Babysitting first aid tips

In the event of accidental choking, call an ambulance, then apply first aid measures to clear the child's airway.

In case of accident or illness, don't try to be doctor or nurse except for minor cuts and bruises. Call the parents for instructions. If they cannot be reached, call your own parents or go to a neighbor for help. The sick or hurt child may require a doctor or emergency care.

For minor cuts, stop bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Wash the wound and apply a bandage.

Notify the parents about small injuries when they return.

Learn CPR. There are any numbers of emergencies where your knowledge of CPR could arise and be needed.

If the child swallows something poisonous, call an ambulance. Have the container ready so you can read it to the operator on the phone.

Put cool water on a burn. This slows skin damage. If the skin is already blistered, dead white, brown, or charred, you need emergency help. Call an ambulance.

Teach children to play safely by showing them how to use their toys in a safe manner and by teaching them to put their toys away after play. Be particularly aware of safe and unsafe toys. These are some toy dangers everyone should be aware of:

Small Parts

Tiny toys and toys with small removable parts can be swallowed or become lodged in a child's throat, windpipe, ears or nose. The seams of poorly constructed stuffed dolls or animals can break open and release small pellets that can be swallowed or inhaled.

Sharp Edges

Toys of brittle plastic or glass can be broken easily, leaving dangerous, sharp, cutting edges. Metal and plastic toys some-times have sharp edges due to poor construction.

Sharp Points

Broken toys can expose dangerous prongs and knife-like sharp points. Pins and staples on doll's clothes, hair and accessories can easily puncture an unsuspecting child.

Loud Noises

Toy caps and some noise-making guns and other toys can produce sounds at noise levels that can damage hearing. Do not allow children to fire cap guns closer than one foot to the ear; also, do not use indoors.

Propelled Objects

Projectiles, missiles, and similar flying toys, can be turned into weapons and can injure eyes in particular. Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby or sporting equipment that has sharp points. Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective tips intended to prevent Injury. Teach children that these toys should never be aimed at people or pets.

Electric Toys

Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or used can shock or burn a child. Electric toys with heating elements are only recommended for children over eight years old. Children should be taught to use electric toys cautiously and under adult supervision.

The Wrong Toy for the Wrong Age

Toys that may be safe for older children-like a chemistry or hobby set or games with small pieces can be extremely dangerous in the hands of little ones.

Cords and Strings

Toys with long strings or cords maybe dangerous for infants and very young children. The cords may become wrapped around an infant's neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops or ribbons in cribs or playpens. Pacifiers should never be attached to strings or ribbons around a baby's neck.

This page last updated May 21, 2007