After a head bump, watch for vomiting, unusual sleepiness, unequal pupils, loss of balance, or changes in behavior. In babies, look for a bulging soft spot, refusing to eat, or inconsolable crying. Any loss of consciousness, even briefly, means go to the ER.
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Steps taken to keep babies and toddlers from falling off furniture, down stairs, or out of windows. Baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs, window guards above the first floor, and never leaving a baby unattended on a changing table are the big ones.
A baby-specific first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, infant acetaminophen, a digital thermometer, saline drops, tweezers, and the Poison Control number. Keep one at home and one in the car. Check expiration dates every 6 months.
Babies and toddlers fall a lot, and head bumps are common. Most are minor, but watch closely for 24 to 48 hours after a hit. Warning signs include vomiting more than once, difficulty waking up, or any clear fluid from the nose or ears. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.