When to Seek Medical Attention for Toddler Falls

4 September, 2025 Doctor Pediatrician 1 category

When dealing with a child who may have a concussion, it can be overwhelming. However, ensuring they receive proper care and evaluation is crucial for their overall well-being. Luckily, most children recover successfully with the right support.

Within an hour after a possible concussion or head injury

Recognize signs of concussion danger. If your child displays any warning signs, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Monitor symptoms. Keep a close watch on any symptoms and report any changes to the healthcare provider.

Rest and avoid strenuous activities. After a head injury, it’s important for the child to rest and avoid activities that could worsen the injury.

Avoid screen time. Limit the use of electronic devices, as screen time can exacerbate symptoms of a concussion.

Stay hydrated. Encourage the child to drink plenty of water to help with recovery.

Within the first 24 to 48 hours after a possible concussion

Seek medical assessment. It is essential for a child suspected of having a concussion to be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Provide detailed information. Inform the healthcare provider about the injury, any loss of consciousness, seizures, and any other relevant details.

Conduct tests and assessments. Some tests may be necessary to assess the child’s cognitive function and the impact of the concussion.

Follow-up care. Carefully adhere to the healthcare provider’s instructions for the child’s recovery process.

Within 2 days of a concussion

Following a concussion, it’s important to adjust your child’s activities to facilitate recovery. Encourage light physical activity while limiting screen time and mentally or physically demanding tasks.

Return to school. With support from the healthcare provider and school, most children can return to school within a few days.

Within 2 to 4 weeks of a concussion

The majority of children recover within a few weeks. Stay vigilant for persistent symptoms and communicate any concerns with the healthcare provider. Gradually reintroduce normal activities.

Support emotional well-being. Be empathetic towards your child’s emotions during recovery and seek assistance if necessary.

Prior to resuming sports. Obtain clearance from the healthcare provider and follow a gradual return-to-sports plan.

Additional Tips:

Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and avoids screens and bright lights
Encourage healthy eating and hydration to support recovery
Monitor for any changes in behavior or symptoms, seek medical attention if necessary
Work with teachers and school staff to support academic needs during recovery

After 2 to 4 weeks of a concussion

Keep a close eye on your child for any worsening symptoms post-concussion. It is important to monitor them for any new or persistent symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty with concentration or memory, irritability, or changes in sleep patterns. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek evaluation from a specialist who is experienced in the management of concussions. They can provide guidance on further treatment options and help ensure a safe and effective recovery.

Concussion recovery: dos and don’ts

Here are some quick tips for supporting your child’s recovery from a concussion.

Do’s

Monitor symptoms and contact the healthcare provider if needed.
Allow regular sleep patterns.
Foster social connections and emotional well-being.
Promote light physical activity.
Avoid sports or risky activities until cleared by the healthcare provider.
Respect the individualized recovery process.

Don’ts

Overlook worsening symptoms.
Disrupt regular sleep patterns.
Avoid administering unnecessary medication without consulting a doctor.
Isolate your child after a head injury; encourage social connections.
Encourage your child to remain active and avoid prolonged rest.
Refrain from allowing sports participation immediately after a concussion.
Allow the recovery process to unfold naturally without rushing.

Stay connected to others during your child’s recovery

During your child’s recovery process, various organizations can offer support. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Explore the available resources for children with brain injuries and their families.

Children are naturally curious and prone to accidents due to their active nature. Minor head injuries are common in toddlers and are usually manageable at home. Follow simple steps to ensure fall safety and reduce the risk of injuries.

When to go to the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) after your baby bumps their head

If your toddler displays concerning symptoms following a fall, seek prompt medical attention. Watch out for warning signs like headaches, drowsiness, imbalance, or abnormal pupil size.

Immediate medical help is necessary for visible head injuries, behavior changes, or unusual symptoms.

It is important to closely monitor your child after a head injury. Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior, such as irritability, vomiting, or difficulty waking up. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical help immediately.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health, so don’t delay in seeking medical attention if you have any concerns about their head injury.

Causes of head injuries and why babies bump their head

Due to their developing physical abilities, babies are more vulnerable to falls. Supervise infants to prevent accidents, especially in situations where falls are common.

Symptoms and types of fall-related head injuries in toddlers

Falls can result in various head injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Monitor your child for signs of concussion, such as headache, nausea, or changes in alertness.

