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Original poster

Toddler hit head - so upset

33 replies

sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:27

My 18 month old was sitting on the wooden floor in the lounge earlier. I was sitting right next to her and turned round suddenly. I think I must have startled her, as she fell back and hit her head on the wooden floor. There was a loud noise as she hit the floor, she immediately burst into tears and was crying for about five or six minutes. She had her milk about 30 minutes later and is in bed now, but I’m absolutely distraught - it’s all my fault. There was no swelling, but I’ve read that can actually mean it’s a worse injury as it’s gone inward rather than outward. Should I have taken her to A&E?

OP posts:
Athomewiththehales89 · 15/11/2021 20:31

This has literally just happened to me with my 18 month old, stood up in the bath and then fell on his head. I’ve also put him to bed and am asking all the same questions, I think we’re going to get up every couple of hours to check him but I’m so anxious x

KL92xxxx · 15/11/2021 20:32

If she cries then stopped crying with a few minutes then that’s a good sign. My 19mo has done all sorts and hit his head so so many times, we’ve been sent to a&e twice by 111 and honestly they really don’t do an awful lot. Basically check everything you can sort of check at home, ask you questions about if they’ve been sleepier than usual/sick etc. I’m sure she’ll be fine x

Laurap82 · 15/11/2021 20:34

I’m a mum of 4 and believe me these things happen, all of mine have at some point in their lives had a nasty bump to the head one way or another. At this stage I wouldn’t worry too much but would keep an eye on her between now and your bed time. If she vomits or otherwise seems not herself overnight then definitely get her checked out otherwise I suspect she’ll be fine. Don’t beat yourself up x

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Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:34

I’m really freaking out - she seemed to fall straight back and the sound when her head hit the floor was pretty loud. I’m so worried and can’t stop crying. Hope your son is ok Flowers

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Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:35

It’s not that far to fall, but the fact it was a hard surface has really worried me. I feel sick with worry and don’t think I will sleep tonight.

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Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:37

I really worry about head injuries - I was thrown off a horse as a child and was concussed for an hour or so. I always wonder if it affected my brain somehow and now I’m scared my daughter could be the same.

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MichelleScarn · 15/11/2021 20:43

Oh it's such a fright for you, have you seen this?

Toddler hit head - so upset
Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:47

I wish I could turn back time. I'm so frightened that she's hurt.

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MichelleScarn · 15/11/2021 20:50

I did a post about how have been there too, and how Dc is fine now, but its disappeared. Its a horrible place to be so sending unmumsnetty hugs to you.

Toddler hit head - so upset
Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:52

Thanks for the info @MichelleScarn. I'm so scared.

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CustardGoodJamGoodMeatGood · 15/11/2021 20:55

Honestly, you'll feel worse than your DC will. Just keep checking on her but accidents happen, DD is 2 almost and I can't count how many times she's bumped her head

MichelleScarn · 15/11/2021 20:56

What they told me when it happened to us, dc launched self out of crib, smacking head off of floor, medical staff would always rather see you and send you away not being needed, than not see you and be needed.

Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:56

Thanks @CustardGoodJamGoodMeatGood - it's just the way she appeared to fall straight back that has worried me so much - and onto a hard surface too.

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CorpusCallosum · 15/11/2021 20:56

Great advice from @MichelleScarn these things happen to all little ones. You're clearly a vigilant parent so rest assured she'll be fine as you'll act on it & get her seen if she's not.

Here's a link to the online version of that advice as the screen shots are a bit blurry.

basildonandbrentwoodccg.nhs.uk/your-health/children-and-young-people/child-health-advice/head-injury-advice-for-parents

Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 20:58

@MichelleScarn would you wake her and go to A&E? She's asleep now, I'm worried she'll be so upset and disorientated if I wake her.

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Suzi888 · 15/11/2021 21:03

If she was sat on the floor and fell back then personally I wouldn’t go to A&E. If she fell a greater distance, say off a table to the floor I would. These having some happen, but if you are worried call 111 and see what they advise. It’s awful when they hurt themselves Flowers

Purplepalm · 15/11/2021 21:05

This happened to my son around the same age. He was standing on the arm of the sofa and fell off backwards hitting his head on a wooden floor. It happened so quick and the sound was awful! He cried and was fine not long after, but we called 111 who advised A&E, I think due to the height. They didn’t actually do much, checked his obs and reassured us! Said to keep an eye on him. And he was fine! I’m sure your toddler will be fine, but do call 111 if worried.

MichelleScarn · 15/11/2021 21:09

Sorry was on the phone, @sdfg32 agree with above re 111 call if you are still worried, is she sleeping 'normally' would she be easy to rouse?

Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 21:11

@MichelleScarn she's just fast asleep. I could rouse her but she would be very upset and confused as it's way past her bedtime.

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MichelleScarn · 15/11/2021 21:17

Have a good look at corpus' link, and do call 111 if you feel worried, are you on your own?
Mumsnet is such a great support (despite we're known as vipers!) that even if you stay awake tonight, someone will be about for a handhold.

Mwnci123 · 15/11/2021 21:21

My eldest fell out of a high chair on to a hard floor around the same age and was completely, totally fine. She remains fine many years on. I have many friends who have had worse head-bump experiences with their kids, and their kids are also totally fine. It's scary but very common. Follow the NHS advice from previous posters.
I wouldn't wake my baby in these circumstances.

MonicaGellerBing · 15/11/2021 21:22

My DD at the same age fell down the stairs, hit her head and passed out. I have never been so hysterical in my life, her lips turned blue and she wouldn't wake up. Ambulance came and within about 10 minutes she was wide awake and playing like nothing had happened!

The noise from the wood floor would have made it sound worse OP, if she hasn't vomited and isn't disorientated or acting strange then I wouldn't worry

Original poster
sdfg32 · 15/11/2021 21:30

Thank you for the replies. She was acting normally, cuddling her toys and saying words.

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MichelleScarn · 15/11/2021 21:37

Things sounding quite good (but still such a scare!)

knobblykneesandturnedouttoes · 15/11/2021 21:47

If she just fell back from a sitting position and she's been fine since, then she's fine.

She wasn't knocked out, wasn't confused/dizzy/drowsy, wasn't crying excessively long. No vomiting, no bleeding or excessive swelling, drank her milk ok. All good signs.

Check her through the night if it makes you feel better but there's no reason to go to A+E.

Wooden floors do make a big noise, think of how loud it is when you drop something. A loud noise doesn't mean she's injured.
Honestly it will probably be the first of many.