Mini first aid - here's what you need to know

We love a good business by mums and our friends at Mini First Aid are just that.

Founder (and mum of 6!) Kate started Mini First Aid at her kitchen table. Mini First Aid now trains over 1000 families a week across the UK in baby first aid. The 70 trainers are mums (and dads) who understand the pressure of having a small person in their lives.  We are delighted Kate is sharing some of her first aid experience and advice with us.

Over to you Kate…

When we get ready for baby to arrive, we often focus on the softer side; the nursery, the change bag, the pram, the first outfit. Why not? Having a baby is an exciting time.  We then start to think about the birth, how we want things to go and how we plan to feed our baby.

It is hard not to feel nervous as a new parent.  Everything is unknown. At Mini First Aid we cannot give you all the magic answers, but we can help you to think about practically equipping yourself for baby, and to think about First Aid.

Here are Mini First Aid’s top tips:

• Attend a baby first aid class. Knowing what to do in an emergency could literally save a life.
• Ask the adults (grandparents and carers) who will be spending time with your baby to also attend a first aid class and don’t forget siblings can attend First Aid classes designed for children.
• Make sure you have a first aid kit in your change bag or under your pram and another located at home in the room you spend most of your time in. Make sure that everyone knows where the first aid kit is kept and replenish supplies regularly.
• Where possible, baby proof your home to minimise the risk of accidents.
• Find out which neighbours are at home at particular times of day, so that if you ever need emergency help, you know who you can call on.
• Make sure you know where your nearest Paediatric A & E is located (not all hospitals have one).

And for those parents weaning their babies, the possibility of them choking is really scary.  There are also risks with babies putting so many things in their mouths. Make sure you do the following:

• We must show our babies and children that grown-ups eat sitting down, chew properly (!) and that we never put too much in our mouths.
• We never leave a baby or child eating without supervision. Silence is the sign of choking.
• And most importantly make sure you learn how to deal with choking at a first aid class.

It is better never to be complacent. Go with your gut instinct. If you are not sure if you need to go to hospital or if your baby/child is not acting in a way that is normal for them; call 111 for advice on a minor injury or if life threatening call 999.

It is never too early to explain to your baby what is happening if they do get hurt. You can reassure your child, telling him/her what you are doing: “Mummy is just going to get you all cleaned up”. If you are confident around medical practitioners your child(ren) will learn to that if they are hurt, whilst they might be in pain; a grown up is going to look after them.

If you’d like to attend a baby and child first aid class then head over to  www.minifirstaid.co.ukto find a class near you today. And make sure you stock your change bag with an award winning First Aid Kit - www.minifirstaidshop.co.uk