Should I Worry If My Baby Hit His Head?

Newborn babies are sensitive, and they do not know what to do. While babies have all of our attention, injuries of babies’ heads are standard. Should you worry about those injuries? Let us discuss this briefly.

Only the parents of the babies know how much scary it looks when their precious babies bump their heads. The first step taken in this emergency condition is icing your baby’s head and then searching what to do next is the best one can do.

First of all, calm down and take a deep breath. Sometimes, minor fall-related bumps on the baby’s head do not require any medical condition. A 2015 study reveals that most fall-related injuries among younger babies do not require strict medical protocol.

But at the same time, some studies also say those fall injuries are the leading cause of traumatic brain-related injuries for children among 4. Some of the rare cases required to seek immediate emergency services.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help After Your Babies Bump their Heads?

First of all, let us have a look at the statistics. According to a study, only about 2 to 3 percent of shortfalls in children lead to simple skull fractures, and mainly these do not cause any neurological problems. Only about one percent of head injuries can lead to a mild or severe brain injury. 

Therefore, it is necessary to know about the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, including Concussions, which are present within 24 to 48 hours of the accident.

If you see any of these indications of brain injury, you should call your doctor as soon as possible or take them to the nearest medical emergency room:

● Excessive bruising and swelling

● Uncomfortable bleeding from the cut

● Vomiting

● A dent spot on the skull

● Unusual sleep or difficulty staying alert

● A seizure

● Trouble breathing

● A suspected neck injury

● Loss of consciousness

● Blood or fluid from nose or ears

Why Babies Bump Their Heads?

While talking about accidents in babies, it is necessary to know why babies have these accidents? Accidental bumps or injuries are common causes of injuries among toddlers and infants.

A fall-related knock to the baby’s head is mainly dependent upon the structure and development of your baby, and it is independent of your parenting. Babies have heads usually larger proportionally to their bodies; therefore, the baby’s chances of losing their balance are there.

Additionally, babies’ physical abilities and strength keep changing throughout their ages, significantly affecting their coordination and stability.

Babies are the primary culprits of these common head injuries:

● Falling backward

● Slipping in the tub

● Falling after climbing up on the countertops

● Falling off a bed

● Falling steps or stairs

● Falling from playgrounds swing sets

● Falling while using an infant walker

● Tripping over rugs

The sensitivity of the baby’s injury is related to the height of which the baby falls. So if the baby is decreasing from a higher distance, the risk of injury is significantly increased.

Treating a Baby’s Head Injury

The severity of head injuries decides the treatment given to the baby. In most cases, rest, extra cuddles, and ice are enough to be called the best treatment (in adult head bumps).

If there is a severe head injury or concussion to the baby, the child specialist might advise frequent monitoring, and activity restrictions can also be suggested.

It is necessary to follow the doctor’s directions. Usually, severe head trauma requires medical and surgical treatments and physical therapy.

How to Prevent Head Bumps?

Here are a few tips you should follow to prevent your baby from head injuries.

● Firmly secure types of furniture to walls

● Install baby gates in your house on top and bottom of stairs

● Avoid using infants walker with wheels

● Remove tripping hazards

● Install non-skid mats in your bathtub

● Watch for wet areas on your floors

Conclusion

We do not ignore even a single scratch on our babies. It is not false that if your baby takes a tumble, their tears are equal to tears and fears of your own. It’s not weird to worry, but controlling the emotions and getting treatments are necessary. Therefore, if your baby has any injury or else, you may be required to visit your Child Specialist as soon as possible. To consult the best Child Specialists, you can visit MARHAM.PK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- How long should I watch for my baby’s symptoms after hitting the head?

Oversee the baby for about 24 to 48 hours after your baby hits a head injury if your baby develops any signs. You may look at other body parts of the body as well.

2- Should I allow my baby to sleep after a head injury?

Your baby may become sleepy after a head injury, wildly if they cried a lot or are getting near to nap time. If you see your child well after the bump, it is usually OK to let them sleep.

3- What should I do at home after my baby’s head injury?

If your baby catches a head injury, first, you need to calm down. Then apply some cold packs to the area to reduce the swelling. The person can also take Tylenol syrup but should avoid NSAIDs for the children.

4- What should I avoid after my baby’s head injury?

You should avoid washing your baby’s head if it is bleeding a lot. If the wound has any clotted blood, do not remove it yourself.