What to Do If Your Child Hits Their Head
Head Injuries in Kids: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Your child just hit their head and you're wondering if you need to rush to the ER. Most head bumps in kids look scary but aren't serious. Here's how to tell when you can breathe easy and when it's time to get help.
What's going on?
Kids hit their heads all the time. Their heads are proportionally bigger than adults', and they're still learning balance and coordination. Most head injuries in children are minor bumps that might cause a bruise or small cut but don't affect the brain.
A concussion happens when the brain moves around inside the skull after an impact. While concerning, most concussions in kids heal completely with rest. Serious brain injuries are rare but need immediate medical care.
The key is watching for signs that the brain might be affected, not just focusing on how hard the hit looked.
What you might notice
- Crying right after the bump (this is actually reassuring)
- A bump, bruise, or small cut on the head
- Acting cranky or clingy for a few hours
- Being more tired than usual
- Mild headache
- Saying they feel dizzy or "funny"
What helps at home
Hold a cold pack wrapped in a towel against the bump for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce swelling. Regular ice can be too cold for young skin.
Watch your child closely for the next 24 hours, especially the first few hours after the injury. It's okay to let them sleep, but check on them every few hours during naps and wake them once during the night to make sure they respond normally.
Keep activities calm and quiet. No screens, sports, or rough play until they're completely back to normal. Offer extra snuggles and their favorite comfort items.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room right away if your child loses consciousness, vomits more than once, has a seizure, or becomes very confused or difficult to wake up. Also go immediately if they have clear fluid draining from their nose or ears, or if they develop severe headaches that get worse over time.
Call your doctor or text Arlo if your child seems more confused than usual, keeps asking the same questions, has trouble walking normally, or if you notice changes in their personality or behavior. Trust your instincts as a parent.
The takeaway
Most head bumps are just that – bumps. You know your child best, and careful watching beats panicking every time.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Head Injuries](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/head_injuries)
- [Concussion in children and youth](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1906&language=English)
- [Head injury in children](https://ontario.ca/page/head-injury-children)