When an older toddler gets a cut, it’s usually pretty easy to fix it. A decorative Bandaid with their favorite character usually will cheer them up in an instant. But if you have a newborn that gets cut or pricked, can you put a Bandaid on them?
It is okay to put a Band-Aid or bandage on a newborn or older baby as long as it is in a place where the baby can’t take it off and put it in her mouth and it is not restricting circulation. Parents shouldn’t put bandages on baby’s fingers or toes as they are commonly put into baby’s mouths and are at the greatest risk for cutting off circulation.
Read on to learn more about when and how to use Bandaids on babies, both newborn and older.
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Can you use Band-Aids or bandages on a newborn baby?
There are times when babies get a cut or need to get blood drawn and bleeding occurs. When this happens, many parents will go straight to using a Bandaid, but can you use these on a newborn baby?
Using a Bandaid on a newborn baby is generally safe since young babies usually cannot pull them off nor are they usually bringing items to their mouth. As your baby gets older, however, it becomes less safe since they can be a choking hazard if he is able to pull it off and put it in their mouths.
Band-Aids and bandages can be a choking hazard for newborns
So many parents use Bandaids and bandages, but how often do babies choke on them?
There is no accurate count of how many babies end up choking on Bandaids since it seems that the majority of the time, parents are able to either get them out of their mouths or to cough it out. Newborns are less likely to choke on them but older babies and toddlers are at a bigger risk for choking since they are able to pull Bandaids off.
Toddlers also tend to put items into their mouths more compared to when they were younger. They are also the ones who will find anything dropped on the ground so be aware of where you or older children drop discarded Bandaids.
Band-Aids and bandages can cut off circulation in newborns
Parents often know that loose threads in socks and mittens can result in cutting off circulation in a child. Band aids could also possibly pose the same threat if parents aren’t careful.
Bandaids can cut off circulation in newborns and babies if they are wrapped too tightly around a finger or toe. The same can be said if a bandage is wrapped too tightly on a limb like an arm or leg.
However, if the Bandaid is sitting on top of the skin then there is no risk of cutting off circulation.
How to use Band-Aids and bandages with a newborn
Some parents might be hesitant to use a Bandaid or bandage on their little babies. But these might be great tools to help a cut or wound heal if used correctly.
When using Bandaids or bandages on babies it is important to make sure you only use them in areas that are not easy for your baby to reach. If Bandaids are on arms or legs, you can cover them with clothing to prevent your baby from pulling it off and choking on it. Check that area throughout the day to ensure blood is circulating correctly.
Some cuts are light and do not need a Bandaid since they clot and stop bleeding quickly. Immunization shots as well as the areas where blood is drawn typically stop bleeding within minutes so you could not use them in these situations.
Does anyone make tiny bandages for babies?
Some people may feel that using a smaller bandage would be great on babies. But are there any available for purchase?
There are no small bandages made especially for babies and those that are geared for kids are usually the standard size ones with fun colors and different characters. If you are looking for a small bandage, you may need to look at one of the variety packages since they will carry smaller-sized Bandaids.
Just like with a large bandage, be sure to proceed with caution when it is placed where a baby can easily remove it or it could end up as a choking hazard.
Is it safe to put a Band-Aid on a baby’s finger?
If a baby gets a cut on their finger, would it be safe to put a Bandaid on it?
It would not be safe to put a Bandaid on a baby’s finger because it poses a choking hazard. Babies love to stick their hands in their mouths and even using a small flat Bandaid is a choking risk since they can come off inside your baby’s mouth. Another big risk is potentially cutting off circulation if the Bandaid is too tight.
If possible, you can opt to not use Bandaids on minor cuts and scrapes. If there is a larger cut, use gauze and wrap it with a bandage to keep it clean and to promote healing. You may have to work at keeping the injured finger out of your baby’s mouth, however, to keep that area free from germs and dry.
How long do you leave a bandage on a baby?
If you are using a bandage on your baby, parents wonder how long to leave the bandage on and if rebandaging is needed.
You can leave a bandage on your baby until the wound heals, which is usually anywhere from 5-10 days. You should rebandage daily or whenever the Bandaid gets wet or dirty and check your baby’s circulation each time you do this. You want to make sure it is fully healed before removing the bandage completely.
How do you get a Bandaid off a newborn?
Getting a Bandaid off a baby can seem very scary for parents. What is the best way to get a Bandaid off your little one?
There best to use for removing a Bandaid off a baby is getting the Bandaid wet to make removal easier. Using baby oil on a cotton swab and rubbing the area around the Bandaid will help loosen the adhesive, making it less painful to pull it off. You can also put the covered area in water, which will have the same effect.
If you do not have baby oil on hand, you can use other oils such as olive oil or coconut oil. You can also use petroleum jelly or any type of lotion or shampoo using that same rubbing technique.
Can you use a liquid bandage on your baby?
The choking hazard is enough to scare some parents into wanting an alternative to a Bandaid. One of those alternatives is the liquid bandaid, but many wonder if it is safe.
Using a liquid bandaid is a safe alternative to a regular Bandaid as long as it’s used correctly. When using a liquid bandaid, be sure to make sure it is fully dry before allowing your baby to move around, which usually takes around two minutes.
These usually stay on for about a week and do not need rebandaging.
Is it okay to use Neosporin or other antibacterial creams on a newborn?
Neosporin and other antibacterial creams help with healing and keeping bacteria out of cuts and wounds. But should they be used on babies?
Neosporin has a special line specifically for kids, and there is no age limit on their products although they recommend talking to a medical professional before using it on any child under the age of two.
Be sure not to use it in areas that often end up in their mouths like fingers, hands, and toes to ensure they do not ingest any of the cream.
