On Sunday evening one of my worst fears as a parent came true. My two year old was playing with her older brothers, running around the pool, when I opened my mouth to yell “stop running!” she fell smack dab on her chin and blood was everywhere. I instantly knew this was going to be an emergency, however I kept calm in front of her siblings and took the steps I’ve outlined below. I am not a doctor, and have no medical training. However, I'm proud of the way I handled the situation and my kiddo is doing great!
If your child busts their chin open after a fall, especially on a Sunday evening when most pediatricians' offices are closed, it's essential to stay calm and take swift action to ensure their safety and well-being. Here's my advice on what you should do:
1. Stop the Bleeding
If the cut is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Luckily we had plenty of clean towels by the pool. Hold the pressure for several minutes until the bleeding slows or stops. If the blood soaks through, place a new piece of cloth or gauze on top without removing the first one to maintain pressure.
2. Assess the Situation
First, check the severity of the wound. If the cut is deep, bleeding profusely, or the edges of the wound are gaping, you may need to seek immediate medical attention. My kid definitely required medical attention! If the bleeding is minor and the cut appears shallow, you might be able to manage it at home, but it's always better to err on the side of caution with young children. I sat my toddler in her high chair after the bleeding stopped to get a better look and realized how deep and gaping the wound was.
3. Clean the Wound
Once the bleeding is under control, clean the wound gently with water to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can sting, burn or irritate the wound. If you have a mild antiseptic solution or soap, use it with water to clean around the cut. My toddler’s cut looked pretty clean, so i didn’t bother cleaning it and let the doctor do it before the stitches.
4. Assess the Need for Medical Care
Evaluate the wound again after cleaning. If it's deep, jagged, or located in a place that could easily reopen (like the chin, which moves a lot), you may need to take your child to an urgent care center or emergency room for stitches. If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical attention as well. Also, go with your gut, if you think it needs medical attention, then you’re probably right!
5. Call for Advice
If you're unsure whether your child's injury requires professional care, you can call a nurse hotline or your pediatrician's after-hours service. Many healthcare providers offer advice over the phone to help you decide the next steps. I actually went to our local urgent care first (which was closing in 5 minutes) and, speaking to a doctor through the check-in window, he admitted to never having done stitches on such a young child and recommended I drive 2 minutes down the street to the Emergency room. I appreciated his honesty, to say the least!
6. Seek Emergency Care if Necessary
If the bleeding doesn't stop, if the cut is very deep, or if your child is in significant pain or distress, it's best to go to the nearest emergency room. Even on a Sunday evening, emergency services are available, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
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7. Comfort Your Child, And Their Siblings, The Entire Time
A fall and a cut can be frightening for a toddler. After you've taken care of the wound, comfort your child with soothing words, a favorite toy, or a treat to help calm them down. Luckily, I had a unicorn backpack with a bunch of toys in my car to bring in the emergency room with us, and a vending machine had Skittles for all the kids. Skittles make everything better!
8. Monitor for Infection
Over the next few days, keep an eye on the wound. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
9. Follow Up
If your child received stitches to get them removed.
I’m hoping none of you need to use my advice, but accidents do happen, especially with the littles. After your toddler is taken care of, make sure to take care of yourself and try not to place blame. As parents, we do the best we can and if that means getting them the care they need during an emergency, then you’re doing a great job!
And remember, no running by the pool!
