This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
Falls & Head Bumps in Babies
Babies fall — from the changing table, from the bed, during first standing and walking attempts. This is part of growing up and is harmless in most cases. But head injuries in babies must be taken seriously: the fontanelles are still open, the skull softer, and a concussion can show different symptoms than in adults.
Possible Causes
- 1Fall from changing table — most common preventable fall injury in infants
- 2Fall from bed or sofa — baby turns/rolls unexpectedly (from about 3-4 months)
- 3First standing and walking attempts (from about 9-12 months) — frequent falls are normal
- 4Baby walkers — massively increase fall risk, NOT recommended by paediatricians
- 5Tipping furniture: shelves, TVs — secure from crawling age!
What You Can Do
- Stay calm — your baby senses your fear and will cry even more
- Comfort baby and immediately check for injuries (head, arms, legs)
- For bump on head: cool with damp cloth (NO ice directly on baby skin)
- Observe for 24-48 hours: monitor behaviour, pupils, feeding, sleep
- For fall from UNDER 1 metre onto soft surface: Usually harmless, observation sufficient
When to See a Doctor
- Loss of consciousness (even briefly) after the fall → call 112 IMMEDIATELY
- Vomiting more than once after head bump
- Baby is unusually drowsy or cannot be roused normally
- One pupil larger than the other
- Clear fluid from nose or ear (cerebrospinal fluid)
- Soft spot (fontanelle) is bulging
- Baby constantly touches head or is extremely irritable
Age-Specific Notes
3-4 months: Baby learns to roll — from now NEVER leave unsecured on changing table (one hand always on child). 6-9 months: Crawling and pulling up — secure furniture, install stair gates. 9-15 months: First walking attempts — frequent falls are NORMAL and part of learning to walk. Do NOT use baby walkers! After EVERY head bump: observe for 48 hours, even if the child immediately plays happily again.
Frequently Asked Questions
My baby fell off the bed — do I need to go to hospital?
Can my baby sleep after a head bump?
Why are baby walkers dangerous?
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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.