Baby Concussion: Signs to Identify and Actions to Take

It’s no secret that babies get bumped easily, especially their heads. When they learn to crawl or walk, their heads often hit something (tables, door frames, cabinets, and other sharp-edged furniture), or fall from beds or chairs and hit their heads on the floor. Some children are lucky and unscathed, while others have concussions of varying degrees.

As parents or a baby caregiver, you must understand what a concussion is, the symptoms of a baby concussion, what to do when a head hit occurs when it’s time to take the baby to the hospital, as well as how to prevent it from happening again. Fortunately, all the important information about baby concussions will be detailed below. Let’s get started.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body. Besides, violently shaking of the head and upper body also can cause concussions.

Some concussions may cause people to lose consciousness, but most do not. Concussions are especially dangerous among babies because they are not able to tell you how they’re feeling. Therefore, you need to watch them carefully for any signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of Baby Concussion

Since the baby cannot tell their feelings, it can be complicated to determine whether your baby got a concussion. Don’t worry, the most common symptoms of baby concussion are listed below. Please bear in mind that sometimes concussion symptoms may appear hours or even days after the injury.

Babies might also experience:

• Irritability
• Crying when you move the baby’s head
• Difficulty in feeding or sleeping
• Vomiting
• Bump or bruise on the head

In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms, toddlers might also experience:

• Behavioral changes
• Headaches
• Excessive crying
• Loss of interest in their favorite activities or objects

Children older than 2 years might show more behavioral changes:

• Dizziness or balance problems
• Double or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Hard to concentrate
• Decline of memory
• Slow response
• Change in eating or sleeping patterns
• Emotionally unstable
• Sleepy

What to Do If Your Baby Bumps Their Head?

When your baby bumps their head, immediately stop them from playing anymore, assess the situation calmly, and then look carefully for signs of injury.

If your baby is awake, active, and doesn’t seem to be acting any different after a mild bump to the head, your baby is most likely fine. In contrast, if your baby is showing any signs of a baby concussion, call a doctor immediately.

Once your baby has been diagnosed with a concussion, it’s important to follow the doctor’s advice. In addition, make sure the baby avoids activities that could result in a second blow or jolt to the head, and give your baby a quiet, calm, and comforting environment to help him recover.

Remember, it generally takes about a week before concussion symptoms go away. If your baby is still experiencing symptoms beyond one week talk to your pediatrician about further evaluation.

How to Avoid Concussion in the Future?

To prevent another concussion or head injury, please check your house for potential hazards. For instance, block off stairways, lock cabinets using Adoric baby safe lock, wrap sharp furniture with the anti-collision sponge, and remove any items on the ground that may cause the baby to fall.

Hope this blog can help you, and wish your baby grow up healthily!