8 month old bump and bruise on head

[elm26]

Feeling like the worst mum in the world right now!

8 month old DD was playing on her playmat in her bedroom and I was in the kitchen 2 rooms down, came back and she launched herself forward and banged her head on the skirting board (it's raised and comes out, rounded so no sharp edges, hard to explain).

She cried immediately and I picked her up and said "oh dear you're fine" and gave her a kiss and cuddle and she stopped crying, put her down to play with her and noticed there is a limp and bruise must have come up instantly.

She's not sick or sleepy etc I know this will be the first of many but experienced mum's do I just keep an eye on her? She's playing and smiling/laughing.

Definitely the first of many!!! I had an unfortunate incident where mine went headfirst into her toy box and got stuck, legs in the air. I was beside her but she still got a big cut and bigger lump, these things happen for sure. Keep an eye but if she is happy and not anything worrying Im sure she will be fine! (We are a clumsy family and I have three under four so a veteran now of head bumps!!!

It seems unlikely she could have done much damage to herself on the floor under her own power.....but that bruise is quite bad.

Only you can answer this.

I took DD to hospital several times for head bumps between being a baby and school (the first one a toddler at play group stamped on her head, she pushed her "low" chair backwards and over at nursery, she slipped at (a different) nursery and hit a book case....and several others)
Each time they kept us there 3 hours, bang on 3 hours saw a doctor for assessment and sent home.

I think you might be there longer these days and have to sit in a crowded waiting room with kids with loads of viruses....

But only you saw it and really know how bad it was and whether she is any different to normal.

My DD constantly has a bump and bruise in the middle of her forehead due to various falls, bangs and dings. Sometimes they're worse than others and are cause for concern, and other times they're not.

I would say just follow your instinct, and maybe stay close whilst she naps. It's good that she recovered from crying and is playing, but if she starts to act out of character then call for help via 111.

Urgh I don't know what to do, instinct is telling me she's fine as she's laughing, playing, interested in her toys, hasn't been sick and isn't sleepy but first time mum and doubting myself. X

Your DD is absolutely gorgeous 🥰

I'm not panicky about this stuff in the slightest but yeah I'd get that checked out. It looks like quite a whack. I know she seems fine (and she very likely is!), but concussion symptoms can be delayed and it's also very hard to tell in young children, given that the symptoms are things like drowsiness, lack of balance etc - which are all characteristic of babyhood anyway! I'd just give 111 a call.

DS fell around 6ft when he was about 3 and had a big lump on his head. We went straight to A&E where he was checked and observed for a couple of hours. We were told that a bump is better than a dip as less likely any fractures.
You could always call 111 and see what they say.

If she'll sit still (your daughter is gorgeous btw) see if you can put a cold pack on her bruise for 5/10 minutes.
My 3 year old slipped and bashed her head off the toy box last week and ended up with a lump and bruise. She was fine. I can show you her bruise if you want but she does have a lower factor level then normal so she does tend to bruise more.
I'd be tempted to just watch and wait, if any concussion symptoms then take her straight to A & E. BUT you're her mum noone knows her like you do if there is even the smallest concern do get her checked.
Any doctor would rather any child was seen and it was nothing then miss something.

Foreheads (even for an adult!) bruise and swell up very easily, and she seems to have emerged from her ordeal very happily, so I doubt you have anything to worry about. She's absolutely gorgeous, by the way! What a little star.

As others have said, keep a close eye on her for a bit, and if she'll sit still, you can put a cooling pack on it. I think your instinct is probably right that she's fine, and as her mum, I'm sure you would notice very quickly if she doesn't seem like herself.