistance in order to receive it.
