Children are notoriously prone to bumps, bruises and scrapes- and as a parent, it’s always handy to know how to deal with any injuries that might arise. Here are just a few great reasons to take a baby first aid course:
You’ll Feel Empowered
With first aid training, you’ll be cool, calm and collected if an accident occurs. Plus, seeing mummy or daddy confidently handle the situation will make your injured child feel safer and less afraid.
You’ll Reduce Your Child’s Recovery Time
Receiving good first aid immediately after an accident happens usually means a speedy recovery, so your child will be back to running around and having fun in no time at all.
You’ll Help Your Child to Get the Best Care Possible
Having good knowledge of baby first aid is really useful when passing on the relevant information to medical professionals, helping them to understand exactly what care your little one needs.
You Can Pass Your Knowledge onto Your Child
When your child is a little older, you can teach them a few first aid basics too. You might even spark an interest in medicine and end up raising a future doctor, nurse or paramedic.
You Can Prevent Accidents from Happening
Understanding first aid increases understanding of how injuries happen in the first place- allowing you to stop potential accidents in their tracks. After all, knowing child and baby first aid is wonderful, and not having to use it is even better!
It Doesn’t Take a Lot of Time
Whilst one and two day baby first aid courses are available, you’ll cover a lot of ground in a simple three hour baby first aid course.
What If I Already Know First Aid?
Even if you have some first aid training already, it’s still a good idea to take a baby first aid course. Because babies’ bodies are so much smaller certain baby first aid procedures are actually very different to the adult versions, so it’s really handy to learn about first aid for all ages.
Where Can I Find a Baby First Aid Course?
Luckily for you, the UK has loads of amazing baby first aid course providers, many of which have virtual training options too. Here are just a few:
- British Red Cross
- St. John’s Ambulance
- Daisy First Aid : Includes home visit or virtual option.
- First Aid for Life : Includes virtual option.
- Mini First Aid : Includes virtual option.
- Baby Steps : Includes virtual option.
- NCT : Includes virtual option.
- ABC life support : Includes virtual option
- Child Matters : Includes virtual option.
What To Put in A Baby First Aid Kit UK?
Once you’ve absorbed all of that baby first aid knowledge, you’ll need the right equipment in your first aid kit to carry it out. Here are a few things to make sure you have in your baby first aid kit:
- A first aid manual: Even if you’ve taken a baby first aid course, it’s good to keep a manual on hand to refresh the steps in your mind.
- Sticking Plasters: You should make sure that you have these in a good variety of shapes and sizes.
- Bandages: Both Crepe and Tubular.
- Adhesive Tape.
- Sterile Gauze Dressings.
- Scissors.
- Tweezers.
- Alcohol free cleansing wipes.
- Ice packs/Gel packs.
- Eyebath with sterile saline solution.
- Thermometer.
- Infant pain medication.
- Infant fever medicine.
- Rash cream.
- Bruise cream.
- Antihistamine cream (for insect bites and stings).
- Sterile eye dressings.
- Rehydration Sachets.
Remember to restock your first aid kit whenever you’ve used an item. And the NHS recommends that your first aid kit be stored in a cool, dry place out of your child’s reach.
Once you’re all swotted up on baby and child first aid care, you’ll feel even more prepared for parenthood and the adventures that come with it. And, after all, what parent doesn’t want to be the superhero that can confidently come to their child’s rescue?
