Strains and sprains

If you think your baby has injured their leg, they may have signs of swelling or bruising. They may limp or stop moving their leg, or they may cry when their leg is moved or an area is touched. It is difficult to know if young children have a strain or a sprain injury – following severe trauma, a beak or fracture is more likely. Seek medical advice if your baby stops using their leg normally.

What to do

If you suspect your baby has a sprain or strain, remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Comfortable Support, Elevation.

1. Rest: Help your baby to sit on your lap or lie down and support their leg in a comfortable raised position.

2. Ice: Apply something cold, like frozen peas wrapped in a cloth if they will let you. Don’t leave it on for more than 10 minutes.

3. Comfortable support: Wrap the injury in padding and a support bandage.

4. Elevation: Keep your baby’s leg raised.

5. Seek help: If your baby appears to be in severe pain, or they can’t use their leg at all, take them to see a Healthcare Professional. Consider the recommended dose of paracetamol.