What to Do If a Child Hits Their Head

This article was medically reviewed by Pediatric Neurologist and Neurocritical Care Specialist Andrea Pardo, MD, FAAP, FCNS; and Pediatric Neurocritical Care Specialist Craig Smith, MD. 

It’s common for children, especially babies and very young children just learning to walk, to hit their heads as they grow and explore their world. Most minor bumps and bruises won’t cause serious harm, but it is important to watch for signs of more serious injury if their head is hit hard.

Read more below about what to watch for, and when to seek medical attention after a baby or child hits their head.

What to Look for After a Child Hits Their Head 

Anyone who hits their and head and loses consciousness, are confused, vomit repeatedly or develop a severe headache should see a doctor immediately. Here are other less severe symptoms to watch for: 

For Babies (Under 1 Year Old)

• If a baby hits their head, monitor them closely for any changes in behavior, excessive crying, vomiting or loss of consciousness.
• Watch for signs of drowsiness, difficulty feeding, or unusual movements, as these may indicate a more serious injury. Please get immediate medical care. 

For Young Children (1-5 Years Old)

• Comfort the child and check for any bumps, swelling or bruises.
• Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) to reduce swelling.
• Keep an eye on their behavior. Excessive sleepiness, vomiting or difficulty walking may signal a more serious injury. Please get immediate medical care. 
• If they seem fine but hit their head hard, observe them for the next 24-48 hours for any delayed symptoms. 

For Older Kids & Teens (6-18 Years Old)

• If a child or teen hits their head, they should stop any physical activity immediately and be assessed.
• Mild symptoms like a headache, dizziness or brief disorientation should be monitored, with rest from physical and mental activities until symptoms resolve.
• No return to sports or physical activity until evaluated by a healthcare professional if a concussion is suspected.
• Avoid screen time, loud noises and bright lights during initial recovery to prevent symptom worsening.
• If there is excessive sleepiness, vomiting or difficulty walking this may signal a more serious injury. Please get immediate medical care.;

Can you let a child sleep after they hit their head? 

It’s usually safe for babies and children to sleep after they hit their head. Monitor them closely for the first few hours to check for any signs for worsening symptoms, such as difficulty waking up, confusion or vomiting.

If they appear to be very drowsy or have difficulty staying awake, or have any other worsening symptoms, seek medical help right away.

When to Seek Medical Attention After a Child Hits Their Head 

The following symptoms are considered emergency symptoms, and a baby or child with them should go to an emergency department right away.

• Loss of consciousness: Even for a moment.
• Severe headache: A headache that won’t go away or worsens over time.
• Repeated vomiting: More than once, especially if it happens several hours after the injury.
• Seizures: Any type of seizure or abnormal jerking movements.
• Confusion or disorientation: Difficulty recognizing people, places or events.
• Inability to wake up: If the child is excessively drowsy or difficult to wake.
• Unequal pupil size or vision changes: One pupil appears larger than the other, or the child has blurry or double vision.
• Difficulty speaking: Trouble talking or understanding. 
• Arm or leg weakness: Trouble walking, reaching for objects.  
• Difficulty walking or balancing: Trouble standing, walking or maintaining balance. 
• Changes in behavior: Increased irritability, aggression or unusual behavior.
• Clear fluid or blood from nose or ears: This could indicate a skull fracture or internal bleeding.

The following symptoms should be monitored for in the 24-48 hours following a child hitting their head. Children with these symptoms should see a doctor, but this is not considered an emergency. Seeing their pediatrician or going to an urgent care center is appropriate. 

• Persistent dizziness or balance issues
• Increased sleepiness or lethargy that isn't normal for the child
• Sensitivity to light or sound that wasn't present before
• Memory loss or inability to recall what happened
• Mood changes such as increased sadness, anxiety or emotional outbursts

Long-term Effects for Children Who Hit Their Head 

The long-term effects of a child hitting their head depend on the severity of the injury, the number of head injuries sustained and how well the injury was managed.  

While most mild head injuries (e.g. concussions) resolve completely within a few weeks, more severe or repeated head injuries can lead to lasting effects, such as cognitive or learning difficulties, vision and balance issues, among others. 

How to Help Prevent a Child from Hitting Their Head

Preventing head injuries requires different strategies based on a child's age and activities. Here’s how to reduce the risk at each stage:

For Babies (0-1 Year)

• Supervise at all times when on elevated surfaces like beds, couches or changing tables.
• Use safety straps in high chairs, strollers and car seats (and ensure the car seat is installed properly).
• Keep floors clear of hazards to prevent tripping while crawling or learning to walk.
• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Use crib rails in the correct position to prevent climbing and falling.
• Avoid baby walkers, which can lead to falls down stairs or tipping over.

For Young Children (1-5 Years)

• Use childproofing measures such as corner protectors on furniture and soft mats in play areas.
• Ensure playgrounds have soft surfaces like rubber, mulch or sand instead of concrete.
• Teach safe stair use and discourage climbing on unsafe furniture.
• Make helmets a habit when riding bikes, scooters, or using roller skates.
• Supervise play on swings, slides and other equipment.
• Check toys for safety; avoid ride-on toys near stairs or hard surfaces.

For Older Children & Teens (6-18 Years)

• Require helmets for sports and activities like biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, skiing and contact sports.
• Teach safe sports techniques, such as proper tackling in football or falling safely in gymnastics.
• Ensure proper protective gear for sports like hockey, football and baseball.
• Encourage safe playground behavior, such as no pushing, rough play or jumping from high equipment.
• Always use seatbelts in motor vehicles.
• Discourage risky behaviors such as climbing on unsafe structures, playing near traffic, or engaging in dangerous stunts.
• Teach awareness of surroundings when walking or playing near roads.

To learn more about serious head injuries in children, visit our Concussion Program webpage. 

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