A mother’s worse nightmare is anything that involves her baby being hurt. But, even the most well bubble-wrapped little one somehow ends up with bumps and bruises.

Doctor Barry Gordon says it’s all part of growing up.

But, he says some injuries can be extremely dangerous and it’s critical moms know what to look for and what to do if tragedy strikes.

Gordon says you know your baby best and will likely know if something is wrong.

According to babycenter.com there are a few early symptoms you can watch out for:

• Loss of consciousness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Drainage, clear or bloody, from nose, mouth or ears.

If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms after hitting his or her head, you should go to the ER immediately.

Also, Kids.org offers great information on how to respond if your small person suffers a head injury:

“If your child is unconscious:

• Do not try to move your child in case there is a neck or spine injury.
• Call for help.
• Turn a child who is vomiting or having a seizure onto his or her side while trying to keep the head and neck straight. This will help prevent choking and provide protection in case of neck and spine injury.

If your child is conscious:

• Do your best to keep your child calm and still.
• If there’s bleeding, apply a clean or sterile bandage.
• Do not attempt to cleanse the wound, which can make bleeding worse and/or cause serious complications if the skull is fractured.
• Do not apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect the skull is fractured.
• Do not remove any object that’s stuck in the wound.”

While we unfortunately can’t stop our children from every getting hurt, there are a few things you can do to keep your LO safe from dangerous falls and other injuries.

Checkout this great list of childproofing tips and ideas from kids.org.

“Accidents That Can Happen at Home

The common causes of home-injury deaths are fire and burns, suffocation, drowning, choking, falls, poisoning, and firearms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most home accidents happen where there’s:

• Water: in the bathroom, kitchen, swimming pools, or hot tubs
• Heat or Flames: in the kitchen or at a barbecue grill
• Toxic Substances: under the kitchen sink, in the medicine cabinet, in the garage or garden shed, or even in a purse or other place where medications are stored
• Potential For a Fall: on stairs, slippery floors, from high windows, or from tipping furniture”

And of course, supervision is always the best way to prevent baby from serious injury. NEVER leave LO unattended.

 

Do you have any childproofing hacks? Share them in the comment section below!

<3

Michaela