What Educators Should Do
The 7 Most Common Childcare Injuries
Updated for 2026
Key takeaway:
Most childcare injuries are minor, but knowing exactly what to do — and when to escalate — helps educators respond calmly and confidently.
Table of Contents
Common Injuries in Child Care
Anyone who works in childcare knows how quickly things can change. One moment the room is calm — the next, a child has fallen, been bitten, started bleeding, or needs help straight away. These situations aren’t rare or dramatic — they’re part of everyday life in early learning environments.
This article looks at the most common injuries in child care, based on what educators actually deal with day to day. It focuses on what these incidents usually look like, what to do immediately, and when an injury needs to be taken more seriously.
Working in childcare is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with real responsibility. Families trust educators to respond calmly, correctly, and confidently when something goes wrong — often while caring for other children at the same time.
That’s exactly why childcare-specific first aid training exists. Courses like HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting are built around real childcare scenarios, covering everyday injuries as well as higher-risk situations like asthma and anaphylaxis. Having the right training means you’re not guessing or hesitating — you know what to do.
1. Cuts, Scrapes and Grazes
Cuts and grazes are the most common injuries in child care, particularly during outdoor play, running games, and transitions between activities. Most are minor, but they can look alarming and be upsetting for the child — especially when there is blood involved.
What it usually looks like
A child may trip or fall and scrape a knee, hand, or elbow. The skin may be broken, with minor bleeding or dirt visible in the wound. Often, the child is more distressed by the shock of the fall than the injury itself.
What to do straight away
- Stay calm and reassure the child
- Wash your hands and put on gloves if available
- For larger wounds such as a skinned knee, Irrigate the wound with antiseptic to remove dirt and debris
- For smaller wounds, use antiseptic wound wipes if needed
- Gently clean around the wound using gauze
- Apply gentle pressure to control any bleeding
- Cover the wound appropriately:
- Small, minor cuts: adhesive dressing (e.g. Band-Aid type)
- Larger grazes: non-adherent dressing secured with tape or a bandage
- Follow your centre’s hygiene and infection control procedures
Get medical advice if:
- The injury was caused by a human bite or a dirty object
- Bleeding does not stop with pressure
- The wound is deep, wide, or heavily contaminated
- There are signs of infection (spreading redness, swelling, warmth, discharge)
2. Bruises and Head Knocks Grazes
Bruises are a common part of active play in childcare and are usually minor. Any knock to the head, however, should always be treated with extra caution, even when there are no obvious signs of injury.
What it usually looks like
A child may bump their head during play, collide with another child, or fall and hit their head. You might see a lump, redness, or bruising — or no visible mark at all. Some children settle quickly, while others may remain upset, clingy, or unsettled.
What to do straight away
- Stay calm and reassure the child
- Stop the activity immediately and remove the child from play
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth if there is swelling
- Observe the child closely for signs of concussion or worsening head injury, including:
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Persistent crying or irritability
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Changes in behaviour, balance, or coordination
- Continue monitoring the child until they are collected
- Follow your service’s head injury procedures
- Notify a parent or guardian in line with centre policy
Get medical advice urgently if:
- The child loses consciousness, even briefly
- There is repeated vomiting
- The child becomes increasingly drowsy or difficult to wake
- There are seizures, confusion, or unusual behaviour
- The injury involved a significant fall or force
For additional guidance when monitoring a child after a head knock, educators may find the Headcheck App helpful:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/head-injuries
These tools can assist with observation but do not replace medical assessment if there are any concerns.
All head knocks should be documented and monitored according to your service’s incident reporting procedures, even if the injury appears minor at first.
3. Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis
Allergic reactions are less common than cuts or bruises, but they are among the highest-risk incidents in childcare. Reactions can escalate quickly, which is why early recognition and a clear response are critical.
What it usually looks like
A child may have a known allergy to food, insect stings, medication, or other triggers. Symptoms can appear within minutes and may include hives, swelling, vomiting, coughing, wheezing, or changes in breathing. In some cases, a reaction may be the child’s first known allergic response.
