Toddler Head Injuries: When To Call A Doctor

A toddler has a bump on their head.

Most toddler head injuries are minor and heal without complication. However, it's vital to know when to monitor a head injury at home and when to seek medical attention.

As a parent, few moments are more nerve-wracking than when your toddler takes a tumble and bumps their head. Toddlers are naturally curious, full of energy, and still developing coordination…which means bumps and bruises can be an unfortunate but common part of childhood. Most head bumps are minor and heal without issue, but sometimes toddler head injuries require medical attention. Knowing when to call a doctor can help ease your concerns and ensure your child’s safety. This article will guide you through managing minor head injuries at home, recognizing when medical attention is necessary, and providing comfort to your little one after a fall.

Common Causes of Head Injuries in Toddlers

Toddlers are still learning how to walk, climb, and explore their surroundings, so minor head bumps can happen as part of their normal daily activity and play. Data shows that falls are the most common cause of ER visits for injuries in children and adolescents (1). Most head bumps in children are minor and cause only superficial bruising or minor abrasion (2); however, more serious injuries can and do occur even from seemingly small falls or bumps, so it is important for parents to be aware of the signs to look out for.

Signs It's Likely Okay To Monitor Mild Head Injuries at Home

In many cases, a toddler head injury is mild and doesn’t require immediate medical attention. It is generally regarded as alright to monitor your child at home if (3):

  • The fall was from a low height—less than your toddler’s standing height—and did not involve a hard surface or significant impact.
  • Your toddler cries immediately after the fall but calms down shortly after (less than 10 minutes).

  • Your toddler seems alert and responsive and resumes normal activities without issue.

  • There is no loss of consciousness.

  • You notice only a small bump or bruise, and there are no signs of deep cuts or deformity.

  • They continue to eat, drink, and behave as usual.

Would you like to learn more about managing bumps, bruises, strains and sprains? Read this article: What To Do When Your Child Has A Strain Or Sprain  

A toddler sits and cries.

When to Have Your Child Seen By A Doctor

While most toddler head injuries are minor, some signs indicate a need to be seen by a healthcare provider, and when it comes to head injuries, it is better to err on the side of caution. You should contact a doctor or head to a nearby urgent care or emergency room right way if (3,4):

  • Your child loses consciousness after a head injury, even for a brief moment.

  • They seem unusually drowsy.

  • Vomiting occurs more than once following the injury.

  • There is a change in behavior, such as confusion, irritability, or difficulty recognizing familiar people or objects.

  • You notice coordination problems, like difficulty walking or clumsiness that wasn’t present before the fall.

  • They complain of a persistent headache that doesn’t improve with time or rest, or that gets worse.

  • The injury involves a fall from a significant height, such as down a flight of stairs or off playground equipment. A general rule of thumb is that if a child falls from a height taller than their height, they should be seen by a doctor, even if they are acting fine.

  • Your gut tells you something is wrong. Don’t ignore that feeling!

One potential outcome of a head injury is a concussion. To learn more about concussions in children, read this article: Pediatric Post Concussion Syndrome – Prevention & Treatment

Emergency Situations: Go to the ER Immediately

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) via HealthyChildren.org (4), caregivers should seek emergency medical care by heading directly to the ER or calling emergency services if:

  • There is a visible dent or deformity on the head.

  • Bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure for a few minutes, or the wound is deep and may require stitches.

  • Your child is unresponsive or difficult to wake.

  • Your child has a seizure following the injury.

  • There is clear fluid or blood leaking from the nose or ears, which can be a sign of a skull fracture.

  • Their pupils appear uneven in size, or they have difficulty focusing.

  • They exhibit weakness or paralysis in any part of the body.

In any situation when you are unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get professional medical advice. Additionally, children should always be seen by a doctor after any head injury if they (4):

  • Have possible neck injuries

  • Have existing nervous system conditions (e.g., seizures)

  • Have developmental delays

  • Have bleeding disorders or bruise easily

  • Are victims of abuse

How To Manage a Minor Head Injury at Home

If your toddler has a mild head injury without concerning symptoms, you can safely care for them at home. Here’s how:

  1. Comfort and Reassure Your Child.
    A fall can be just as frightening as it is painful. Provide cuddles, soothing words, or a favorite toy to help calm your toddler.
  1. Apply a Cold Compress.
    If it soothes your child and they tolerate it well, you can gently place a cold pack or a cloth-wrapped bag of ice on the sore area for 10-15 minutes. Always ensure that there is a barrier between the ice and skin.

  1. Use Herbal or Homeopathic Remedies.

    • Arnica: Topical or homeopathic arnica may reduce minor bruising and bumps (avoid applying topical arnica to open wounds) (5).✝︎

    • Herbal Support: Herbs that support a healthy inflammatory response, such as turmeric and ginger (6), may help ease minor discomfort without masking any potential serious symptoms.✝︎

    • Colloidal Silver: Colloidal silver is sometimes applied topically to minor scrapes or abrasions to help keep wounds clean (7).✝︎

A mother comforts her toddler.
  1. Encourage Rest and Quiet Activities.
    Allow your toddler to rest or engage in calm activities for the day. This helps them recover and allows you to monitor for delayed symptoms.

  1. Monitor for Changes.
    Keep an eye on your child for the next 24-48 hours. Even minor injuries can occasionally result in delayed symptoms that warrant medical attention.

FAQ: My Toddler Bumped Their Head Right Before Bedtime. Should I Keep Them Awake?

