Have just let my babies head fall back, what do I do?

[IJustWoreMyTrenchcoat]

I have just picked my 3 and a half month old baby up from his play gym because he was getting tired and as I was walking away his head lolled back. He normally supports his own head but I will keep my hand near as he suddenly stops holding it without warning, but this time I didn't. I feel awful - he kind of leaned back from my body and his head went with him.

I am freaking out as he cried instantly but only for about 20 seconds, then he settled down on my knee and was quite alert.

He is sleeping now, he was ready for his nap and settled himself in his normal way but I am worried he may have hurt himself. I have been on the NHS Direct website but don't know if I need to phone them. Should I wake him up in case he is concussed?

Keep an eye on him if you feel you need to, but I think he'll be fine. Both of mine have done this and they're both fine.

Did he bang his head? Sorry not clear from your OP. Or did he just kinda lean back in your arms with head unsupported? If the latter, I see no reason to panic. DD did this on a daily basis at that age when tired. All babies do it, and afaik, it causesno damage.

If he banged the fact he cried instantly is good. Watch out for usual signs of concussion (listed on NHS website), if worried go to A&E.

He should be supporting his own head by now, I suggest you check with the GP to check him out. I don't think it's an emergency though.

Thanks all. He didn't bang his head. He arched his body and leaned away from me and his head fell back. He can support his head, which is why I was lazy about cupping it.

He didn't sleep for long and has been up for a feed and is very alert and smiley so I am somewhat reassured!

He probably cried because of the shock/surprise of it - if he's otherwise fine I wouldn't worry. I think this happens every day in houses up and down the country.

I remember this happening with both mine. They took me by surprise in the same kind of way and I just wasn't expecting it. They were both fine and cried through shock more than anything.

See how he is tomorrow. If he isn't supporting his head as well as before take him to the GP to get checked out for your own piece of mind.

Just an update, he is still fine and acting completely normal. I think it must have been the shock, I was shocked too!