What to do straight away
- Stay calm and remove the allergen if possible
- Sit or lay the child down comfortably
- Follow the child’s Allergy or Anaphylaxis Action Plan immediately
- If signs of anaphylaxis are present:
- Administer the adrenaline auto-injector as per the action plan
- Call 000 immediately
- Monitor the child closely and reassure them
- Do not leave the child alone
- If trained and authorised, a second auto-injector may be given if symptoms do not improve and emergency services have not yet arrived
Signs of anaphylaxis may include:
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Pale or floppy appearance (especially in young children)
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
After the incident
- Parents or guardians must be notified as soon as practicable
- The incident should be documented according to service procedures
- Used auto-injectors should be given to emergency services
Allergic reactions can worsen rapidly. When in doubt, treat the situation as serious and escalate early.
4. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are very common in children and can occur suddenly during play, after bumping the nose, or for no obvious reason at all. While they can look alarming, most nosebleeds are minor and can be managed with simple first aid.
What it usually looks like
A child may suddenly have blood coming from one or both nostrils. They may become upset or frightened, especially if it’s their first nosebleed. In most cases, there are no other symptoms.
What to do straight away
- Stay calm and reassure the child
- Sit the child upright and lean their head slightly forward (not back)
- Apply firm pressure to the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge, using your thumb and index finger
- Encourage the child to spit out any blood rather than swallowing it
- Maintain continuous pressure for at least 10 minutes without checking
- Keep the child seated and at rest during this time
On a hot day, or if the child has been running or exercising, pressure may need to be maintained for up to 20 minutes.
Get medical advice if:
- Bleeding continues after 20 minutes of firm pressure
- The nosebleed follows a head injury
- Nosebleeds occur frequently or are heavy
- The child becomes pale, dizzy, or unwell
After the bleeding has stopped, encourage the child to avoid blowing or rubbing their nose and continue to monitor them.
5. Suspected Fractures (Broken Bones)
Fractures can occur in children after falls, awkward landings, or collisions during play. While some fractures are obvious, others can be difficult to recognise at first. Pain alone does not determine how serious an injury is, and some children continue to use a limb despite a break.
What it usually looks like
A child may fall and complain of pain in an arm or leg. You may notice swelling, bruising, reduced movement, or the child refusing to use or put weight on the limb. In some cases, there may be no obvious deformity initially.
What to do straight away
- Stay calm and reassure the child
- Stop the activity and keep the child still
- Make the injured area comfortable and supported
- Support an injured arm in the position the child finds most comfortable
- Encourage a child with a leg injury to remain seated or lying down
- Do not attempt to straighten the limb or test movement
- Do not give pain relief medication
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to help reduce swelling if tolerated
- Arrange prompt medical assessment
The priority is comfort and stability until the child can be assessed by a medical professional. X-ray and clinical assessment are often required to confirm whether a bone is broken.
Get medical assessment urgently if:
- The child cannot use or bear weight on the limb
- There is obvious deformity or severe swelling
- Pain is increasing or not settling
- The injury followed a significant fall or force
Children’s fractures are sometimes mistaken for minor injuries. If a child continues to complain of pain or avoids using a limb, medical assessment is always the safest option.
6. Bites and Scratches
Bites and scratches are relatively common in childcare, particularly in younger age groups where children are still developing communication, emotional regulation, and impulse control. While most injuries are minor, human bites carry a higher risk of infection and should always be taken seriously.
What it usually looks like
A child may be bitten or scratched by another child during play or a moment of frustration. You may see broken skin, redness, swelling, or teeth marks. These incidents can be distressing for both the injured child and educators.
