Almost 3yo fell and bumped head, when do I need to speak to dr?

[LauraP12345]

My almost 3 yo ds was playing with oh tonight and fell onto the radiator and bumped his head. He hit the knob/thermostat bit at the end and has a slight graze/cut just behind his ear about an inch long. Only very shallow. It only bled a little - like a graze or small cut would and I held a cold flannel on it for a while. He cried as any kid would when they get hurt then was fine after a few minutes or reading to calm down and just said it's sore. It's a bit of a lump. He seems normal in himself, he's tired because the clocks have changed and it's right before bed time but I don't think that's anything to do with the bump. I'm sure I'm just worrying over nothing but not sure wether to contact our dr tomorrow or if I'm just worrying too much? He's back at nursery in the morning after half term - should I still send him? I worry so much about these things and wanting to keep an eye on him obviously :(

Hi OP, in my experience it's a good sign if they cry, and if they have a visible lump - best on the outside than inside, I guess.
I would call 111 (or go onto their website) and go through what happened with them, ask for a list of things to look out for so he can monitor him while he sleeps. It's been a while since mine were this age but from memory, excessive drowsiness/change in vision/any liquid from inside the ears were potential issues.
Hope your DS is fine - it sounds like nothing to worry about, but it's totally understandable you wanting to make sure you're not missing something.

I think as long as they are not sick it’s fine?

If you ring 111 they will assess head injury following the NICE guidelines and give appropriate advice

NHS guidance https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-injury-and-concussion/

A&E if he vomits, or can't be roused when you go see him - so once an hour after bedtime, go in an just move his covers slightly, and check he snuggles back, don't actually wake him.

The only time I've take mine to hospital with head injuries was when be vomited, then blacked out for a second a couple of times. That involved head scans, and an overnight stay.

It sounds like a normal reaction to a bump. I would tell nursery tomorrow though in case they notice anything.

Thanks for your replies so far. You just can't help but worry and always want to be on the safe side. I'll definitely tell nursery about it tomorrow if he's still his normal self in the morning and I decide to take him and I'll keep an eye on him through the night. He hasn't been sick and didn't black out or anything it's just horrible to see him with a bump and slight cut to the head. Obviously it's sore and he doesn't want us to touch it but I've given it a clean where I can.

When DD fell and bumped her head my GP friend said if the bump comes up more than 5cm across then to get checked. But otherwise, so long as no vomiting or other red flags for concussion or anything then manage at home.

Thanks @CorpusCallosum that's good to hear from a GP. I'm keeping an eye on him and might speak to our GP in the morning just for peace of mind but hopefully be ok in a few days.

I would phone 111 this evening . I think that if there are any concerns it's within the first few hours so for peace of mind would get professional advice this evening .