Newborn Head Bumps: What's Normal And What's Not?

It is common for newborns' heads to be bumpy, and in most cases, it is nothing to worry about. The bumps are usually caused by common childhood accidents, such as falls from beds or bumping into objects. In rare cases, they can be caused by accidents or abuse. Most of the time, these bumps are minor and do not require medical attention. However, it is important to monitor your baby for any unusual changes or symptoms such as prolonged crying, changes in feeding or eating habits, and loss of interest. If your baby experiences more serious symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, or bleeding from the nose or ears, seek medical attention immediately.

Bumps and bruises: when to worry

It is very common for babies to bump their heads, especially in their first year, and most of the time it is nothing to worry about. Babies are learning new skills and are unsteady on their feet, so bumps and bruises are to be expected. However, there are times when a bump to the head can be more serious, and it's important to know when to seek medical attention.

Common Causes of Bumps

Babies often bump their heads from falling off sofas, beds, and changing tables, or from rolling, crawling, scooting, and walking. Less common causes include vehicle and bike accidents, accidents with baby equipment, and, in rare cases, child abuse.

What to Do if Your Baby Bumps Their Head

If your baby bumps their head, the first thing you should do is apply ice to the affected area. Keep an eye on the size of their pupils, monitor their sleep, and keep a doctor's number close by. Give them plenty of cuddles and rest.

Warning Signs

If your baby displays any of the following symptoms after bumping their head, seek medical attention:

• Vomiting
• Loss of coordination
• Extreme fatigue
• Unresponsiveness
• Excessive crying
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Soft spot or dent on the skull
• Bleeding from nose or ears
• Excessive swelling or bruising
• Possible injury to the neck or spinal cord

When to See a Health Care Provider

Even with less serious bumps, it is recommended to call a health care provider. They will advise on at-home care measures and let you know if you need to bring your baby in for an evaluation.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

If your baby experiences any of the following, go to the emergency room:

• Bleeding that won't stop
• Signs of serious bodily injury after the bump
• Behaviour changes, such as extra fussiness, loss of consciousness, seizures, or extra sleepiness

Head Shape Changes

It is also common for newborns to have slightly misshapen heads, especially if they were delivered vaginally or with the assistance of forceps or a vacuum. These head shape changes are usually temporary and will round out within a week or two. However, if the misshapen head persists for two weeks or more, or if there are other concerning symptoms, it is important to consult a pediatrician.

Common causes of head bumps

It is very common for babies to bump their heads, especially in their first year. This is because they are still developing their coordination and motor skills, and their heads are proportionally larger than their bodies, making it easier for them to lose their balance.

The most common causes of head bumps include:

• Falls from beds, sofas, changing tables, or other furniture
• Bumping into something or being hit by something
• Being dropped from a carer's arms
• Injuries from rolling, crawling, scooting, or walking
• Falling down stairs or steps
• Slipping in the bathtub
• Playground accidents

In rare cases, babies may also hit their heads due to accidents or abuse, such as vehicle and bike accidents, injuries from baby equipment, or child abuse.

While most head bumps are minor and not a cause for concern, it is important to monitor your baby for any signs of a more serious injury, such as persistent crying, changes in mood or sleeping patterns, unusual sleepiness, loss of consciousness, orsection heading: Common causes of head bumpsbleeding from the nose or ears. If you have any concerns, it is always best to seek medical advice.

What to do if your baby bumps their head

It is normal for babies to bump their heads and most of the time it is nothing to worry about. However, it is still a good idea to know what to do if it happens. Here are some steps you can take:

• Stay calm: It is understandable to worry, but try to remain calm. Most head injuries in babies are not serious.
• Soothe your baby: Hold your baby and try to comfort them. It is normal for them to cry after bumping their head.
• Apply a cold compress: If your baby has a bump or "goose egg", apply a cold compress for about 20 minutes every three to four hours to reduce swelling.
• Stop any bleeding: If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or towel for about 15 minutes. If the bleeding won't stop, call for emergency medical help.
• Clean and dress any cuts: If there is a cut, wash it with soap and water and apply an antibacterial ointment.
• Observe your baby: Keep a close eye on your baby for the next 24 to 48 hours. Look for any signs of a more serious injury, such as vomiting, lack of coordination, confusion, extreme fussiness, excessive fatigue, or unresponsiveness.
• Monitor their sleep: During the observation period, monitor your baby while they sleep. Wake them up after a few hours to ensure they are not unusually sleepy and don't seem dazed when they wake up.
• Limit activity: For the first 24 hours, only let your baby play quietly with minimal activity. Avoid running, rough play, or activities with quick starts or jarring motions.
• Call your doctor: If you are concerned or notice any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to call your doctor or healthcare provider for advice.
• Seek emergency care: If your baby loses consciousness, has uncontrolled bleeding, has a dent or bulging soft spot on the skull, has excessive bruising or swelling, is vomiting repeatedly, or shows other signs of a serious injury, call for emergency medical help immediately.

Remember, it is always better to be cautious when it comes to your baby's health. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you are worried.

