Young children and babies need to be monitored particularly closely if they have hit their head in a fall. As they are unable to express themselves, parents must examine the child closely for symptoms that may indicate a concussion or other head injury.

 

Signs of a concussion in children are vomiting, unconsciousness and drowsiness. Shine a torch into the eyes and check whether the pupils immediately contract like a reaction and then dilate again when the light is switched off. If the pupils do not react properly, the child should be taken to a doctor immediately.

With children, it is safer if they do not go to sleep immediately after a fall so that their behaviour can be better observed. If there is a concussion, the child may develop complications during sleep that the parents may not notice.

If a concussion or other head injury is suspected, a child should be taken to an emergency doctor immediately. The skull and skull bones are particularly vulnerable in infants.

Never leave babies and toddlers alone on the changing unit or unattended on a chair or the couch, even if it is only for a few seconds.

Children should always wear a helmet when cycling, riding a tricycle or handling any children's vehicles.