As a new mum, you’ve got a lot on your plate. One moment you’re preparing formula and pumping breast milk, the next you’re changing a dirty nappy or rocking your baby to sleep. And as you’re so busy multi-tasking, you’re starting to find it difficult to concentrate on one task at a time. This struggle you’re experiencing has meant that a few accidents have occurred as of late. For example, the other day, while you were changing your baby, you turned away for just one moment to fetch the wipes and turned back to find they had rolled off their changing table and onto the floor.

Parents, it’s completely normal to freak out when your baby takes a tumble or has an accident of some sort, especially when you think they might have bumped their head. However, it’s important to remember that these occurrences are common when you have a baby, and most of the time they’re nothing to worry about.

However, it’s helpful to know how babies get bumps on their heads, what the symptoms of this are, and how to know if it’s more than just a head bump.

So, how do babies get bumps on their heads?

Babies will commonly get a bump on their heads at least once during their first year of life. This is typically because they are not yet able to control their head movement as an adult can, as their muscles aren’t yet properly developed. In addition, they are also learning new skills like walking, rolling, grabbing and sitting. Engaging in these sorts of activities means that accidents are bound to happen at some point.

So, now that we know how babies might get bumps on their heads, let’s outline what the symptoms to look out for are.

What are the symptoms of head bumps?

Crying. Crying is often the most immediate reaction after a baby bumps their head, and is a normal response to an experience which they will find to be uncomfortable, surprising and even perhaps painful.

Withdrawing. After crying, your baby is likely to appear a little withdrawn and quiet for around 15 to 30 minutes. Rest assured this is completely normal, and it’s much better if you remain calm in these moments.

Reddening or bruising. If your baby has bumped their head, then the area where the bump occurred may turn purple or reddish. This is due to the skin and the tissue beneath the area becoming damaged, and the blood vessels starting to leak.

Bleeding. Bleeding can be an alarming side effect, but remember that even very small injuries like a cut can produce a lot of blood in a baby. This is because there are a lot of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, especially on the scalp. Applying gentle pressure should help with reducing bleeding.

Goose eggs. “Goose eggs” can form from minutes to hours after a bump has occurred. Although they can get quite large, they are usually not something to be worried about.

Headache. It’s very common for babies to experience headaches after a bump to the head. While some will experience a dull ache, others will experience a pounding or throbbing sensation. The treatment for a headache can vary widely depending on what is causing it.

Vomiting. A lot of children will experience vomiting after a bump to the head. If this symptom persists, then it’s important to watch out for excessive dehydration and vomiting. Remember to speak to your child’s paediatrician if they vomit after a bump to the head.

Now that we’ve talked about the signs to look out for when it comes to head bumps, let’s outline how you can recognise a more serious injury if it arises. After all, your baby won’t be able to tell you with words as of yet, so it’s important to be in the know when it comes to this subject.

How do I know if it’s more than just a head bump?

Excessive bleeding. If you cannot stop your baby’s head bump from bleeding even after applying pressure, then this may mean that you are dealing with a more serious injury. If you also see a wide or large break in the skin, then you may need to take your child to the hospital for stitches.

High-impact falls or accidents. If your child has been injured in a serious accident or has had a high-impact fall, then they will most definitely need medical attention as soon as possible.

More than just a head bump. If another part of your child’s body has been affected, such as their spine or neck, then your child will also need immediate medical attention. In the meantime, don’t move your child as this could do further damage to a suspected spinal injury.

Change in behaviour. If your baby appears to be showcasing signs such as refusing food, seeming less coordinated, vomiting excessively, or appearing more fussy than usual, then you should contact their doctor for advice.

Unresponsive or passed out. If your baby is unresponsive or has passed out, this is an emergency with which you should seek immediate medical attention.

How will I know if my baby has bumped their head, and what are the symptoms?

Unii shares what to do about an “egg on the head.”