Little injuries

Your child’s small injuries
Small injuries may play a part in your child’s daily life. The best solution is always to seek your doctor’s advice. Here are a few basic tips to help you prevent your child’s small injuries. Recommendations for one age may be useful for other ages.

From 6 to 9 months
Diarrhoea
At this age, your child can experience minor digestion problems. Your child’s stools can be yellow and quite runny and you may find yourself changing her nappy up to 7 or 8 times a day! While common, diarrhoea can be dangerous for your child. Dehydration can come on rapidly, so always see a doctor. He can prescribe sachets of rehydration solution for your child to drink. Keep an eye on your child’s weight and if your child vomits or cries more than usual, visit your doctor. Whatever the symptoms, it is essential you let a doctor examine your child. To help support your child’s digestive health, you can try probiotics. They are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut. You can try either fortified milk or infant cereal.

Constipation
On the other hand, if your child is passing hard or small stools and cries when she empties her bowels, consult your doctor. Water with high amounts of minerals is recommended under strict medical supervision.

Colic
This is the age when colic can occur. Your child can cry for prolonged bouts, sometimes hours at a time, and may be inconsolable. Your whole family will panic and you may blame yourself for not being able to calm your child, but there is nothing much you can do. If your child is eating normally, smiling outside of these crying spells and your doctor says everything is okay, there’s no need to worry. Relax, hold your child and rock her gently. This will comfort your child and calm her down a little.

Fever
A fever is not normal and you need to keep an eye on it. Don’t hesitate to see your doctor.

Nappy rash
When your child is teething, a red bum is not uncommon. This could be nappy rash and a visit to your doctor is advisable. Don’t forget the importance of strict hygiene. Wash your child’s bum with water and mild soap after each bowel movement and dry gently. If necessary, your doctor may recommend a protective cream. Change your child’s nappy as often as possible. Nappy rash can appear quickly, but can take some time to clear up.

Ear infection
When your child has a cold, she may also suffer from ear infection. This can be accompanied by earache, fever and sometimes diarrhoea. Your child may be grumpy, shake her head when crying or even touch her ear constantly. See your doctor if you have the slightest concern.

Fever
Viral infections can give your child a fever. Avoid covering up your child too much and check the room temperature. Give your child something to drink regularly in addition to fever medication prescribed by your doctor. Bathing your child in warm water and gently massaging her head is also recommended. If your child is sleeping a lot or behaving unusually, see your doctor immediately.

From 9 months to 3 years
Child illnesses
At this stage, babies are no longer protected by their mother’s antibodies, and being in contact with other children, can catch viruses from teddies or toys. This is the period when child illnesses (e.g. diseases accompanied by skin eruptions like measles, rubella and chickenpox) can occur. Mumps, which are common, can be recognised by inflammation under the jaw. If your child is affected by any of these illnesses, see your doctor and check your child’s temperature regularly.

Everyday small injuries

Now that your child is learning to walk and starting to explore, she can easily fall and cause herself injury. For bumps, the best remedy is to rub the injury with a glove filled with ice several times a day. Your doctor may also recommend an ointment to apply. As a general tip, keep the floor clear of small toys and ensure your child stays away from edges. This will help prevent your child’s small injuries.