BROKEN bones are common in babies — but it’s not always easy to spot if your child is hurt.
Nikki Jurcutz, founder of child first aiders Tiny Hearts Education, warned parents not to be fooled by “normal” behaviour.
Nikki Jurcutz, of Tiny Hearts Education, has revealed how to spot if your child has a broken bonetinyheartseducation/Instagram
She warned parents warned parents not to be “fooled by normal behaviour”tinyheartseducation/Instagram
In a video posted on the first aiders’ Instagram page, she shared how the signs of broken bones can be “very subtle”.
She said: “Broken bones are common in little ones because their bones are more fragile than adult ones.
“Sometimes it can be really tricky to know if your little one has broken something.
“They can act normal even with a broken bone, and they may not have the communication abilities to tell you yet.”
In the video, Nikki points out how children not wanting to move or use their injured limb could be a sign a bone is broken.
Another clip shows a baby crawling along the floor but keeping their left hand raised.
She said: “See how this little one is avoiding putting weight on their left hand?”
Other signs include limping or not using one of their legs, Nikki said.
Holding their arm in a set position, keeping the limb still, crying when the limb is used and not putting weight on the affected limb are all signs of an injury, she added.
Broken bones can happen after an accident like a fall or being hit by something, according to the NHS.
The most common signs of a fracture include pain, swelling and deformity, but it can be difficult to tell if a bone is broken if it’s not out of its usual position.
What to do if you suspect a bone is broken
If you suspect you or your child has suffered a break, you should get medical help as soon as possible.
Go to a minor injury unit or urgent care centre if the injury is to a toe or finger, or to A&E if it has affected an arm or leg.
Call 999 if the leg injury seems severe or if you suffer a severe suspected break to the hip, neck or back.
Doctors will perform an X-ray to determine if the bone is broken and then will align the bone in place properly so it can heal.
A cast may be needed to keep it in the correct position and not receiving treatment can result in a serious infection or long-term problems to the joints or deformity, according to the NHS.
What are the 5 subtle signs your baby has a broken bone?
Limping (not using one of their legs)
Holding arm in a set position
Keeping the the limb still
Crying when limb is used
Not putting weight onto the affected limb