8 First Aid Myths Every Parent Needs to Know (and What to Do Instead)

As a paediatric nurse and mum of three, I know just how frightening it can feel when your little one gets hurt. Every parent wants to keep their children safe, but when accidents happen, knowing the correct first aid – and spotting outdated advice or common myths – can make all the difference. From minor bumps to more serious injuries, understanding what to do can truly save lives. Let’s bust some common myths that might be putting children at risk.

Myth 1: Tilt a child’s head backwards for a bleeding nose

You may have heard that when a child has a nosebleed, you should tilt their head backwards. While it seems logical, this can cause blood to flow down the throat, leading to coughing, gagging, or vomiting, which can actually make the bleeding worse. The safest approach is to have your child sit upright, lean slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of their nose for 10-15 minutes. Encourage them not to cough or clear their throat, and have them spit any blood into a bowl or tissue.

Myth 2: Butter, ointments, or ice on burns

A common myth is that butter, ointments, or even ice, can help a burn. However all these practices can make the burn worse by trapping the heat, increasing infection risk and damaging delicate skin. The safest first aid is to immediately place the burn under cool running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. know that sounds like a long time, but it’s the amount needed to cool the burn properly and prevent it from burning deeper.

Myth 3: Don’t let a child sleep after a they have hit their head

Can I let my child sleep after they have hit their head? This is a very common question we get from parents. After a knock to the head, young children are often sleepy, especially if they have cried a lot or it is getting near to a nap time. If your child seems well, and showing no abnormal behaviour or symptoms, it is usually safe to let them sleep. Check on them regularly to ensure they respond normally to gentle rousing if asleep. Keeping them awake can just make them more upset and rest can help with recovery.

If they seem unusually sleepy, or they seem dazed when they wake, seek medical advice immediately. 

Myth 4: Hold a child’s tongue during a seizure

It’s a common misconception that you should put something in a child’s mouth during a seizure to stop them from swallowing their tongue. This is dangerous and can cause choking or injury. The safest way to keep your child safe is to gently turn them onto their side into the recovery position. This helps keep their airway clear and prevents vomit or stomach contents from entering the lungs.

Myth 5: Give water if a child is choking

Many parents instinctively try to give water when a child is choking, but this can actually make things worse by pushing the object further down or causing the child to choke on the water. If your child is still breathing, and has an effective cough, encourage them to keep coughing and monitor them closely.

If your child cannot breathe, or if their cough is ineffective, call triple zero and provide age-appropriate choking first aid including back blows and chest thrusts.

Myth 6: You need to cut off circulation from a snake bite

This is dangerous. In Australia, the correct first aid is to call Triple Zero (000) immediately and apply pressure immobilisation:

• Use a broad, firm elastic bandage over the bite site.
• Bandage the entire limb from the bite upward.
• Keep the limb still and immobilised.

The goal isn’t to stop blood flow, but to slow venom movement through the lymphatic system. Do not use a tourniquet, cut the wound, or try to suck out the venom.

Myth 7: Induce vomiting if a child swallows poison

It’s a common misconception that making a child vomit will help if they’ve swallowed something poisonous. Inducing vomiting can make the situation worse – causing burns to the throat, choking, or increasing absorption of the poison. The correct first aid is to rinse their mouth with water and keep them nil by mouth until you call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for specific advice about that substance. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if your child is unwell, unconscious, or not breathing.

Myth 8: Fevers are dangerous

Many parents worry when their child has a temperature of 38 °C or higher, but fevers are actually a normal response to infection and a sign that your child’s immune system is working. What matters most isn’t the number on the thermometer – it’s how your little one is feeling. Treat the symptoms, not the number: if your child is comfortable, alert, and otherwise well, there’s usually no need for concern.

Important exception: if your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever above 38 °C, you should seek medical advice. The fever itself isn’t dangerous, but it may indicate an infection that needs urgent assessment due to their young age.

It’s so important to know the correct first aid in emergencies. Evidence-based first aid can reduce harm, prevent unnecessary panic, and keep your child safer until professional help arrives.

At Kidsaver CPR and First Aid, our paediatric nurse specialists teach parents exactly what to do – and what not to do – in real emergencies. If you haven’t attended a class, or it’s been a while since your last update, contact us to book a session and gain the confidence to act when it matters most. 

Knowing what to do in an emergency situation involving your child – what could be more important!