When we get ready for baby to arrive, we often focus on the softer side; the nursery, the changing bag, the pram, the first outfit. Why not? Having a baby is exciting! We then start to think about the birth, how we want things to go, how we plan to feed our baby, even which classes we might attend.

However, it’s not hard not to feel nervous as a new parent. Everything is unknown. We might wonder, how will we keep our little ones safe? What do we need to know in an emergency?

We spoke to Mini First Aid about how they can help you feel more practically prepared for motherhood. Alongside prepping the nursery and packing your hospital bag, it’s just as important to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to handle those unexpected moments.

Mini First Aid gave us the lowdown on how to feel prepared, along with some must-know advice. Here are their top tips…

• Attend a baby first aid class. Knowing what to do in an emergency could literally save a life.

• Ask the adults (grandparents and carers) who will be spending time with your baby to also attend a first aid class, and don’t forget siblings can attend first aid classes designed for children.

• Make sure you have a first aid kit in your changing bag or under your pram and another located at home in the room you spend most of your time in. Make sure that everyone knows where the first aid kit is kept and replenish supplies regularly.

• Where possible, baby proof your home to minimise the risk of accidents.

• Find out which neighbours are at home at particular times of day, so that if you ever need emergency help, you know who you can call on.

• Make sure you know where your nearest Paediatric A&E is located (not all hospitals have one).

For those parents weaning their babies

The possibility of them choking is really scary. There are also risks with babies putting so many things in their mouths. Make sure you do the following:

• We must show our babies and children that grown-ups eat sitting down, chew our food properly and that we never put too much in our mouths.

• We never leave a baby or child eating without supervision. Silence is the sign of choking.

• And most importantly, make sure you learn how to deal with choking at a first aid class.

Bumps on the head

Everyone dreads a bump on the head, especially as your baby becomes mobile. Why is it they seem to spend their time bumping into things?! Most bumps are nothing to worry about, but it is better to be cautious, particularly with bumps to the head. Here is what you need to do:

• Use a cold gel pack – such the Teddy, on the site of the injury to bring down swelling. Symptoms are often delayed, so stay with your child to monitor any changes in their behaviour or symptoms for at least 24 hours.

• Any signs of sickness, drowsiness, dizziness or any unnatural behaviour could be concussion. You need to take get your baby to A&E as soon as possible.

It is better never to be complacent. Go with your gut instinct. If you are not sure if you need to go to the hospital or if your baby/child is not acting in a way that is normal for them; call 111 for advice on a minor injury or, if life-threatening, call 999.

It is never too early to explain to your baby what is happening if they do get hurt.

You can reassure your child, telling him/her what you are doing: “Mummy is just

going to get you all cleaned up”. If you are confident around medical practitioners your child(ren) will learn that if they are hurt, whilst they might be in pain; a grown up is going to look after them.

About Mini First Aid

Kate Ball set up Mini First Aid from her kitchen table in January 2014, offering quality baby & toddler first aid classes to parents and carers in Leeds. Kate saw the potential for growth and started franchising the business in 2015. In 2021, Kate and husband Matt braved the Dragons’ Den, securing investment from Sara Davies MBE. Mini First Aid now has over 70 franchises and over 150 first aid trainers offering a range of classes across the UK for adults and children, training over 2,000 families weekly in basic and life-saving first aid.

Mini First Aid are a leading voice in first aid training and education, and proud to be the top provider of paediatric first aid across the UK.

To book a Mini First Aid class, visit https://www.minifirstaid.co.uk/classes.

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