Your baby is almost certainly going to bang his head at some point before his third birthday. Not many people make it through toddlerhood without the odd head bump. Some head injuries are more serious than others and it’s important you know the signs and can act fast in case of an emergency. Seeing your baby take a knock to the head can be upsetting, and you may find you are more upset about it than she is!

No matter how careful you are, your baby is likely to suffer a few bumps and bruises during those first few years of life. Babies are toddlers are pretty good at falling over, bumping into tables, falling off things and dropping hard plastic toys on their own faces.

What to do if your baby bumps her head

If your baby has suffered a minor bump to her head, holding a cold compress to the bumped area will help to reduce the swelling. Your baby will also need plenty of cuddles, love and reassurance as she’s likely to be upset about the injury. Your baby may be a little clingy while she recovers from the shock but should be back to her usual self in no time. Try to stay calm, remember your baby will pick up on your emotions. If you seem panicked and scared, your baby will feel panicked and scared too. Stay calm, reassure your baby and try to assess the damage. If you’re still breastfeeding, a quick feed could provide some much-needed comfort to your upset baby.

When to seek professional help

Most bumps are nothing to worry about, but sometimes babies and toddlers can really hurt themselves and may require medical attention. Your baby will need emergency medical attention if she:

• becomes unconscious
• is drowsy
• vomits
• struggles to breathe
• has a seizure or fit

You should also take your baby to the hospital if she seems to be having problems with her coordination, vision or talking. She will need to be taken to the hospital if she appears weak or confused, becomes unusually sleepy or cannot be woken at night.

It’s best to trust your instinct here. If your baby isn’t showing any of the above symptoms, but you still feel concerned, take your baby to see the doctor. Remember, all babies and toddlers suffer from a few bumps and bruises. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, and the doctor isn’t going to judge you. Speak to your friends about it, you might be surprised to find out just how many babies have suffered similar head bumps!

Has your baby ever suffered a bump to the head?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Baby walkers might seem like a harmless enough toy, and certainly one that will make your life easier but experts are warning against them. The American Academy of Pediatrics wants to ban the sale of baby walkers, blaming them for a number of child injuries each year.

What is a baby walker?

The term baby walker refers to a frame surrounding a fabric chair that suspends babies so their feet can touch the floor. The walker is on wheels, allowing the baby to scoot around the room. The frames often feature a number of toys and activities to keep babies entertained. They’re very popular products, and most babies have access to them.

Why are they so dangerous?

Walkers allow your baby to be mobile before he has developed the skills to move. Before he has developed strong leg muscles and coordination, your baby can move across the room at speed with the help of his walker.

Each day in the US, around 100 children suffer injuries in their baby walkers. The majority of these injuries are head injuries caused by falls. Babies in baby walkers have fallen down stairs, touched hot ovens and escaped through the patio door and straight into the family pool. Baby walkers allow young babies to be mobile at an age when they’re not old enough to understand the risks and potential dangers in the home.

Can they help babies learn how to walk?

There is a common misconception that baby walkers help babies learn how to walk. In fact, time spent in a baby walker can actually delay the development of the strength and skills necessary for walking. Babies who spend time in baby walkers have been found to take longer to sit up, crawl and walk.

Can I still buy one?

Of course, as the parent it is your choice whether you purchase a baby walker for your child. If you do wish to buy one, research the safety mechanisms in place as these vary between brands and models. Make sure your baby is supervised when using the walker though this will not always prevent injury.

What alternatives are there?

If you love the look of walkers because of the engaging and fun looking play stations, fear not, you can buy stationary play centers with similar set ups. You could also use a playpen with toys as a way of entertaining your baby, this has the added benefit of allowing your baby freedom of movement. This freedom is key to developing the muscle strength and control that your baby will need for those first steps.

Do you have a baby walker for your baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.