What should you do if your 8 months old baby fell down and his head bumps to ground?
What to Do if Your Baby Bumps Their Head:1. Stay calm. A fall can be frightening for both you and your baby, but staying calm will allow you to assess the situation and provide the appropriate care.
2. Comfort your baby. Your baby may cry after a fall, even if they aren't seriously injured. Cuddle and comfort your baby to help calm them down. Make sure to not let them cry for a prolonged period of time as this can deplete their oxygen levels and make them sicker.
3. Inspect the injury:
- Check for any bleeding, swelling, or bruising on your baby's head.
- Gently feel the area around the bump to check for any bumps, soft spots, or indentations.
- Observe your baby's behavior and look for any changes, such as irritability, drowsiness, or vomiting.
4. Monitor your baby closely. Even if your baby doesn't seem injured, it's important to monitor their behavior for the next 24 hours. Look for any signs of a concussion, such as:
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Difficulty waking up or staying awake
- Persistent crying
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Seizures
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vision changes
- Unusual sleepiness
- Increased irritability
5. Apply cold compress:
- If there is swelling or bruising, you may gently apply a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes at a time. This can help reduce swelling.
6. Administer pain medication:
- As per the doctor's advice, you may give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort of pain as suggested by your doctor.
7. Rest and Fluids:
- Allow your baby to rest and get plenty of sleep. They may be tired after the bump and need some extra time to recover.
- Make sure your baby stays hydrated by offering small sips of water or formula. If your baby begins vomiting, contact the doctor.
8. Contact your doctor.
- Call your baby's doctor if:
- Your baby is persistently vomiting or has a seizure.
- Your baby has a large or deep cut that requires stitches.
- Your baby has a soft spot or indentation on their head.
- Your baby has any signs of a concussion.
9. Consult a specialist.
- Your doctor may recommend a specialist evaluation, such as seeing a pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon, if your baby has a severe head injury or if they have any persistent symptoms after a head injury.
If you are concerned about your baby's condition or if they have any of the symptoms listed above, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to call your doctor if you have any concerns about your baby's health.