Articles and Advice: Your Baby 0-6 Months

What to Do If a Baby May Have Been Poisoned

• Stay calm and act quickly. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of permanent harm.
• Immediately call the Poison Control Center or a doctor. (Learn this number and post it in a convenient place.) Or go to the hospital.
• Be prepared to give as much information as possible when calling for help: Who (your child's age and weight); What (The name of the substance, if known. Find the container if possible.); When; How Much.
• Follow the directions given. Do not take any action without instructions from the Center.

For a Baby Who Has Been Scalded or Burned

• If the injury is to an arm or leg, place it in cool water—or if the injury is to another part of the body, immediately apply a clean cloth dipped in cool water.
• Call the doctor or go to the hospital.
• Leave any blisters alone.
• Keep the area free of ointments, greases or powders. Cover the area loosely with a sterile gauze pad or clean material that won't stick to the burn until the doctor sees the baby.

Warning Signs for a Baby Who Has Had a Head Injury

• Any loss of consciousness after an injury.
• Inability to move arms or legs.
• Drainage of blood or other fluid from the nose, mouth or ears.
• Vomiting that won't stop.
• Pupils of the eyes are uneven in size.
• Excessive or unusual sleepiness and/or lethargy or irritability.
• Cannot be awakened.
• Try to have the baby rest quietly, then call the doctor immediately or go to the hospital.