Some common types of fall-related head injuries in toddlers include:

Scalp wounds: These are usually minor and can be treated with basic first aid.
Skull fractures: These can be serious and may require medical attention. Look for swelling, tenderness, or deformities.
Concussions: These are a type of traumatic brain injury and can have a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Monitor your child closely if you suspect a concussion.
Intracranial hemorrhage: This is bleeding within the skull and can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect this type of injury.

It’s important to seek medical help if your child exhibits any concerning symptoms after a fall, even if the injury seems minor.

How to treat my baby’s fall injury

Not all falls require emergency attention. Comfort your toddler, observe for any injury signs, and apply cold compresses for minor bumps.

If your baby experiences a fall and you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

Loss of consciousness
Severe headache
Bleeding that does not stop
Difficulty breathing
Unusual behavior or vomiting

It’s important to monitor your baby closely after a fall and seek medical help if you have any concerns about their well-being. Always trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re unsure.

Tips to prevent head bumps and injuries

To prevent accidents, enhance fall safety measures at home and outdoors. Take precautions like using non-skid strips, securing windows, and supervising your child around stairs.

Additionally, make sure to childproof your home by installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, covering sharp corners with corner guards, and keeping small objects out of reach to prevent choking hazards. When engaging in sports activities, always make sure to wear proper protective gear, such as helmets, to prevent head injuries.

When in doubt, rush down to the UCC

If in doubt, seek medical advice to ensure your child’s well-being after a fall. Urgent Care Centers are available for immediate assessments, and in emergencies, you can call for an ambulance.

Pediatric head injuries are common yet concerning. Learn to identify symptoms, understand the risks, and recognize when to seek medical help for your child’s head injury.

Common head injuries in kids

From minor bumps to severe traumatic brain injuries, pediatric head injuries encompass a wide range of conditions. Acquaint yourself with common injuries, symptoms, and preventive strategies for your child’s safety.

Bumps on the head

Children are prone to head bumps. For toddlers under 2, assess any scalp hematoma. For kids over 2, consider the injury location before providing care. Foreheads are resilient, while areas like temples or cheeks are fragile.
A bump may appear after a head injury; applying ice can be helpful. If the child seems fine, seek advice from a pediatrician. Get medical help if the bump increases or new swelling/bruising occurs around the face.
Monitor infants/toddlers’ soft spots post-falls. If there’s a bulging fontanelle or alarming symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
For head cuts, control bleeding and clean wounds thoroughly. Deep cuts or those caused by unclean objects may require medical attention. Some cases may need an updated tetanus shot.
Facial and skull fractures may need immediate evaluation if concerning symptoms are present. Pain, loss of vision or hearing, difficulty breathing through the nose are red flags.
TBIs range from mild to severe, affecting the brain. Moderate to severe TBIs often involve sustained consciousness loss and structural injuries, requiring imaging.
Concussions are common in children, impacting various functions. Symptoms can vary, and medical attention is crucial if they worsen.
Concussion treatment includes symptom monitoring, rest, and gradual activity resumption. While most recover within days to weeks, some might need extended care.
As head injuries can be scary, it’s vital to assess and determine if immediate care is needed. Monitor at home, seek evaluation, or consider hospitalization based on the injury severity.

If there’s no loss of consciousness, child seems aware of surroundings, can answer questions, or experiences brief consciousness loss, call the pediatrician and monitor the child at home.
If the child is alert after momentary consciousness loss, head bleeding, or signs of facial/skull fracture without breathing issues, seek medical assistance.
In severe cases, seek immediate medical help for sustained consciousness loss, abnormal movements, breathing difficulties, facial/skull fracture with breathing problems, neck injury signs, or airway issues.

If your baby sustains a head injury, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation, as babies’ heads are delicate and symptoms may not be easily conveyed.

How to prevent pediatric head injuries

Main causes of head injuries in children include falls, car accidents, sports incidents, and child abuse. To prevent or reduce injury severity, parents and caregivers can implement preventative measures. Here are some safety suggestions:

Home safety recommendations
- Secure furniture away from windows, install child-proof screens, use safety gates, anchor furniture to walls, and never leave babies unattended on high surfaces.
- Ensure appropriate car seat for child’s age and always buckle up correctly. Avoid distracted driving and use head protection in sports activities.