Baby First Aid Essentials for Australian Parents

Every parent hopes they'll never need first aid skills, but being prepared can make an enormous difference in an emergency. From minor scrapes to more serious situations, knowing how to respond calmly and effectively gives your baby the best chance of a good outcome. This guide covers essential first aid knowledge, when to seek help, and what to include in your baby first aid kit. However, it's not a substitute for proper first aid training—we strongly encourage all parents to complete an accredited first aid course.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Knowing when to call 000 versus when to monitor at home is one of the most valuable skills for parents. Trust your instincts—you know your baby better than anyone. When in doubt, seek medical advice.

Call 000 Immediately If Your Baby:

• Is unconscious or unresponsive
• Is not breathing or having difficulty breathing
• Is choking and coughing isn't clearing the obstruction
• Has a seizure (especially first seizure or lasting over 5 minutes)
• Has a rash that doesn't fade when pressed (possible meningococcal disease)
• Has had a significant head injury with loss of consciousness, vomiting, or unusual behaviour
• Has been burnt and the burn is larger than a 20-cent coin or affects face, hands, or genitals
• Has ingested a poison or medication
• Is limp, pale, or blue-tinged

Your Baby First Aid Kit

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home and a smaller travel version in your nappy bag and car. Store it somewhere accessible to adults but out of reach of children.

Check your kit regularly, replace used items, and monitor expiry dates on medications.

Common First Aid Situations

Fever

Fever is common in babies and usually indicates their immune system is fighting an infection. A temperature of 38°C or higher is considered a fever. For babies under three months, any fever requires immediate medical assessment. For older babies, monitor their behaviour as well as temperature.

Choking

Choking is a terrifying experience. If your baby is coughing forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing as this is the most effective way to clear an obstruction. Only intervene if coughing isn't working and the baby is unable to breathe, cry, or cough.

For a choking infant under 12 months:

1. Lay baby face down along your forearm, supporting their head
2. Give up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
3. Check the mouth for visible obstructions (but don't do a blind finger sweep)
4. If still choking, turn baby face up on your forearm and give up to 5 chest thrusts (similar position to CPR)
5. Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the object clears or baby becomes unconscious
6. If baby becomes unconscious, begin CPR and call 000

Prevention is best: Avoid giving young babies foods that pose choking risks (whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, chunks of hard vegetables), keep small objects away, and always supervise mealtimes.

Burns and Scalds

Burns are common in children and require immediate first aid:

1. Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes (not ice cold)
2. Remove clothing and jewellery from the affected area unless stuck to the skin
3. Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or cling wrap
4. Seek medical attention for burns larger than a 20-cent coin, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or any burn on an infant under 12 months

Never apply butter, oil, or toothpaste to burns. Don't burst blisters.

Cuts and Scrapes

Minor cuts and grazes are inevitable as babies become mobile. Clean the wound gently with water, apply pressure with a clean cloth if bleeding, and cover with an appropriate dressing. Seek medical attention if the wound is deep, won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), or if you're concerned about tetanus status.

Bumps to the Head

Head bumps are common once babies start moving. Most are minor, but head injuries can be serious. After a head bump, watch for:

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Vomiting more than once
• Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
• Confusion or unusual behaviour
• Seizures
• Clear fluid from ears or nose
• Unequal pupils

If any of these occur, seek immediate medical attention. For simple bumps, apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth and monitor closely for 24-48 hours.

Knowing When to See a Doctor

Beyond emergencies, many situations warrant a GP or after-hours clinic visit. Contact a health professional if your baby:

• Has fewer wet nappies than usual (possible dehydration)
• Refuses feeds repeatedly
• Has persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Seems to be in pain
• Has unusual rashes
• Has symptoms of ear infection (pulling at ears, fever, irritability)
• Has persistent cough or cold symptoms
• Just seems "not right" to you

The Value of First Aid Training

This guide provides basic information, but nothing replaces hands-on first aid training. CPR techniques, in particular, must be practised on mannequins to be performed effectively in an emergency. Many organisations across Australia offer infant and child-specific first aid courses, including:

• St John Ambulance Australia
• Australian Red Cross
• Royal Life Saving Society
• Various private providers offering courses specifically for parents

Courses typically cover CPR, choking response, managing allergic reactions, bleeding, burns, poisoning, and other common childhood emergencies. Many hospitals and maternal health services also offer baby-focused first aid sessions for new parents.

Being prepared with first aid knowledge and supplies gives you confidence to respond calmly in challenging situations. While we hope you'll never need to use emergency skills, having them ready provides invaluable peace of mind as you navigate parenthood.