My 1 year old child fell down from bed. Is it serious?
Hello Parents! In this issue of “The Playground Chat”, we will discuss another common emergency observed in children i.e. History of fall. What steps need to be taken when such a situation arises.
As a parent or a caregiver to a little one, you have a lot going on, and the baby after 8 months is constantly moving.
They are small but always kicking legs and flailing arms; in this manner, they bring several hazards like the risk of falling to the floor.
WHAT TO DO FIRST?
We know it is scary when your baby falls off the bed! Here’s how you can handle the situation.
Usually, after the fall, the baby will start crying. First of all, try to console the child. A child may cry for a few minutes but if the child is not consolable after 30 minutes then better to rush to the hospital.
If the child stops crying, then try to remember in what position you picked up the child. Even if you didn’t see the fall, a position from where picked up the child also helps the place of impact. It is always helpful if we know which part of the body had the impact on the floor. Now is the best time to take consult.
After the fall, the child may be sleepy for some hours and then wake up with a cry or irritability due to pain. Here, paracetamol can be given to relieve pain after confirming with your doctor.
If the child is active, then look out for bumps at the site of the fall. Also, look out for any limp or any injury on the legs and arms, or other body parts.
IT’S AN EMERGENCY
Following signs, if present in the next 24 hours, then it is a “no-brainer” to rush to the hospital for further evaluation:
Seizures
Being inconsolable
Vomiting episodes after fall
Child fell unconscious immediately after the fall
Blood or yellow fluid coming out from the nose and ear
Other common are:
High pitched cry
Excessively sleepy
Sensitivity to light or noise
Pupils that aren’t the same size
Continually rubbing their head
Changes in balance or coordination
Bulging of a soft spot in front of the head
If you notice any of these changes, then seek immediate medical attention.
Better to call an ambulance and always keep the neck straight during such a situation.
The doctor might examine the child. Keep the child on intravenous fluids and nil by mouth and may order a CT scan if required.
In the majority of cases, falling from bed doesn’t cause any significant injury or head trauma to the child, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
PREVENTION
Prevention is always better to keep the baby safe. However, accidents do happen. After a fall, it is important to re-evaluate safety and child-proofing at home.
Never leave a baby on an adult bed unsupervised.
Don’t consider pillows as a safety net to prevent them from getting close to the edge.
Do not put the baby on the car seat or bouncy seat on top of an elevated surface, even after strapping the baby.
Always put the baby in the crib with a tight-fitting mattress and sheet.
Thank you. Would appreciate your support with more shares.
If you have any queries then do let me know.
You can follow us daily for such shares or advice for your child’s health by following us on
Make sure my emails reach your inbox.
Take a few easy steps to ensure my emails are sent to the right place and reach your inbox every time.
Add these emails to the primary inbox: By clicking on 3 dot buttons on the top and then pressing “Move” and selecting “Primary inbox”
Want to book a consult with me (Dr Vinit Mehta- MD Pediatrician). Click “CONSULT NOW” and send a Hello!! I will respond to the earliest.