Wasp stings in babies

We know how painful and dangerous a wasp sting can be — but what about when it happens to a baby? How should you react in such a situation? Should you seek medical advice? And what are the right steps to take to avoid it? We answer all of these questions!

What happens if my baby is stung by a wasp?

The natural reaction of the skin will be to turn red, itch, burn, and swell at the site of the sting. These reactions are completely normal. In general, the skin will settle down fairly quickly. Indeed, within 48 hours, everything should be back to normal. But in some cases, things can be more serious.

More serious reactions to a wasp sting in a baby

A wasp sting can also trigger a systemic allergic reaction, depending on the individual. In such cases, you may notice that the eyes, face and/or lips swell. You may also see itchy welts appearing across the whole body. A wasp sting in a baby can also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. In addition, the child may experience difficulty breathing. So, to avoid the most serious outcome, when should you seek medical help?

When to see a paediatrician if your baby has been stung?

Once a baby has been stung, they will naturally start to cry, given the intensity of the pain — and also out of fear. It is then important to remain as calm as possible, so that you can reassure your baby and assess the situation with a clear head. As a first step, the aim is to soothe the sting. Apply something cold to the area, but take care not to place ice directly against the skin, to avoid a cold burn.

Then, if you notice any early sign of an allergic reaction, seek medical advice straight away. Bear in mind that swelling can appear up to 24 hours after the sting. Your child may also develop a temperature, and the sting site can become infected. Finally, if the wasp sting is in your baby's mouth, get them to suck on an ice cube, and in all circumstances, go and seek medical advice without delay. If you are wondering how to avoid these stressful situations with your baby, here are a few good habits to adopt.

Good habits to avoid wasp stings in babies

First of all, you can explain to your child — if they are old enough to understand, of course — that if a wasp, bee, or any other flying insect approaches, it is important to stay calm. From your own side, make sure to check your baby's food thoroughly when eating outdoors, as well as the containers of their drinks. And, on top of all this, remember to put slippers or shoes on your baby's feet when walking on the grass.