Concussions in Babies & Toddlers — What Parents Need to Know

First—take a breath.
Most head bumps in babies and toddlers are not serious.
They fall, they bump, it happens often… and most of the time, it’s mild.

But here’s the hard part:
Young kids can’t tell you what they’re feeling so you have to watch their behavior.

What to do right away:

*Stay calm
*Comfort your child
*Watch closely for any changes

What happens after the bump matters more than the bump itself.

Why this is tricky in little kids.
They can’t say:

“My head hurts”
“I feel dizzy”

Instead, symptoms show up as changes in behavior.

What to watch for:

*Extra sleepy or hard to wake
*Not eating or nursing
*Vomiting more than once
*Crying more than usual or can’t be consoled
*Acting unlike themselves

These signs don’t always show up right away—they can appear hours later

Go to the ER immediately if you notice:

*You can’t wake your child
*Seizure activity
*Unequal pupils
*Slurred or unusual speech
*Repeated vomiting
*Inconsolable crying or refusal to eat


After a mild bump, it’s okay for your child to sleep.
You do NOT need to keep them awake.
Just make sure they’re waking up and acting like themselves.


Most head bumps are minor…but behavior changes are your biggest clue.