Clumsy 1 year old 😢

[areandare]

My little boy is almost 1. Since he’s been crawling at 8 months he has been non stop, he’s now standing, cruising, climbing. I think he’ll be walking soon as he’s taken a few steps over the past couple of days.

My major concern is that he is constantly bumping into things and hitting his head. I am really nervous about him hurting himself and practically follow him around everywhere, but no matter how careful I am he still ends up hitting his head on something.

Last week he was crouching down by my feet and fell forward and hit his head on the radiator which resulted in a bruise on his forehead. Once this finally healed, yesterday he was crawling out of his play tent and his hand slipped and he hit his head on the floor = another forehead bruise 😢 he cries initially but soon calms down.

Hes very fair skinned so bruises are very prominent. I feel like an awful mum because I watch him like a hawk, follow him around to keep him out of danger and he still manages to tumble!

Is this normal baby behaviour and inevitable? Or is there something I could be doing to avoid it? I have baby proofed as much as I can but the things he’s bumping in to are things that shouldn’t really be a risk 🙈 any advice or words of wisdom welcome please!

It’s normal, baby proof the house: corner protectors on the sharp edges, foam on long sharp edges, stair gates, locks on cupboards & remove anything he can reach from a height, I.e coasters/candles/ornaments/frames from.

Normal, that's how they learn spatial awareness. Their foreheads are built to withstand the bumps. Some kids are more naturally cautious. One of mine rarely bumped or got bruises and was very hesitant to do anything risky. The other was like a ball of energy and didn't slow down to assess risk, he was constantly covered in bruises and I remember it was a bit embarrassing!! Both have good physical skills now, both are good at sports and fit.

Thanks both. I’m so glad it’s not just me and that it’s normal.

Everything is baby proofed, the things he’s banging his head on are things like table legs, radiator, the floor, etc. He is fearless and so busy, he would dive off the sofa if I wasn’t there to stop him!