Cool & Clever: Cold pack therapy
Bumps, falls and head injuries are somewhat common for children - most are mild and manageable at home, so having tools on hand such as a cool pack can help reduce swelling and increase comfort levels for our precious little ones 🧡💚💙
How can cold packs help?
🧊 Using a cold pack can reduce blood flow, which means less swelling, as well as provide some slight numbing to pain *
🧊 Applying a cold pack as soon as possible post a bump, bruise or sprain is when it will be most useful to minimise swelling and discomfort ^
🧊 Many kids think that applying something cold to an injury makes it feel better even when there is no obvious swelling. Sometimes just knowing something is being done can help reduce upset and increase comfort levels for our little loves. A cold pack with a fun design has the added bonus of being the perfect little tool for this, aiding in distraction for our little ones
🧊 A cool pack can also be used to aid in decreasing pain and tenderness from insect bites and stings ^^
🧊 One for the breastfeeding Mums: if you think you may have mastitis, applying a cold pack to the breast between feeds can relieve pain and reduce swelling ***
What about for a mild head injury?
🧠 Cold packs are a key part of first aid tools within the home as we know that for Australian children ages 0-4, approximately 1 in 20 will present to an emergency department post a head injury each year**. This illustrates to us that head injuries are common within this age group, and we know that as parents we will use any tool to help ease discomfort and distress for our little ones whilst we are at home, out and about, or seeking further medical input.
🧠 We are so frequently asked if a cold pack can be applied to the head for a mild head injury and whilst we are not exactly sure where this speculation stems from, we can assure you that applying a cold pack to the head is safe to do so, may aid in reducing swelling to a head bump or lump, and will be soothing to your child.
🧠 It is always imperative that parents and caregivers are aware of signs of symptoms of differentiating between a mild and moderate to severe head injury, to seek appropriate medical care. To help you feel prepared, our Rhythm First Aid Course offers practical guidance for recognising and managing head injuries.
Top tips from a paediatric nurse
🩺 Combining cold and rest (as best as you can, we know this can sound a crazy concept with a young child), will place a child in the best position to aid healing
🩺 Do not ever put ice directly against the skin as this could potentially cause an ice burn, keep cold packs in the fridge that are intended to be used for injuries
🩺 Distraction is a key part of trying to keep a child as comfortable and settled as we can - think favourite toys, music, books, sips of water…
🩺 Trust your gut! If you are worried about an injury your child has sustained for any reason, seek medical follow up at your discretion!
🩺 We would never advise forcing a cold pack on a child. Some children may have a preference for a warm pack, and this may be utilised. We want to empower our children with the significance of their voice over their body and take onboard what feels good or otherwise for them.
🩺 The aim is always to keep children as comfortable as possible!
As always, information on this website is for educational purposes only.
Please consult your GP for information specific to your child.