What to do straight away
- Stay calm and reassure the child
- Separate the children involved and ensure everyone is safe
- Wash your hands and put on gloves if available
- If the skin is broken:
- Irrigate the wound with clean running water
- Clean gently around the area
- Cover with an appropriate dressing
- If the skin is not broken:
- Clean the area and apply a cold pack if swelling is present
- Follow your service’s infection control and incident procedures
Get medical advice if:
- The skin is broken from a bite
- There are signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, discharge)
- The bite is deep or bleeding heavily
All bite and scratch incidents should be documented and communicated to families according to your service’s policies.
Human bites have a higher risk of infection than many other minor wounds. When the skin is broken, medical advice is always recommended.
7. Minor Burns and Scalds
Minor burns and scalds can occur in childcare settings from hot food or liquids, sun exposure, warm play equipment, or cooking and craft activities. Children’s skin burns more easily than adults’, so early and appropriate first aid is important.
What it usually looks like
A child may spill a hot drink, touch a hot surface, or develop reddened skin from sun exposure. The area may appear red, painful, and warm to the touch. Blistering may develop later.
What to do straight away
- Stay calm and reassure the child
- Remove the source of heat if it is safe to do so
- Cool the burn immediately with cool running water for at least 20 minutes
- Remove restrictive clothing or jewellery from the area if possible (unless stuck to the skin)
- Cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-adherent dressing
- Do not apply creams, oils, ice, or home remedies
Get medical advice urgently if:
- The burn is larger than a 20-cent piece
- There is blistering, broken skin, or severe pain
- The burn is to the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
- You are unsure about the severity
All burns should be documented and parents or guardians notified in line with centre procedures.
First Aid Kits in Childcare Settings
Even in the best-run services, injuries still happen. A well-stocked, well-maintained first aid kit ensures educators can respond quickly and confidently when something does occur.
First aid kit contents should be appropriate for an education and care environment and based on your service’s risk assessment. Kits need to be easily accessible, regularly checked, and restocked as required.
Larger services may need multiple kits to ensure prompt access across rooms and outdoor areas. A portable first aid kit is also essential for excursions, playground supervision, and off-site activities.
Having the right equipment available supports good first aid — but knowing how and when to use it is just as important.
Questions about Childcare Injuries
What are the most common injuries in child care?
The most common childcare injuries include cuts and grazes, bruises and head knocks, bites and scratches, nosebleeds, allergic reactions, minor burns, and suspected fractures. Most injuries are minor, but all should be responded to calmly and appropriately
What should educators do first when a child is injured?
The first priorities are to stay calm, stop the activity, reassure the child, and address any immediate danger. Educators should then provide appropriate first aid, monitor the child closely, and follow their service’s procedures for documentation and parent or guardian notification.
When should parents or guardians be notified?
Parents or guardians should be notified for all significant injuries, head knocks, allergic reactions, suspected fractures, or any incident that causes concern. Each service will have specific notification and reporting requirements that educators are expected to follow.
Do childcare educators diagnose injuries?
Childcare educators don’t diagnose injuries or medical conditions — that’s the role of doctors and health professionals. However, educators are trained to observe signs and symptoms, provide appropriate first aid, and recognise when a child needs medical assessment. Their role is to respond, monitor, and escalate concerns when something doesn’t look right.
When should a child be taken for medical assessment?
Medical assessment should be sought if a child has a head injury with concerning symptoms, a suspected fracture, a bite that breaks the skin, an allergic reaction, a burn of concern, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Ready to Build Confidence with Childcare First Aid Training?
Childcare injuries are part of the job. The difference is how confidently and correctly they’re handled.
Our HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting course is designed specifically for childcare educators. It focuses on real early learning scenarios and covers everyday injuries, asthma, and anaphylaxis.
Courses run regularly across Brisbane, or we can deliver training directly at your centre for groups.
If you want to feel prepared — not panicked — when something happens, this training makes a real difference.
Find out more or book your course today.
Onsite Workplace
Group Bookings
Nationally recognised certificates
30 years of professional training
Sessions tailored for your group
Public
Bookings
Nationally recognised certificates
30 years of professional training
8 locations Brisbane-wide
