Bumps, Burns and Scrapes

1. Bumps and Bruises

The classic bump—whether it’s a stumble over a toy or an epic couch-dive fail, it’s all part of growing up. These are usually harmless, but they do look dramatic, especially on a toddler-sized forehead.

What to Do:

• Apply a Cold Pack: Wrap an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) in a tea towel and apply it to the bump for 10–15 minutes. It reduces swelling and earns you bonus points as the “cool parent.”
• Monitor for Serious Symptoms: Most bumps settle quickly, but keep an eye out for warning signs after a head injury such as repeated vomiting, unusual drowsiness, confusion, seizure activity, or a child who just doesn’t seem like themselves.

Top Tip: Distract them with their favourite show while you hold the ice pack in place—nothing soothes a bump like an episode of Bluey.

2. Minor Burns

From curious little hands grabbing a hot coffee cup to accidental contact with a stove, minor burns are unfortunately all too common.

What to Do:

• Cool the Burn: Immediately place the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. If you’re out and about, use a clean wet cloth until you can get to running water, because cool running water is still the gold-standard first aid for minor burns.
• Cover It: Once cooled, cover the burn with a non-stick dressing or clean plastic wrap. If clothing or jewellery is close to the burn and not stuck to the skin, remove it early before swelling starts.
• Avoid Home Remedies: No butter, no ice, no toothpaste—just cool running water and a simple cover. Fancy kitchen remedies tend to make burns messier, not better.

If the burn is larger than a 20-cent coin, blistered, on the face, hands, feet or genitals, or your child seems very distressed, seek medical advice.

3. Cuts and Scrapes

From playground adventures to backyard mishaps, a scraped knee or tiny cut is a common occurrence in toddler life.

What to Do:

• Stop the Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Most minor cuts stop bleeding quickly.
• Clean the Wound: Rinse with clean water (tap water is fine) to remove dirt or debris.
• Rinse and Cover: For simple grazes, a good rinse with water and a clean dressing is usually enough. The Royal Children’s Hospital advises that antiseptic creams are generally not needed for minor wounds.
• Bandage It Up: Cover the cut with a Band-Aid or sterile dressing. Bonus points for using a fun cartoon Band-Aid that will instantly turn tears into smiles.

Pro Tip: Keep the praise coming. “Wow, you’re so brave!” works wonders when paired with a colourful Band-Aid. If the cut is deep, gaping, keeps bleeding, or you cannot wash the dirt out, get it checked.

4. Splinters

Splinters are small but mighty in the drama department. They’ll have you convinced your child’s life is ruined—until it’s out.

What to Do:

• Clean Your Tweezers: Wash the tweezers first and, if you have one handy, use an alcohol wipe or sanitiser before you start.
• Remove the Splinter: If the end is visible, gently pull it out at the same angle it went in. If it is deeply buried, under a nail, or your child is too distressed to keep still, it is usually better to stop and let a GP handle it rather than dig around.
• Clean and Cover: Wash the area with soapy water, dry and pop on a Band-Aid if needed.

5. Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are a little unsettling but usually harmless—especially if your child loves picking their nose (they all do, let’s be honest).

What to Do:

• Sit Them Up: Keep your child upright and leaning slightly forward. This helps stop blood from running down the throat and being swallowed.
• Pinch the Soft Part of the Nose: Use your fingers to gently pinch the soft part of the nostrils together for a full 10 minutes without checking every 30 seconds.
• Skip the Tissue Stuffing: Avoid stuffing tissues up their nose—it’s tempting, but it can irritate the lining.

When to Worry: If the bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes, keeps happening, or follows a hard knock to the face or head, it’s time for medical advice.

6. Insect Bites and Stings

Between mozzies, ants, and the occasional bee, insect bites are part and parcel of Aussie life.

What to Do:

• Clean the Area: Wash with soapy water to remove any irritants.
• Apply a Cold Pack: A wrapped cold pack can help reduce swelling, sting and itch.
• Keep It Simple: For a routine bite or sting, washing the area and using a cold pack is often enough. If itching is the main problem, check with a pharmacist or GP about what is suitable for your child, especially for babies and toddlers.

If your child has difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips or tongue, becomes pale or floppy, or shows other signs of an allergic reaction, call 000 immediately. Healthdirect has a good summary of what to watch for after insect bites and stings.