Babies are inherently fidgety, and they frequently fall out of bed when napping or sleeping. If this happens, it’s vital to keep your cool and assess the situation for signs of injury.
While a fall from a bed is frightening, it seldom results in serious harm. Because injuries are a possibility, caregivers should be aware of signs that a baby needs medical assistance after a fall.
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- What to do if baby fell from bed
- My baby fell off the bed, should I take her to the hospital
My baby fell off the bed, should I take her to the hospital?
What to do if baby fell off the bed? Here’s what you should do first.
First and foremost, do not panic. Staying calm will make it easier to deal with any discomfort symptoms that arise. Because of the fall, it’s probable that your baby will lose consciousness.
They may appear sluggish or languid at first, but they usually wake up quickly. Whatever, this is a medical emergency. If your baby appears to have a significant head injury, such as blood or unconsciousness, call 911 or your local emergency services right away.
Do not transfer your baby unless they are in immediate danger of further harm. If your child is vomiting or appears to be having a seizure, turn him or her on his or her side, keeping the neck straight.
And, if you see bleeding, apply mild pressure with a gauze or a clean towel or cloth until help arrives. If your child does not appear to be gravely harmed, pick them up and comfort them.
They’re going to be afraid. While calming them, examine their head for visible signs of injury. If your child is under the age of one year, any fall from a bed should be reported to your doctor.
Put your youngster at ease if you don’t observe any evidence of harm right away. After your baby has calmed down, check for any injuries or bruising on their body.
Baby fell off the bed: Signs that you should go to the hospital
Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata
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Even if your child does not appear to have lost consciousness or suffered a significant injury, there are signs that should trigger a trip to the emergency room. They include:
- being distressed
- the projecting soft spot near the front of the skull
- caressing their temples all the time
- really sleepy
- has a discharge from the nose or ears that is yellow or red
- a screech with a high pitch
- changes in balance or coordination
- learners of various sizes
- sensitivity to light or noise
- vomiting
What to do if the baby fell from bed: Keep an eye on everything for the next 24 hours.
Even if you don’t think your infant needs immediate medical assistance, keep a close eye on his or her behavior for the next 24 hours.
Pediatrician Ei Ye Mon, MD says that it is safe to conclude that anything horrible is less likely once you’ve passed that 24-hour threshold.
Whether or not they suffer a concussion, newborns are likely to want to sleep after a fall. According to Dr. Ye Mon, you don’t have to keep them awake to watch them, but you should try waking them up every few hours to make sure they’re rousable. If they aren’t, seek medical help immediately away.
Consult a doctor if you notice any strange behavior, such as your baby being fussier than usual or inconsolable.
Trust your parental instincts if you have any other reason to fear your child is in danger.
Dr. Ye Mon adds that it’s never a terrible idea to have them evaluated by a doctor if parents have any concerns at all, especially at that age.
Home care after baby fell off the bed
A baby may be fatigued after a fall, especially if it happened during or after a nap or bedtime. It may be useful to let the baby to relax. The doctor may, however, recommend that you check on the infant at frequent intervals.
If the baby is awake, it may be simpler to spot any signs of a more significant brain injury. The infant must:
- breathing correctly
- determine who their caregiver or parent is
- be easy to awaken
If none of these apply, see your doctor or get medical help right away.
As a result of falling off the bed, the baby may have head, neck, or body pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help the infant relax. It is critical to discuss the medication type and dosage with your doctor.
Rest is the greatest treatment for a head injury. For a few days, parents and caregivers should encourage peaceful activities and discourage physical play from the infant.
Playing with an adult can entail the following activities:
- blocks
- puzzles
- Taking a stroll
- Storytelling
If your child goes to daycare, inform the workers about the fall and the need for extra care.
The baby fell off the bed: Possible injuries
A fall can result in a variety of injuries, including:
1. Concussion
When the brain jolts inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head, it is known as a concussion. Because newborns and toddlers are unable to convey their symptoms, diagnosing a concussion in them may be difficult.
Symptoms of a concussion in children include:
- loss of consciousness
- uncontrollably crying
- vomiting
- snoozing excessively
- prolonged intervals of silence
- a reluctance to consume food
- a temporary loss of newly gained skills
- irritability
Even if your child shows no early or worrisome signs of injury, a concussion that causes no symptoms is possible (though unusual).
A concussion is a sort of brain injury that can make it difficult for your infant to think clearly. Because your baby can’t tell you how they’re feeling, recognizing concussion symptoms can be difficult.
The first sign to look for is a regression in developmental skills. A 6-month-old baby, for example, might not be able to communicate.
Other symptoms to be aware of include:
- being a picky eater
- changes in sleeping patterns
- crying in one posture more than in others
- there were more tears than normal
- growing increasingly agitated
A concussion isn’t the only form of injury that a fall can cause. The following are examples of internal injuries:
- ripping blood vessels
- broken skull bones
- a traumatic brain damage
Concussions and internal injuries are quite uncommon in babies who fall out of bed. Variations in sleep patterns and fussy times are frequent as neonates grow through developmental stages.
Use your best judgment and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
2. Scalp injury
The scalp is the top layer of skin on the head that contains numerous small blood vessels. A minor cut or injury may bleed profusely, giving the impression that it is more dangerous than it is.
Bleeding in and under the scalp might cause a bulge or swell on the baby’s head, which can take a few days to disappear.
3. Fracture in the skull
The brain is protected by the skull, which is a bony structure. It has the potential to shatter if it falls from a significant height.
An infant’s skull fracture can result in:
- a depression on one’s head
- Clear fluid draining from the eyes or ears
- bruising around the ears or under the eyes
- Take the baby to the nearest emergency room as soon as any of these symptoms develop
4. Brain Injury
With countless blood vessels, nerves, and other internal organs, the brain is a sensitive organ. A baby who fell from the bed could be seriously harmed or injured.
Baby fell of the bed? Prevention is key
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Babies should not be left alone in adult beds. In addition to the dangers of falling, babies can become stuck between the bed and the wall or between the bed and another item. Adult beds lack the safety elements seen in a crib, such as a snug mattress and bottom sheet.
To avoid falling, always keep at least one hand on a baby on any surface, such as a changing table or an adult bed. Do not place your newborn in a car seat or bouncer on a table or other elevated surface, even if they are strapped in.
Baby fell off the bed: risk factors in bed
Leaving a baby older than four months alone in bed is a big risk factor. When kids reach this age, they frequently start learning to roll over. If your child is younger than 4 months old and not yet mobile, you should not become complacent. Keep an eye on your child at all times.
Unsuitable beds, such as those without guardrails or with railings that are excessively wide.
- Beds that are higher than 120 cm in height. The risk of brain bleeding increases when a child falls from a high bed.
- Gaps, rails, or holes with a width of more than 6 cm. The openings may allow your baby’s limbs and legs to get through, but their heads may become imprisoned. In addition, if your child’s legs are unable to reach the floor, catastrophes like self-strangulation, which can be fatal, may occur.