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How to Treat Infant Wounds

Despite efforts to baby-proof your home, your infant may still experience a few bumps and bruises as he grows and becomes more mobile. Basic cleaning methods generally treat infant wounds such as small scrapes and cuts, but deeper wounds require a pediatrician's care to prevent infection.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean rag or towel
  • Tweezers
  • Soap
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen
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Instructions

  1. Treating Infant Wounds

    • 1

      Wash your hands thoroughly and examine your infant's wound. If the wound is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean rag or towel until the bleeding stops. According to the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board, if the wound does not stop bleeding within 10 minutes, take your infant to the nearest emergency room.

    • 2

      Check the wound for dirt, glass or other foreign objects when bleeding has stopped. Flush out objects with cool, running water from a faucet. If unsuccessful, use tweezers to gently lift out objects. If you cannot completely remove objects, take your baby to your pediatrician.

    • 3

      Rinse the wound with warm water and soap and gently pat dry with a soft cloth or towel. If your infant objects to rinsing the wound, try giving him a warm bath and allowing the wound to soak in the water.

    • 4

      Avoid blowing on the wound. It may distract your infant and temporarily relieve pain, but according to the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board can actually introduce additional germs and lead to infection.

    • 5

      Apply antibiotic ointment to reduce infection risk. Using hydrogen peroxide, iodine or rubbing alcohol to clean the wound will increase your infant's pain and may slow healing.

    • 6

      Skip a bandage if the wound is in a location where it's unlikely to rub against his clothes or get dirty. The BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board states that small scrapes and cuts actually heal faster in open air without a bandage. Deeper wounds may require a bandage, and should be replaced daily to promote healing.

    • 7

      If your baby seems to be in pain, contact your pediatrician to determine if you should give him infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always follow dosage guidelines and avoid administering medication that contains aspirin, which may cause Reye's syndrome, a severe and potential life-threatening reaction.

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