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Children's health

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Original poster

Dropped my baby from the sofa (not a 3 foot fall)

28 replies

Seriouslyscaredmummy · 22/03/2021 19:56

Hi ladies I’m seriously panicking. I was feeding my 5 week old baby and dozed off and he accidentally fell of the sofa I picked him up straight away and he stopped crying instantly. He didn’t loose consciousness and feed normally from then. No bumps bruising or anything but was wondering should I get him checked or just monitor the situation I’m really stressing out to be honest it seems to be annoying me more than him as he is fine and behaving as normal. I feel absolutely awful I don’t know what to do

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Freshair85 · 22/03/2021 19:58

He probably is fine but I would just call 111 for reassurance, they'll probably let you know what signs to look for if something is amiss

happinessischocolate · 22/03/2021 20:00

Is he likely to have fallen head first or just whole body rolled off?

Original poster

Seriouslyscaredmummy · 22/03/2021 20:01

It was a whole body roll should I still ring for help

OP posts:

pinkandstripey · 22/03/2021 20:03

If it makes you feel any better, most of us have dropped our baby at some point (mine rolled off the bed) 💕

Call 101 for reassurance if you're worried, they will probably just tell you to keep an eye on him, but may want to see him cos he's so little.

pinkandstripey · 22/03/2021 20:04

101? 111? One is nhs, one is police, my brain has left the building tonight!

JJSS123 · 22/03/2021 20:04

As he’s so young i would ring just to be on the safe side. Don’t panic they all do it at some point my little boy was about 8 months old I took him to the doctors (me) in tears thinking they were going to get social services involved and everything and they said it happens all the time. With your baby being so young I know you’re so knackered but try not to fall asleep with him not in a safe space, falling asleep on a sofa with your baby increases the risk of SIDS massively, hope he’s ok xx

nocoolnamesleft · 22/03/2021 20:05

I've seen scores of babies who were absolutely fine after a fall that distance. I've also seen one who had a fractured skull. So I'd always want a baby that young to be checked over after a fall.

Amichelle84 · 22/03/2021 20:05

Baby is probably fine but no one on here can really advise you, you should seek medical advice if you are that concerned.

Suzi888 · 22/03/2021 20:07

Mine rolled off the bed twice although nanny was to blame the second time. Maybe ring 111 if your really worried, they’ll tell you what to watch out for. Is baby marked/ red anywhere? Was it into carpet or wood floor... I think it’s probably nothing to be worried about. He sounds like he’s forgotten all about it.

Original poster

Seriouslyscaredmummy · 22/03/2021 20:08

No marks or anything it was onto a carpet was a spilt second sort of thing but I feel sick to my stomach now

OP posts:

OverTheRainbow88 · 22/03/2021 20:11

I would call 111, who as baby is so young I’m guessing will want baby to be checked out.

LemonRoses · 22/03/2021 20:12

We’ve all done it, haven’t we. No marks, low distance, no unconsciousness, not distressed now, what are you worrying about? Assuming there are no obvious signs of injury, I’d watch and wait.

Clearly if there’s are actually symptoms you need to seek advice but otherwise just relax.

Suzi888 · 22/03/2021 20:13

Ring 111 then op, better to be safe than sorry.

Merename · 22/03/2021 20:15

I agree 111. No one will judge you but better just to check him over.

Original poster

Seriouslyscaredmummy · 22/03/2021 20:16

Thanks for all the advice ladies will ring 111 to see what is said. Baby seems completely fine though I think it is just me being a first time mummy and complete stressing out

OP posts:

MindatWork · 22/03/2021 20:16

I wouldn’t worry about the fall at all OP, but I would be far more worried about falling asleep while holding the baby. I did it a couple of times with DD when she was really tiny and it terrified me. I dozed off sat up holding her with my arms and body propped up with pillows. She (and I) were in the exact same position but it still scared the living daylights out of me to see the clock hand had move forward by 20 minutes .

After that I always put her in her crib/Moses basket if I felt like I might doze off. I’m sure your DS will be absolutely fine so please don’t worry.

Original poster

Seriouslyscaredmummy · 22/03/2021 20:19

It was the first time I have ever fell asleep while holding him and it has scared the living daylights out of me

OP posts:

harknesswitch · 22/03/2021 20:25

Call 111 if you need to but I'm sure he'll be fine.

The first time my dd rolled over on her own happened to be when she was on the sofa and she rolled off it. She was fine, I felt worse

Goodebe · 22/03/2021 20:34

I think we’ve all dropped our babies off the sofa op, he will be fine I’m sure.

stuckinarutatwork · 22/03/2021 20:42

I used to work in a maternity hospital. You'd be surprised at the number of babies that got dropped off hospital beds onto the hard floor by new mothers falling asleep. Babies bounce well so don't panic, he's more than likely totally fine but for peace of mind you could always contact 111 for advice.

Harryo · 22/03/2021 20:47

I never dropped mine, but when he started rolling he rolled off our bed onto the floor. Just frightened himself more than anything. Frightened me too, he moved so fast I couldn’t catch him and i was sat on the floor at the end of the bed.

Your’s is much younger, I’m sure he’s fine, but ring 111 for reassurance.

EarringsandLipstick · 22/03/2021 20:54

At 5 weeks I absolutely would get this checked.

Most posters sharing similar experiences (& as a mother of 3, I have similar) are talking about older babies who can move / roll. 5 weeks is much younger. While I'm sure he will be fine, you should check it.

I didn't worry about dozing off with my babies, but I did ensure we were in a safe position where baby couldn't fall or get squashed. Sofas are problematic if you fall asleep as it's unfortunately easy for them to slip between seats / cushions. Have a think about your strategy for feeding, and where you can position yourself.

Commonwasher · 22/03/2021 20:54

Mine rolled off the sofa too. I felt terrible — she was fine. Landed on carpet, which dampened her fall, but not my guilt.

I expect you will feel better if you get advice, although I’m sure all will be well.

SplendidSuns1000 · 22/03/2021 20:54

It was just an accident OP, it happens to most parents! I'm sure he's fine, but reassure yourself with a quick call.

Do you live with anyone? Can you make sure you work with them to avoid this level of tiredness so you don't fall asleep with him again?

When you get this tired try to find a safe place to feed him or cuddle him. Look up safe co-sleeping positions so you're prepared just in case (even if you don't co-sleep, it's handy to know).

You'll both be alright, when you've phoned them get yourself a sweet cup of tea and try to relax. The chances are that now this has happened, it won't happen again.

floridapalmtree · 23/03/2021 23:24

@stuckinarutatwork

Thank you stuckinarutatwork for your comment.

This happened to me 23 years ago. I fell asleep feeding my new born baby after almost 24 hours of labour and an emergency caesarian at 3am. At around 6am exhausted and I dropped him (the side bars were unfortunately not put up on my bed). I was petrified he was damaged. The midwife didn't really seem concerned when I told her what had happened. He was absolutely fine, but I have felt so guilty for dropping him all these years.

To the op, do get your baby checked even if it's just for your peace of mind, but like other posters have said we have all dropped our babies at some point.

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