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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Urgent advice - Baby fell onto tiled floor

159 replies

Temphelp · 04/09/2019 09:07

I don’t know if I’m supposed to ring 111 or my GP or anyone, I’ve just been calming my child down and I’m so scared she’s hurt herself but trying to think straight and thought maybe someone could just direct me here

My 1.5 year old fell onto a tiled floor from a kitchen countertop (I had my back turned for literally a few seconds in which she managed to climb a sofa and onto the kitchen top and slipped, it wasn’t too high but at least 3 feet I think) it is not our house so it’s not exactly baby safe

She fell on one arm and one side of her face, instantly cried, I picked her up and calmed her down and she’s stopped crying. I checked for bumps, bruises, everything but she looks okay but I don’t know what to do now

Should I go get her checked immediately in case she broke her arm or something (praying this is not the case but I’m just so scared and In shock right now I can’t forget the image of her just lying on the floor in front of me)

I feel like a terrible mother for not catching her in time and my heart is stuck in my throat. Please advise me on my next steps what should I do????

OP posts:
sunshine5997 · 04/09/2019 09:08

Ring 111 ASAP

WhatsMyPassword · 04/09/2019 09:09

Why do you think she broke her arm? If she was hurt, she would be still crying.

tmh88 · 04/09/2019 09:09

Accidents happen so don’t feel terrible! However to be on the safe side I would get her checked out in A&E! I’m sure she’ll be absolutely fine but I would panic like you are doing also and this will give you some peace of mind!Flowers

Cuppa12345 · 04/09/2019 09:09

Yes,, 111 not bloody mumsnet.

GruciusMalfoy · 04/09/2019 09:11

From that height, and with her age (not being able to tell you where/if it hurts) I'd just go straight to A&E, that's likely what you'll be told by 111 anyway.

chipsandgin · 04/09/2019 09:11

This isn’t the time for Mumsnet, I hope you’ve called 111 at least. Next time do that first..

CheeseChipsMayo · 04/09/2019 09:11

Christ &ur on bloody mumsnetConfused-WTAF?? call 999 ASAP

Original poster
Temphelp · 04/09/2019 09:11

She fell and landed on her left arm and left side of her body/face if that makes sense

OP posts:
peachgreen · 04/09/2019 09:12

Personally if she's using all her limbs normally, isn't crying, and doesn't having any red marks on her head I wouldn't worry. Accidents happen and toddlers are pretty resilient. But you could take her to your GP for peace of mind.

Obviously if she's showing any signs of a head injury (sleepy, confused, quieter than usual, vomiting etc) then straight to A&E.

MummaGiles · 04/09/2019 09:12

You are not a terrible mother. Accidents happen. Do not beat yourself up over this.

As she hit her head and the floor is tiled, so hard, I would probably take her to get checked out just to be safe. Children can mask injury for a long time then deteriorate quickly (don’t want to worry you but she may appear fine and then suddenly take a turn).

peachgreen · 04/09/2019 09:13

@cheesechipsmayo Why on earth does she need to call 999? She would only need to call 999 if the baby was unconscious or bleeding profusely.

LoisLittsLover · 04/09/2019 09:14

I was told to get them checkedd at a&e if they fall from a height greater than they are tall

ChelseaCat · 04/09/2019 09:14

@CheeseChipsMayo 999 - you have got to be kidding!!!!!!!!

@Temphelp- probs a good idea to have her checked out, maybe minor injuries unit? Hope she’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up

dontlikebeards · 04/09/2019 09:15

I would call 111 for advice and to put your mind at rest. If your child has calmed and showing no symptoms of a head injury 999 is a complete overreaction.

Please don't feel bad, accidents happen.

PleaseSirMyGoat · 04/09/2019 09:16

Agree with @peachgreen. I'm sure if it was a 999 situation the op would've acted according.

nzeire · 04/09/2019 09:16

For peace of mind, get her checked x

Original poster
Temphelp · 04/09/2019 09:16

Child is currently drinking milk and not crying but not getting out of my lap, she understandably wants me to hold her

I just wanted to check her body for signs of injury before ringing anyone and I wasn’t sure if 111 or GP was the right Avenue
My GP takes forever to pick up the phone
My phone was next to me, I just thought I’d ask for instant advice about who I call in case anyone’s experienced it too

Now that she’s calmer and I’m starting to think straight again I will get on the phone properly

Thank you to the kind comments, it helped to settle me, I’m alone right now so didn’t even know where to start, think it was the shock

OP posts:
jesuschristwtf · 04/09/2019 09:16

Wtf - why the fuck are you on mumsnet????? Ring 111!!! Jesus wept.

Katy75 · 04/09/2019 09:20

Yes, A&E. We had similar and took her to A&E. They checked her thoroughly and kept her in for a few hours to observe re: head injury. Take her. She was fine btw but please do get her checked out.

RubaiyatOfAnyone · 04/09/2019 09:20

FWIW, when toddler dd fell over and broke her little finger, i realised it was serious because she would not stop crying, even after diversion tactics like bath and ice cream. They let you know if there is something actually up rather than just shock.

NearlyGranny · 04/09/2019 09:21

Concussion is the risk here. You wouldn't necessarily see a mark. Child needs to be checked over by a doctor, pronto.

You'll jump the queue with a little one. Just go.

Happyspud · 04/09/2019 09:22

I can only tell you what I’d do and I’ve zero opinion on your child as I can’t see and evaluate her myself.

I’d be just keeping an eye out for head injury symptoms (as it sounds like her head didn’t really get a clunk in a bad spot) and checking her use of that arm throughout the day.

KUGA · 04/09/2019 09:22

Accidents happen and we learn from them.
Take her to a pharmacist they are really good and will give the best advice.
Remember adults know the consequence of falling young children bounce as they no know fear.
Best of luck and don`t beat yourself up.

Marnie76 · 04/09/2019 09:23

GPs aren’t there to deal with this, it’s a and e. 111 will tell you the same thing. I hope she’s ok.

123bananas · 04/09/2019 09:25

A&E, nature of fall from height onto a very hard floor means she should be checked for a head injury and possible arm injury if she is not moving the arm properly. 111 will say A&E anyway due to her age and possibility of head injury as they cannot assess over phone.

My dd fell down a full flight of stairs at a similar age hitting her head and was fine so try not to worry.

Take lots of snacks and drinks as they will likely observe for a few hours.