When your child takes their first few steps, you will most likely be extremely proud of their new accomplishment. While this is a milestone in a child's life, it also signifies the need for parents to be on guard at all times to help ward off and treat injuries. Small children often have several falling incidents as they learn how to walk. Here are some of the most common new walker injuries, how to treat them effectively, and when to head to an emergency clinic or hospital, such as  Peninsula Community Health Services- Medical (Cottonwood), for help.

Tending To Bleeding Wounds

When your child falls or hits a piece of furniture, they may sustain a cut or scrape from the incident. The skin will bleed, signifying the need for attention. Rinse the area under warm water to remove any bacteria from the wound. Hold a piece of clean gauze against the wound while applying pressure. This will cause the blood to clot. When the bleeding slows down, put a bandage over the area. You can add an anti-bacterial ointment to the cut before the bandage is placed for added protection against bacteria. If the wound does not stop bleeding, bring your child to an emergency clinic or hospital to see if stitches are needed.

Taking Care Of Bruises

If your child sustains bruising from falling on the floor or hitting a part of their body against a hard object, you will want to use a cool compress on the area to help relieve swelling. This will also help reduce the amount of pain the child feels from the broken capillaries under the skin. If your child hits their head, there may be a large bump in the middle of the bruised area. Watch your child for any signs of nausea, vomiting, lethargy, or memory loss as these can signify they are suffering from a concussion.  It is a good idea to keep your child awake for a few hours after the head injury so you can observe them for any of these signs. If any of these symptoms are present, see a doctor immediately.

Caring For Burned Skin

If your child walks into an area where there is a heater or stove, they can become extremely hurt from touching these items. If your child gets burned, immediately rinse the area with lukewarm water. Wrap the skin loosely with gauze so your child does not bump the skin, making it hurt worse. If the skin is very red or if it is peeling, bring your child to a doctor right away for treatment.