Mini First Aid Exeter & South Devon

28/05/2026

If your child has any of the signs or symptoms of diabetes, you should take them straight to the doctor and ask for a blood glucose test.

The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children are:

🚽 Toilet: Going to the toilet a lot to pass urine, bed wetting by a previously dry child or heavier nappies in babies. Getting up in the night to go to the toilet.
💦 Thirsty: Being really thirsty and not being able to quench the thirst. Your child may ask for a drink more often, finish drinks very quickly or you may notice they generally drink more.
💤 Tired: Feeling more tired than usual. Having less energy than normal, not playing as often, less energy for sports
🪞 Thinner: Losing weight or looking thinner than usual.

You may also notice your child getting more infections than usual.

Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in children. Symptoms tend to come on within a matter of days or weeks and you should get urgent medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children are the same as they are for type 1 diabetes, but they may be less obvious and develop more slowly, for example over weeks or months but you may still notice them.

Please see your GP as quickly as possible if you suspect your child may be struggling with this condition. A quick and simple finger-prick test can help identify high blood sugar levels. If diabetes is suspected, your GP will refer your child to a specialist diabetes team or hospital for further assessment, and further tests will be carried out to help confirm the diagnosis.

For lots more information directly from Diabetes UK check out Episode 12 of the Family Health Podcast where we do a deep dive into this condition, including what to look out for, what to do and what you can expect if your child gets a diabetes diagnosis. Link in comments 💚

26/05/2026

8 years ago, the weather was just like it is today, and Kate had just welcomed her second little boy into the world. 💙

With the warmer temperatures this week, here are some helpful hints and tips for keeping your little ones cool and comfortable. ☀️

👶🏽 Avoid covering buggies or prams with blankets or covers that restrict airflow, as this can quickly lead to overheating 🥵 Covers can also make it difficult for parents to see if their baby is becoming distressed or uncomfortable.

☂️ Instead, consider using a clip-on sunshade or parasol for shade. Regularly check if your baby is too warm by feeling their tummy or the back of their neck. Always research any products attached to prams or buggies carefully. Brands such as SnoozeShade provide detailed guidance around safe use and airflow.

🏊‍♀️ A paddling pool can be a lovely way to help babies and children cool down. Keep pools shaded during very hot weather, actively supervise children at all times, and empty the pool when not in use.

🤱🏽 Keeping babies well hydrated is so important. Fully breastfed babies usually do not need extra water until they begin eating solid foods, although they may want more frequent feeds during hot weather.

🍼 For bottle-fed babies, alongside their normal milk feeds, you can offer small amounts of cooled boiled water. If you have any concerns or questions about feeding, speak to your health visitor or medical professional for advice.

💦 Babies over six months old can drink tap water and should be offered sips of water with meals.

🍉🥒🍊 Foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, are great for hydration. Frozen breast milk can also be a refreshing way to help little ones stay cool and hydrated.

🌡Babies sleep best in a room kept between 16–20°C. The summer months can make this more difficult, so consider lighter sleepwear and minimal bedding. Baby sleep bags usually include tog guidance for different room temperatures and seasons.

🪟 Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day and open bedroom doors where possible to help rooms stay cooler.

🛀 A cool bath before bedtime can also help little ones settle more comfortably.

💨 Fans can help circulate air in the room, but should never blow directly onto your baby.

Hope these tips help you and your little ones stay safe and comfortable during the warm weather. 💚

Sources:
NHS
The Lullaby Trust

26/05/2026

With UK temperatures at a high, here is a reminder of the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Please take care in the heat today. ☀️💚

25/05/2026

Gosh was it hot 🥵 today!!!!

Bank holiday Monday started with a private Baby & Child First Aid class for this wonderful group of parents who all have babies of 5-6 months and about to start them on solid food!

As well as basic and life saving first aid knowledge, we cover how to recognise the differences between gagging and choking and how to deal with these situations!

Lovely to meet you all, I hope you managed to cool off later today on the hottest day of the year so far!!! 🥵💚⛑️🥵

25/05/2026

184 children and young people needed specialist burn care from BBQ injuries in 2025.
For parents, that's a powerful reminder that something as simple as a garden BBQ can quickly become dangerous, especially with curious little ones nearby.
According to the London Fire Brigade, BBQs should always be used outdoors, placed on flat ground, and kept well away from fences, sheds, and anything that can catch fire. But just as importantly for families is to create a clear "no-go zone" around the BBQ so children can't wander too close.
Never leave a BBQ unattended, even for a moment. Avoid using petrol or other accelerants, and once you're finished, make sure it's completely cooled before moving or disposing of it.
Little hands, fast feet, and open flames do not mix! With a few simple precautions, your BBQ can stay a safe and fun part of summer.
Enjoy a happy and injury-free sunny bank holiday

25/05/2026

How many family days out have been interrupted by a screaming child who has inadvertently stumbled into a crop of nettles?! A lot!

Don't rush for the nearest dock leaf, follow this advice instead 👇

You can buy all of these products at a class near you!

24/05/2026

⛑️If you are looking at attending one of our award winning ‘Baby & Child’ First Aid sessions, we have them running at these venues:-
and at Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in Exeter and Torquay

Please visit the website to book a class near you www.devon.minifirstaid.co.uk

24/05/2026

🤔Are you looking to attend one of our award winning ‘Baby & Child’ First Aid classes soon?

💚We have sessions running at these venues:-

Peekaboo Childcare Torquay Limited
The Baby Room Exeter
The MotherBorn Collective CIC
Riviera Wellbeing - Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
The Mothership Family Hub
in Exeter and Torquay

Please visit https://www.devon.minifirstaid.co.uk to book your places

Covering Torquay, Exeter, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Paignton and Dartmouth. Mini First Aid offers a range of classes across the UK for all the family; parents, grandparents, carers and for children as young as three years old, training them in basic and lifesaving first aid.