If your child has a nosebleed

Common causes of nosebleeds include:

• Dry air in the home.
• Picking the nose often.
• Blowing the nose often because of a cold or allergies.
• Falling or being hit in the nose.

If your child has a nosebleed:

• The child should remain sitting. When lying down, the child may swallow too much blood and vomit.
• Gently press the child's nostrils together with your fingers for at least 5 minutes. Do not release the pressure during that time to see if the bleeding has stopped.
• If the bleeding does not stop after 5 minutes, press the nostrils together for another 5 to 10 minutes.
• Call your child's doctor if the nosebleed continues.

For a few days after a nosebleed:

• You may put a small amount of petroleum jelly just inside the child's nose. This will help keep the nose moist and prevent additional nosebleeds. Do not push the jelly up the nose.
• You may use a cool mist humidifier near the child's bed. This will keep the air moist and prevent additional nosebleeds.
• Keep your child's fingernails trimmed.