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My child has a nosebleed – what should I do?
Nosebleeds are common in children and usually stop with simple first aid at home. Here is what to do.
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What it is
A nosebleed happens when the inside of the nose is damaged and starts to bleed. The inside of the nose is easy to damage [4]. In children, common causes include picking the nose, blowing the nose too hard, or the inside of the nose being too dry, for example from a change in air temperature [4]. Nosebleeds are not usually a sign of anything serious, and they are common in children [5]. Most can be easily treated at home [5].
What you can do at home
If your child has a nosebleed, do the following:
- Sit your child down and lean them forward, with their head tilted forward and their mouth open [3].
- Pinch their nose just above the nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes [3].
- Tell them to breathe through their mouth [3].
- You can hold an icepack, or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel, on the top of the nose. This may help reduce blood flow, but the evidence that it works is not very strong [3].
After the nosebleed stops, try to reduce the chance of another one. For 24 hours, your child should avoid:
- Blowing their nose [1].
- Picking their nose [1].
- Drinking hot drinks [1].
- Doing any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise [1].
- Picking any scabs [1].
- Lying down flat [1].
If a doctor can see where the blood is coming from, they may use a stick with a chemical on it to seal the area, or pack the nose with ribbon gauze or sponge [2]. Your child may need to stay in hospital for a day or two [2]. After a nosebleed stops, a doctor may prescribe an antiseptic cream to use inside the nose to stop crusting or scabs forming [2]. Check the cream’s ingredients first, as it may not be suitable if your child has a peanut or soya allergy [2].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
See a GP (non-urgent advice) if:
- A child under 2 years old has had a nosebleed [5].
- Your child has regular nosebleeds [5].
- Your child has symptoms of anaemia, such as a faster heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath, or skin that is paler than normal [5].
- Your child has a nosebleed and is taking a medicine that helps prevent blood clots, such as warfarin [5].
- Your child has a nosebleed and has a condition that means their blood cannot clot properly, such as haemophilia [5].
Go to the emergency department if your child has a nosebleed and:
- The nosebleed lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes [5].
- The bleeding seems excessive [5].
- They are swallowing a large amount of blood that makes them vomit [5].
- The bleeding started after a blow to the head [5].
- They are feeling weak or dizzy [5].
- They are having difficulty breathing [5].
Do not drive to the emergency department. Ask someone to drive you or call your emergency number and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines your child takes with you [5].
Common questions
Why do children get nosebleeds? The inside of the nose is easy to damage, and nosebleeds happen when it is damaged [4]. Picking the nose, blowing the nose too hard, or having a dry nose from a change in air temperature can all cause a nosebleed [4].
How long should I pinch the nose? Pinch the nose just above the nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes [3]. If the bleeding lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes, go to the emergency department [5].
Can my child lie down after a nosebleed? No. For 24 hours after a nosebleed, your child should not lie down flat [1].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Nosebleed” (2026), section “When a nosebleed stops”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nosebleed/ [2] NHS — “Nosebleed” (2026), section “Treatment for nosebleeds”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nosebleed/ [3] NHS — “Nosebleed” (2026), section “How to stop a nosebleed yourself”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nosebleed/ [4] NHS — “Nosebleed” (2026), section “Causes of a nosebleed”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nosebleed/ [5] NHS — “Nosebleed” (2026), section “Nosebleed”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nosebleed/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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