One of the most common concerns parents face after a toddler bumps their head is whether they should keep the child awake for observation, especially if the injury occurs close to bedtime. The idea of keeping a child awake stems from the fear that letting them sleep might mask a serious head injury, such as a concussion. However, in the absence of the warning signs listed above, keeping your toddler awake after a head bump is not usually necessary, but it may still be a good idea to check on them periodically during the night. In the absence of the symptoms listed above, it is considered safe to let your child sleep. Some parents prefer to lightly rouse their child every few hours after a head bump that happened close to bedtime. If anything seems off, contact a healthcare provider.

What To Expect If Your Child Needs To Be Seen For a Head Injury

If you take your child to a healthcare provider for a head injury, they will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and whether any further tests or treatments are needed. Here’s what you can typically expect during the visit:

Medical History and Symptom Review

The provider will likely ask you about the details of your child’s injury, such as:

  • How the injury occurred

  • The height or force involved

  • Whether your child lost consciousness, vomited, or showed any unusual behavior

  • Current symptoms, including drowsiness, headache, irritability, or difficulty walking

It’s important to be as detailed as possible when answering these questions. This information helps the doctor assess the severity of the injury and determine the best course of action for your child. Remember, the provider is there to help, not to judge. Being honest and thorough allows them to give your child the best possible care.

Physical Examination

The provider will also physically examine your child. They may be on the lookout for the following:

  • Bumps, bruises, cuts, or deformities on the head

  • Neurological function, such as coordination, strength, balance, and reflexes

  • Pupil response to light and eye movement

  • Potential signs of neck or spine injury

  • Signs of skull fractures

Imaging Tests

If your child’s injury involved significant force, the provider observes potentially concerning symptoms, or your child has specific risk factors (such as being under 2 years old or having a bleeding disorder), imaging tests may be ordered to rule out serious complications. These tests can include:

  • CT Scan: Often used to detect internal bleeding, skull fractures, or brain swelling.

  • X-Ray: X-rays are often used to check for fractures in the skull or neck.

  • MRI: In rare cases, an MRI may be recommended for a more detailed look at the brain and soft tissues.

To learn more about medical radiation in children, read this article: Radiation Detox for Kids: How to Support Your Child After X-Rays, CT Scans, or PET Scans

Preventing Future Head Injuries

While it’s impossible to prevent every bump and fall, you can reduce the risk of serious injuries by:

  • Using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

  • Supervising climbing activities, roughhousing, and playground play.

  • Securing heavy furniture and TVs to prevent tip-overs.

  • Encouraging the use of helmets during activities like biking or scootering.

  • Ensuring your child is properly secured in an appropriate car seat every time they are in a car.

That said, accidents happen. No matter how careful you are, it’s impossible to prevent your child from ever getting hurt. The fact that you’re here, learning how to support and care for your child, shows that you are already doing a great job. Please don’t be too hard on yourself.


If you find yourself feeling anxious about your child’s safety to the point that it affects your day-to-day life, it may be helpful to talk to someone—a trusted friend, your pediatrician, or a mental health professional. Parenting is challenging, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

A toddler wears a helmet while riding a scooter.

Summary

Most toddler head injuries are minor and heal without complications. However, it's vital that parents know when to monitor at home and when to seek medical attention. If your child shows serious symptoms—like loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, unusual drowsiness, or coordination problems—contact a doctor immediately. In emergencies, such as seizures, bleeding that won’t stop, or fluid leaking from the ears or nose, go straight to the ER. For mild injuries, comfort your child, apply a cold compress, and monitor them closely for 24-48 hours. Always trust your instincts—when in doubt, it’s better to be safe and seek professional advice.

PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE

References:

  1. Adirim TA, Wright JL, Lee E, Lomax TA, Chamberlain JM. Injury surveillance in a pediatric emergency department. Am J Emerg Med. 1999 Oct;17(6):499-503. doi: 10.1016/s0735-6757(99)90184-5. PMID: 10530522.

  1. Case ME. Accidental traumatic head injury in infants and young children. Brain Pathol. 2008 Oct;18(4):583-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2008.00203.x. PMID: 18782170; PMCID: PMC8095612.

  1. Gambacorta A, Moro M, Curatola A, Brancato F, Covino M, Chiaretti A, Gatto A. PECARN Rule in diagnostic process of pediatric patients with minor head trauma in emergency department. Eur J Pediatr. 2022 May;181(5):2147-2154. doi: 10.1007/s00431-022-04424-9. Epub 2022 Feb 22. PMID: 35194653; PMCID: PMC9056473.

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024, December 10). Head Injury in Children: How to Know If It’s Minor or Serious. Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Head-Injury.aspx

  1. Iannitti T, Morales-Medina JC, Bellavite P, Rottigni V, Palmieri B. Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation. Am J Ther. 2016 Jan-Feb;23(1):e184-97. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000036. PMID: 25171757.

  1. Zhou X, Afzal S, Wohlmuth H, Münch G, Leach D, Low M, Li CG. Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginger and Turmeric Extracts in Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ-Induced Proinflammatory Mediators. Molecules. 2022 Jun 16;27(12):3877. doi: 10.3390/molecules27123877. PMID: 35745000; PMCID: PMC9229778.

  1. Khansa I, Schoenbrunner AR, Kraft CT, Janis JE. Silver in Wound Care-Friend or Foe?: A Comprehensive Review. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 Aug 12;7(8):e2390. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002390. PMID: 31592393; PMCID: PMC6756674.

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