Head injuries: when to seek medical attention

It's normal to worry when your baby bumps their head, but most minor head bumps aren't a cause for concern. However, it's important to know when to seek medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when and where to seek care for a paediatric head injury:

• Call your pediatrician and keep an eye on the child at home if: There is no loss of consciousness, they seem aware of their surroundings, and they can answer questions.
• Take your child in for a medical evaluation if: They experience a momentary loss of consciousness, they're alert and aware when they wake up, they're bleeding from the head and you're unable to stop it, they appear to have a fracture in their face or skull (but no trouble breathing), they experience a sustained loss of consciousness or won't wake up, they have a seizure or other abnormal movements, they're having difficulty breathing, they appear to have a fracture and are having trouble breathing or swallowing, they have signs of neck injury, such as not being able to feel or move their limbs.
• If your baby experiences any type of head injury, even a minor one, reach out to your healthcare provider: Since babies' heads are not fully developed and they can't easily communicate their symptoms, it's important to have them evaluated.
• Uncontrolled bleeding from a cut
• A dent or bulging soft spot on the skull (fontanelle)
• Excessive bruising and/or swelling
• Vomiting more than once
• Unusual sleepiness and/or difficulty staying alert
• Loss of consciousness or not responding to voice/touch
• Blood or fluid draining from the nose or ears
• Suspected neck/spinal cord injury
• High-impact falls or accidents
• Changes in behaviour, such as increased fussiness, lethargy, or loss of interest
• Seizure-type activity
• Slowed or undetectable pulse
• Difficulty with walking, balance, understanding, or speaking
• Black eye or bleeding within the whites of the eye

Remember, you know your baby best, so if you're even remotely worried or unsure about what to do, don't hesitate to call your child's pediatrician or a medical helpline for advice.

Baby head shape changes: causes and treatment

It is completely normal for newborns to have oddly shaped heads. In fact, most babies will hit their head at least once in their first year. This is because babies can't control their head movement as well as adults. Their neck muscles are less developed, and their centre of gravity is closer to their heads than their torsos. Additionally, babies are learning new skills, like grabbing, rolling, sitting, and walking, and mishaps are bound to happen.

Common Causes of Head Bumps

• Falls from sofas, beds, and changing tables
• Injuries from rolling, crawling, scooting, and walking
• Vehicle and bike accidents
• Baby equipment accidents, such as a baby walker, seat, or stroller that topples over

Less Common Causes of Head Bumps

Child abuse (including caregiver-inflicted bumps or shaken baby syndrome)

What to Do if Your Baby Hits Their Head

If your baby hits their head, the first thing that will likely happen is that they will cry. This is a normal reaction to something surprising, uncomfortable, or painful. If the crying is prolonged or uncontrollable, it may indicate a more significant injury. After crying, your baby might seem a little extra quiet or withdrawn for 15 to 30 minutes. This is also a normal reaction to a minor injury.

Warning Signs

If your baby experiences any of the following, go to the emergency room:

• Bleeding that won't stop
• Signs of serious bodily injury after a head bump
• Behaviour changes following a head bump
• Signs of infection at the bump site

Baby Head Shape Changes at Birth

• Vacuum birth: Your baby might have a lump on the top of their head if they're delivered with the help of suction.
• Forceps: A baby's head can get a "pinched" look at the sides if your doctor uses forceps (large tweezers) to help pull them out.
• Conehead: If there's a lot of pressure in the birth canal or a long labour, your baby's head might be shaped like a cone due to the squeezing during birth.
• Multiple births: Newborns with multiples may have flattened areas on their heads due to limited space in the womb.
• Bumps and lumps: Your baby might have swelling or a lump, usually on the top or back of the head, right after birth. This is typically fluid or blood collected under the scalp from getting bumped during birth. These bumps will normally go away within one to two weeks.

Positional Head Changes

Research shows that back sleeping is the safest way for your baby to sleep in their crib. However, this can lead to temporary changes in a baby's head shape. This issue is so common that it has a name: positional plagiocephaly. Your baby may have a flattened area on the back of their head or one side, depending on their preferred sleep position.

Treatments for Positional Head Changes

• Put your baby on their back to go to sleep, and once they're asleep, gently turn their head so they're lying on a non-flat side. Do not use cushions or clothing to keep their head in place.
• During the day, hold your baby upright in various positions to give their head a break from resting against something.
• Put a bright or noisy toy on the side that your baby doesn't like turning their head toward to encourage them to sit or lie with their head turned in the other direction.
• Give your baby regular tummy time while awake to help strengthen their neck muscles and enable them to turn their head more and avoid flattened areas.

When to See a Paediatrician

Take your baby to all their regular check-ups with your paediatrician. Monitoring your baby's head size regularly can help the doctor ensure there are no serious causes for changes in their head shape. See your paediatrician immediately if you notice anything unusual or different about your baby's head shape, such as:

• Your baby's head shape is still misshapen two weeks or more after birth.
• A bulging or swollen spot on your baby's head.
• A sunken soft spot on your baby's head.
• No soft spot (fontanelle) on your baby's head.
• Firm or raised edges on their head.
• Changes in your baby's eye shape or positioning.
• Changes in your baby's forehead shape.
• Slow or no growth in your baby's head size.

Frequently asked questions