1 year old baby nosebleed?

Seeing a nosebleed (epistaxis) in a 1-year-old baby can be worrisome for parents, but it's usually simple and temporary.

The most common cause at this age is the inner nasal lining drying out. Especially during winter, indoor heating and dry air cause the small blood vessels in the front of the nose (Kiesselbach plexus) to crack. Another common cause is the baby picking or rubbing their nose.

What to do during bleeding: Calm your baby and sit them in an upright position. Don't tilt their head back (blood will run down the throat). Instead, tilt head slightly forward and apply continuous pressure to the soft part of the nose (not bone) for 5-10 minutes. Don't insert plugs, cotton, or tissues into the nose.

When to see a doctor: If bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes, is very heavy (gushing), baby has bruising or breathing difficulty, baby fell or was hit, or if it repeats more than once within a week, consult your pediatrician.

To prevent: Increase room humidity (use humidifier), keep baby's nails short and smooth, if the inside of the nose looks very dry, you can use saline spray recommended by your doctor.