My Baby Bumped His Head!

It was an accident. You accidentally bumped your baby's head, he or she did it themself, or something happened. Now you are in a panic. Along with feelings of guilt, you do not know if this is an actual emergency or not.

First of all, do not feel guilty. These kind of things happen to even the best of parents, and there is nothing any one can do to stop them. Babies are a lot tougher than you think. They are pretty well made to handle accidents.

Now, in order to determine if this is an emergency that will require a call to your pediatrician, take a good look at your baby. Are there any bumps? Is there any swelling? Is there any open wounds?

If there is a bump or two and it is small, it is safe to assume your baby is ok. Unusual swelling will require a call to your baby's pediatrician. Open wounds are fine too as long as they are minor. Just doctor it up like you would do with yourself. Cold cloth compresses can be used for bumps and swelling and first aid supplies can be used for small wounds.

Now study your baby's behavior, even if his or her physical appearance seems to be fine. Is she or he laughing and giggling like nothing happened? Is he or she tired and sleepy? Is he or she acting like they have the flu? Is she or he throwing up?

If your baby continues to act like nothing happen, it is safe to assume that she or he is ok. However, if you notice any abnormalities in your baby's behavior - excessive sleep, excessive crying, acting dizzy and/or disoriented, or throwing up - you should get him or her to the pediatrician or emergency room immediately. These are all signs that something is wrong, and your baby will need immediate medical attention.

Remember that accidents happen. Just make sure to take care of your baby afterwards and everything will be ok. Good parents make mistakes, but they do not ignore signs of a possible problem with their children. Just by the fact you're reading this article out of concern for your little one indicates that you are indeed a good parent.