When a child is injured, especially if the child is an infant or toddler (0 to 36 months), it is difficult to understand what has caused the injury. This is largely due to the fact that the child will lack verbal communication skills and would not be able to explain what type of pain or discomfort they’re experiencing. 

 

It is therefore important for parents and caregivers to know about the common infant and toddler injuries and when to seek medical help for the same.

 

Types of Infant and Toddler Injuries and When to Seek Help

 

The most common types of paediatric injuries are:

Falls

 

Falls are one of the most common causes of infant and toddler injury. Babies can fall from beds, tables, or while running or playing. Any kid that has fallen should be checked for head injuries. 

 

You should visit your paediatrician if your child has:

 

1. Severe crankiness after the fall
2. Vomiting
3. Slurred speech
4. Difficulty walking
5. A soft bulge (fontanel) on his head

 

These may indicate a concussion or more severe conditions like increased pressure in the brain, swelling of the brain, and internal bleeding.

Suffocation

 

Infants are at high risk of suffocating when they’re asleep. This is caused when there is a lack of oxygen due to a wrong sleeping position or faulty cushions. Ensure your baby is sleeping on their back, and keep the crib free of toys, blankets or other objects.

 

Drowning

 

 

Drowning is a very common cause of paediatric injury. Children between ages 1 to 4 are most susceptible to drowning if left unattended. This happens because the child is still developing their motor skills and cannot judge or react well to hazards. Swimming pools, bathtubs, and rivers are the most common places for such incidents. 

 

Take your child to the paediatrician if :

 

1. There is persistent coughing 
2. He or she is working harder than usual to breathe
3. Fatigue or vomiting

 

Poisoning

 

 

Infants and toddlers are extremely inquisitive and use all of their senses to experiment. Regular household items can be dangerous if swallowed or inhaled. Keep your child away from things like:

 

1. Cosmetics, shampoos, lotions
2. Cleaning solutions or laundry detergents
3. Small items like buttons or pins
4. Plants

 

Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms like:

 

1. Burns or redness around the mouth or lips
2. Breath smelling of chemicals
3. Difficulty breathing and vomiting
4. Drowsiness or confused state of mind
5. Seizures
   
   

Toddler and infant injuries are common, but being prepared can save parents and caregivers some of the stress.

 

Here are the top 5 things you can do to keep infants and toddlers safe: 

 

 

1. Always use safety belts while travelling in a car.
2. Keep medicines, bottles, and other foreign objects out of reach of your child.
3. Keep soft objects and toys out of the crib when your baby is sleeping. Ensure he or she is sleeping on their back.
4. Watch your child closely when in the pool or bathtub.
5. If your kid is playing outside, ensure he has safety gear like helmets or pads on.

 

Toddler and infant injuries can be quite stressful, especially because most of the time, the child is not able to fully explain themselves. In such cases, try to stay calm and call your paediatrician immediately for assistance.