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.