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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.

Posibles Causas

  • 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!

Qué Puedes Hacer

  • 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

¿Cuándo Consultar al Médico?

  • 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

Notas Según la Edad

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.

Preguntas Frecuentes

My baby fell off the bed — do I need to go to hospital?
If your baby cried immediately, could be comforted, and behaves normally afterwards: probably not. Observe for 48 hours for warning signs (vomiting, drowsiness, changed pupils). For falls from over 1 metre, onto hard floor, or onto an edge: see paediatrician or A&E, even if they seem fine.
Can my baby sleep after a head bump?
Yes, but check on them! Wake your baby briefly every 2 hours for the first 4-6 hours (gently touch, see if they respond normally). If they wake normally and respond, they can continue sleeping. If not — go to A&E immediately.
Why are baby walkers dangerous?
Baby walkers cause more accidents than any other baby product. Babies reach speeds of up to 1 m/s in them, can fall down stairs, reach hot stovetops, and tip over easily. They also delay motor development. They are banned in Canada. German paediatricians strongly advise against them.

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Este artículo es solo informativo. No reemplaza el asesoramiento médico individual. Si tienes preocupaciones, contacta a tu pediatra, matrona o llama a urgencias.