bumps to the head. feeling sick and guilty

[Lifeisaboxofchocs]

Dd is my second. She is ten months old. And she is continually bumping her head. Falling back from seated, and bang... The sickening thud as her head hits the floor. Just this evening, she was sat at the edge of a step. I clocked that it was a risk, but she was in such a position that I didn't foresee an accident. Two minutes later... Thud, scream.

I am so worried about the longer term implications of these frequent head bangs. Added to which, they must hurt my precious girl, like hell. And that eats me up.

I have asked other mums, and they say that, yes there babes might have the occasional bang, but honestly, I think mine is averaging one a day. Real clonks as she doesn't break her fall. I tried the thud guard, but sod's law... Every time I took it off for a break, she would fall.

Anyone in similar position? any advise? Anyone know of the medical implications?

Don't put her in a risky position? If you clocked the risk on the step, why did you put her there? There's nothing wrong with being cautious.

Am going thru this with my LO at the min. Had him at hospital last night as he had head bang then vomiting. I called 111 to find out what to look out for. Majority of time, he bumps down on his bum, or falls gently, not enough to make him cry.

Nhs told me if head injury, make sure there is no vomiting/ bleeding/discharge, along with a number of other things to look for. I feel better now that I am informed and know what to look for. Maybe u should do the same.

My LO is crusing and this is mainly when he falls, although only yesterday thud was enough to make him cry. Protect them from dangerous situations as much as u can, but accept that she will fall and bump her head.

I wish I had a crash helmet for our LO sometimes.

One 'thud' a day does seem a lot. I'm guessing you have wooden flooring? Could you put rugs down and keep her in that area? Or go to soft play a lot

My 21 month old has been doing exactly this for a year- every day it seems she smashes her head into the floor, a table, or headbutts me! I am beginning to wonder if she has any feeling left in her forehead as she has stopped even reacting much?! We have been to A&E for the most serious fall ( which resulted in a huge bump between her eyes when she tripped and hit a coffee table-I was 5 inches away but could do nothing to break her fall). We were given the same advice the previous poster mentioned, I.e. Look out for vomiting etc., but she was fine and just got on with life within a few hours ( the nasty bump lasted months though, which again the GP said was normal). So, same boat, dd has no neurological conditions by the way, she is just a bit clumsy!

Some babies just tend toward more bumps and falls. It's very scary, but often is nothing to worry about. Babies are pretty much made of rubber.

The best thing is just to know the signs to watch out for that would make a bump "dangerous": any period of unconsciousness, acting disoriented, uneven or dilated pupils, a fall from a height greater than their own height, vomiting, extended crying where they can't be consoled, a complete lack of crying or reaction. Any of those and it's off to emergency.

Do be cautious where you place her - babies will always surprise you. 10 months is a particularly 'clumsy' time since they're developing and exploring their muscles and the actual coordination takes more practice.

And don't feel guilty. Babies bump their heads, it's all normal, even frequent bumps aren't going to cause lasting damage, as long as you take the proper precautions and know the signs to look out for in what might be a dangerous bump/fall.

The fact you're concerned shows you are a thoughtful and loving mother. I trust your baby is in good hands.

Arnica cream is also great in these situations - if applied straight away it will stop a bruise forming.

thank you all for messages.

it is not actually the obvious signs of damage that worry me. as after a minute or two, she is completely fine. It is more that i worry about the insidious impact i.e. affecting IQ, ability to concentrate. That couldn't be picked up on a scan.

When our LO fell off the bed and bumped his head the first question the paramedic asked was did he scream or cry straight away if they don't its loss of consciousness n straight to A & E he was just fine but it is worrying though

One thud a day? Blimey, I think my 10mo son has had at least 3 so far today, 2 in front of my health visitor who didn't bat an eyelid.