Nothing spoils an outdoor activity with your baby faster than a bee sting. I know this for a fact. When I was seven a bee stung my 11-month-old brother at our favorite park. It’s a scene forever etched in my memory. Actually, I don’t remember every detail, but I’ll never forget my brother’s blood curdling screams following the sting.
Unfortunately, bees like to frolic in summer’s warm temps as much as children do. From parks to pools, bike rides to backyard cookouts, there are very few outdoor activities that don’t attract unwanted buzzing guests.
My young daughter is deathly afraid of bees. She lets out high-pitched screams when she sees the buzzing creatures, though fortunately, a bee has never attacked her. I pray that she never has to experience a bee sting, but if she does fall victim, I am prepared.
If you are a parent of a baby, now is the time to bone up on bee stings. If your child gets stung, doctors recommend that you remove the stinger as soon as possible with a safe item, such as the side of a credit card. Health experts warn not to use tweezers or to pinch the stinger since doing so will release more venom from the stinger into your baby’s skin.
Once the stinger is removed, apply a cold compress to the area that was stung to help reduce the swelling. Resist giving your baby over-the-counter antihistamine medications, such as Benadryl, to help relieve pain, itching or discomfort. Instead, use a paste of baking soda and water on the area where he or she was stung. The paste will eventually harden and help draw out the poison from the affected area.
Doctors say bee stings can continue to swell and itch for 24 to 48 hours after the initial bee attack. If you notice that your baby is having trouble breathing after the bee sting, or her tongue is swollen, you should seek medical attention immediately. You should also be on the lookout for hives that appear around the sting. Finally, if your baby develops nausea, stomach cramps or diarrhea within a few hours after being stung or starts to run a fever, it’s important that you consult a doctor.
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