Yes, babies can get a concussion from a head injury; watch behavior changes and seek medical care.
New parents ask this a lot after a bump or fall. The short answer is yes. A concussion is a mild brain injury from a hit to the head or a jolt that moves the head fast. Parents often ask, “can a baby get a concussion?” after a tumble. Babies are prone to tumbles as they learn to roll, sit, and crawl. Their necks are still weak and their heads are heavy, so even a short fall can lead to symptoms. This guide shows what to watch for, what to do first, and when to get help.
Can A Baby Get A Concussion? Signs And Next Steps
After a hit or sudden jolt, symptoms may appear right away or over the next two days. In babies, the signs are often subtle because they cannot explain how they feel. You need to scan behavior, feeding, sleep, and movement. Use the table below to match common symptoms with what you might see in a child under one year.
| Symptom | How It May Look In A Baby | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive sleepiness | Hard to rouse for feeds, longer naps than usual | Call your pediatrician; wake for feeds as advised |
| Unusual irritability | Inconsolable crying, startles easily | Provide a calm room; monitor closely |
| Vomiting | One spit-up may be normal; repeated vomiting is worrisome | Seek urgent care if vomiting repeats |
| Poor feeding | Refuses breast or bottle, slow suck | Call for medical advice |
| Loss of interest | Less playful, avoids eye contact | Observe for change over 24–48 hours |
| Balance changes | Unsteady new walker or sitter, head bobbing | Limit activity; get checked if it persists |
| Abnormal sleep | Much more or much less sleep than baseline | Track patterns; call if extreme |
| Seizure | Stiffening, jerking, or staring spells | Call emergency services now |
| Large scalp swelling | Goose egg bigger than a plum | Seek urgent assessment |
| Loss of consciousness | Even a few seconds of unresponsiveness | Go to the emergency department |
What A Concussion Is
A concussion happens when a blow to the head or body makes the brain move fast inside the skull. That motion can stretch brain cells and disrupt normal function. A baby does not need to pass out to have a concussion. Symptoms can be mild at first and grow later. Many children recover well with rest and a careful return to normal routine.
Why Babies Are Susceptible
Head size is large compared with the body in the first year. Neck muscles are still developing. Falls from couches, beds, changing tables, and caregivers’ arms are common. Most injuries are minor, yet you should watch for changes.
Typical Causes
- Short falls from furniture or a caregiver’s lap
- Rolling off a low surface
- Accidental bumps from siblings or pets
First Aid Right After A Head Bump
Stay calm and check breathing and responsiveness. If your baby is awake and crying, that is a good sign. Look for bleeding or deformity. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to the bump for 10 minutes at a time. Keep your child close, limit stimulation, and offer fluids. Avoid rough play and screens for a day or two. Skip aspirin products for pain unless a clinician directs you.
When To Go To The Emergency Department
Seek urgent care if you see red flags: repeated vomiting, seizure, drowsiness that you cannot interrupt, a large soft spot bulge, weakness on one side, a cut that gapes, or any loss of consciousness. A high-risk fall, such as down stairs or from a caregiver’s arms to a hard floor, also warrants prompt assessment.
When To Call Your Pediatrician
Call for guidance if your baby is under one year, the fall was unwitnessed, or symptoms seem mild but out of character. Your doctor may suggest home monitoring or a visit. Keep notes on feeding, sleep, diapers, and behavior to share.
Can A Baby Get A Concussion From A Fall? Real-World Scenarios
Short falls are common in the first year. The risk depends on the height, surface, and where the head struck. A carpeted floor from couch height is lower risk than tile from a counter. That said, any head strike can cause a concussion. Treat each event with care. Observe for two days, adjust activity, and seek help if signs grow.
How Doctors Check A Baby After A Head Injury
A clinician will ask about the event, symptoms, and timing. They will check alertness, eye movement, pupils, muscle tone, and reflexes. They may watch a feed. Imaging is not routine for a mild case. A scan may be used when red flags or exam findings raise concern. For clear symptom lists and home care, see the CDC Heads Up signs and the AAP page on concussions in babies.
Why Symptoms Can Be Delayed
Swelling and chemical changes in the brain can build over hours. That is why ongoing checks at home matter. A child may seem fine at first, then nap longer or fuss more later. Keep a log and trust your sense that “something is off.”
Safe Sleep After A Concussion
You do not need to keep a child awake. Rest helps recovery. Check breathing and color, then let them sleep. Wake for feeds as usual. If you cannot wake your baby or they seem worse on waking, seek care right away.
Home Monitoring Plan For The First 48 Hours
Plan simple checks during the day and one check overnight. You can use this sample schedule. Adjust to your baby’s routine and your doctor’s advice.
| Time Window | What To Check | Action If Abnormal |
|---|---|---|
| Every 2–3 hours (day) | Alertness, feeding, comfort | Call doctor if feeding drops or fussing is extreme |
| Nap wake-ups | Rouse to see eye contact and tone | Seek care if very hard to rouse |
| Evening | Play interest, tracking toys | Reduce activity and reassess in one hour |
| Overnight once | Check breathing and color | Wake gently; if no response, call emergency services |
| Next morning | Compare to baseline mood and feeding | If worse, schedule a visit |
Feeding, Pain Relief, And Comfort
Offer smaller, more frequent feeds to limit vomiting. Use an age-appropriate dose of acetaminophen for pain if your clinician agrees. Skip ibuprofen right after an injury unless directed. Keep lights soft and play quiet. Avoid bouncy seats and rough play for a few days.
Return To Routine: Play, Daycare, And Strollers
Start with quiet play at home. Add short walks in a stroller once your child is alert and content. Delay active play that risks another head bump. For daycare, share the injury details and your doctor’s plan. Add tummy time only when your child stays symptom-free during quiet play. If symptoms flare with activity, step back for a day and try again.
Prevention That Works
- Always use a rear-facing car seat with proper installation
- Keep one hand on your baby on high surfaces
- Use straps on changing pads and strollers
- Clear floors of tripping hazards
Quick Answers To Common Worries
Does A Bump Without A Mark Still Count?
Yes. A concussion can occur without a bruise or cut. Internal movement, not the skin mark, drives symptoms.
Do Babies Always Vomit With A Concussion?
No. Some never vomit. Others may spit up once from crying. Repeated vomiting needs prompt care.
How Long Recovery Usually Takes
Most babies improve over a few days. Mild symptoms can last up to two weeks. If symptoms last beyond that, call your doctor. A second head injury before recovery can set progress back. Protect your child until they are back to baseline.
Trusted Guidance You Can Bookmark
Parents often ask, “can a baby get a concussion?” The answer is yes, and the next step is a calm, structured plan. Use your doctor’s advice, keep activity low at first, and watch for changes over two days. Most children recover well with rest and time.