When you’re a parent, nothing is more important than keeping your child safe. Whether you’re packing for a vacation or child-proofing your home, having the right supplies and knowledge gives you the confidence to handle minor injuries and even life-threatening situations while waiting for professional medical help. Read on to learn about the essential first aid skills every parent should know to protect their children at home, in the park, or anywhere unexpected situations arise.
CPR Basics
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most critical skills a parent can learn, as it can save a child’s life in the event of cardiac arrest or difficulty breathing. The technique for adults differs for infants and children, so you should understand all types of CPR.
For infants up to one year old, start by gently placing them on a flat surface and checking their responsiveness by tapping the bottom of their foot and speaking to them. If there is no response and they’re not breathing, perform 30 compressions on the chest using two thumbs in the center of the chest. Push down about an inch and a half and allow the chest to expand to its normal position between each compression. Then, provide two small breaths by covering both their nose and mouth and gently blowing into their lungs. The breath should make their chest rise, so watch for that as you perform breaths. Repeat the cycle until emergency responders arrive or the infant starts breathing on their own.
For children over one year old, the steps are similar, but you’ll use the heel of one hand to do chest compressions rather than two fingers. Push firmly in the center of the chest and aim for a depth of about two inches. For both children and infants, do compressions at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
If you want to learn more about CPR, take a class, or obtain a CPR certification, the American Red Cross is a valuable resource. They also have a printable, step-by-step guide to CPR that you can keep with your other first aid supplies.
Wound Care
Accumulating scraped knees, paper cuts, and other minor wounds is a normal part of being a kid, so it’s important to always have the right wound care supplies at home. Being prepared makes you a safe presence for your child as you patch them up.
Start by washing your hands to avoid introducing germs to the wound. Gently rinse the injured area under cool running water to flush out dirt and debris. Once the wound is clean, pat it dry with a sterile cloth or gauze, then apply an antiseptic or a mild antibiotic cream. Immediately cover the cut with a clean bandage to protect it from bacteria, dirt, and further irritation.
Managing Fevers
Understanding how fevers work and how to manage them is a critical first aid skill every parent should know. Start by checking your child’s temperature using a reliable thermometer. A fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit indicates a need for monitoring. Dress them in lightweight clothing and keep the room comfortably cool to bring down the fever. You can also use cool compresses or over-the-counter fever-reducing medication as directed by your pediatrician.