3 Steps to Take If Your Child Suffers a Bad Fall
What to do if your child suffers a fall and when to see your pediatrician.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in children. While most bumps and bruises heal quickly, knowing what to watch for can help you make the right call about seeking medical care.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess
Take a deep breath. Check your child for obvious signs of injury: swelling, bruising, cuts, or difficulty moving a limb. Watch for changes in consciousness, alertness, or behavior. If your child cries immediately after a fall, that's usually a reassuring sign.
Step 2: Apply First Aid
For bumps and bruises, apply a cold compress wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes. For cuts, clean the wound gently with soap and water and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Elevate swollen limbs when possible.
Step 3: Watch for Red Flags
Seek immediate medical attention if your child: loses consciousness even briefly, vomits more than once after a head injury, has unequal pupils, seems confused or unusually drowsy, has persistent severe headache, or can't move a limb normally. For children under 12 months, any fall from a significant height (off a bed, changing table, or more than 3 feet) warrants a call to your pediatrician.
When in doubt, call American Pediatrics. Our triage nurses can help you assess the situation and determine whether your child needs to be seen in the office or the emergency room.
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