In a previous article, we talked about how a parent can recognise when their baby has bumped their head, and the symptoms that their little one might experience in that scenario. However, this is by no means a small topic, so we thought it would be useful to explore this subject further, and discuss what you can do to help your little one if this scenario ever arises.

So, to begin with, let’s talk about what you can do if your baby bumps their head.

What to do if my baby bumps their head?

When your baby bumps their head, they are likely to be crying and in pain. Therefore, it’s very important you don’t make things worse by bringing your own anxiety about the situation into the picture. Try your best to stay calm, comfort your little one, and think rationally about how to handle things.

Aside from being a source of comfort, here are some simple things you can do to prevent complications from the bump:

Apply gentle pressure to any bleeding.

Wash any cuts with soap and water, and apply an antibacterial ointment.

Apply an ice pack on the bump to ease swelling. However, you should avoid applying the ice directly to your baby’s skin. Instead, place a cloth diaper or towel between the injured area and the ice.

Observe your baby’s behaviour over the next 24 to 48 hours. It’s important to look out for signs of confusion, coordination, extreme fussiness, unresponsiveness, or excessive fatigue.

Now that we’ve outlined what you can do in the event that your baby bumps their head, let’s talk about when you should take them to the doctor.

Can I take my baby to the doctor?

It’s important to recognise when it’s necessary to call your child’s doctor and when it’s not, as in most cases this isn’t a step that you need to take. However, for minor bumps to the head, your baby’s doctor will explain some at-home measures you can take, and when you might need to bring them in for further evaluation.

If you do end up bringing in your baby to see the doctor, then they will do a thorough examination. They will likely ask you the following questions:

How did your baby bump their head?

When did the bump occur?

What did the bump look like at the time it happened?

What other symptoms did your baby have?

Is your baby showing extra signs of fussiness, memory issues, vomiting, seizures, or extra sleepiness?

Now, let’s talk about what to do if your baby’s bump isn’t going away.

What if my baby’s bump isn’t going away?

Please rest assured that most bumps to the head only last a few days before gradually getting better. However, there are some circumstances where further infection might have occurred. If this has happened, then you might see oozing, yellow crusting, swelling, redness, and fever around the skin site. In these cases, consult your doctor or paediatrician.

Now, what can you do to prevent future bumps?

How should I prevent future bumps?

To some extent, baby head bumps are unavoidable, but following these rules and tips will reduce the likelihood and severity of them:

Always attend to your baby when they are on the changing table, or any surface that is elevated.

Use properly installed car seats and safety helmets too.

Avoid baby walkers. These are notorious safety hazards.

Don’t place your child’s car seat on a shopping cart, or on elevated surfaces with your baby in them.

Baby-proof your home.

What do I do if my baby bumps their head?

Unii shares how to deal with a baby’s bump on the head.