My Baby Bumped Their Head! What Do I Do?
As a new parent, there are so many moments filled with joy. However, there are moments that can be scary. One of these moments is when your baby may hit their head. Of course, with a new little one, your priority is safety, however, accidents happen and babies are unpredictable. When that moment comes, the best thing for you as a parent is to understand what to do. Below we will discuss what to do if your little one happens to bump their head.
Covering Sharp Corners
Before we get into what to do after the incident happens, it is important to take steps to try and mitigate this kind of situation from happening. Baby-proofing your home is the first step you should take for prevention. Covering sharp corners and locking cabinets is important to consider to prevent your baby from hitting their head.
Steps to Take Right After Your Baby Bumps Their Head
Remain Calm and Tend To Your Little One
The first thing you want to do is take a deep breath. You do not want to panic as your baby looks to you for their reassurance. With you being calm, this could help calm your baby. However, after the incident, you want to ensure you observe your little one.
Immediately After The Incident
Right after your baby bumps their head, you want to ensure your baby is crying. You may think that crying is not a good sign, however it is actually a good sign. This means that your baby is conscious and aware that they hit their head.
Check for Immediate Injuries
Look at the area where your baby bumped their head. You might find a red mark, bump, or swelling. Gently touch the area to assess the severity.
Comfort Your Baby
Your touch and voice are immensely comforting. Pick your baby up and gently rock them or pat their back. Softly singing or talking can also help soothe them. If your baby calms down relatively quickly after being comforted, that's a positive sign.
Look for Warning Signs
Even though it is common for babies to bump their heads, you do want to ensure you know the more serious warning signs. Here are some red flags you should be aware of:
- If your little one stops and starts crying consistently, there is a need to worry.
- Vomiting once is ok, but repeatedly is concerning.
- If your little one is more tired than usual or is difficult to wake up, seek medical attention.
- If your baby has significantly larger pupils than normal, they are uneven or very dilated, it is cause for concern.
- If your little one has any blood coming from their ears or nose, contact your healthcare provider.
Apply a Cold Compress
If you notice any swelling or a bump, applying a cold compress can help. Use a clean cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel (never apply ice directly to the skin). Gently hold it on the bump for 15-20 minutes. This can alleviate swelling and reduce pain.
Monitor Your Baby
With babies not being able to communicate, you need to ensure that even if your baby seems fine initially, that you monitor them closely for the next 24-48 hours. Head injuries can have delayed symptoms which is why it is imperative to watch your baby closely.
When looking for longer-term systems, you want to monitor how they are eating and sleeping. Any disruption could be an indicator of an issue. Additionally, look for any sudden changes, like irritability or drowsiness, different from their usual behavior.
Seek Medical Advice
You know your baby better than anyone. If your gut feeling tells you something isn't right, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Call your healthcare provider to discuss what happened and whether you should come in for an evaluation.
If your baby is experiencing any of the severe symptoms, you want to immediately take them to the hospital. Do not wait until the next day to see your healthcare provider.
Questions You May Be Wondering
What if my baby falls asleep after bumping their head?
It is a common misconception that a baby shouldn't sleep after hitting their head. However, it can be perfectly normal for babies to sleep, especially if it's close to their nap time. It is just important to monitor them after the incident. If they are eating, easily waking up, and acting normal, you are in a good position. This means that there is usually no cause to be concerned.
Do You Give Medication To Babies After a Head Injury?
For any pain or discomfort, consult with your pediatrician before administering medication. Over-the-counter medications like infant acetaminophen can be used, but always get the go-ahead from your doctor first.
How can I prevent future head injuries?
As a new parent, being proactive will help mitigate any head bumps happening in the future. You want to ensure that you adjust the mattress to the lowest position if your baby can stand. Also, remove all hard toys or objects from the crib.
Additionally, baby-proofing other areas of your home will help prevent your baby from bumping their head. Most importantly, your furniture, such as coffee tables, is about the same height as your baby. You want to safeguard all sharp corners with baby bumpers.
When There Is No Need To Worry
While it's vital to be vigilant, most minor bumps to the head don't result in serious injury. Once you've monitored your baby for 24-48 hours and they continue to behave normally without exhibiting any of the concerning symptoms, you can start to relax. Follow up with your pediatrician during your baby’s next visit to discuss the incident and address any lingering concerns.
Don’t Panic If Your Baby Bumps Their Head
Yes, it is alarming to see your baby bump their head. However, it is common as babies are clumsy. First and foremost, you do not want to panic. Knowing exactly what to do after the incident will help you to stay calm. Additionally, knowing what the warning signs are in case you need to seek medical attention will give you more peace of mind.
Baby-proofing your home is guaranteed to help prevent head injuries, especially by covering the corners of your furniture with corner covers. Remember, that it might not be a one-time occurrence and each time it happens think back to this blog and the knowledge you have from previous incidents.
