How to Handle a Baby's Fall

An infant's fall can cause a parent to panic. Serious falls can lead to severe injuries and can pose risks to your baby's health. However, some tumbles are normal and will not affect the infant's well-being. As a parent, it is important that you know how to handle a baby's fall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Pick the baby up and place them on a stable surface. You want to use a comfortable and safe area where you can evaluate the extent of the injuries.
2. Perform a head to toe check. See what areas of the baby's body have been affected by the fall. Pay close attention to any injuries found on the head or the back.
3. Treat and dress any cuts or scrapes. Clean the cut out, apply pressure to stop bleeding and use a bandage to cover the wound.
4. Use an ice pack for bumps. If your baby has gotten a bump because of the fall, ice will help the swelling go down.
5. Feed the baby to offer comfort. If the baby is having trouble calming down, feeding him will likely relax him.
6. Use an over-the-counter infant pain reliever. To help with any pain, you can give the infant a dose of infant formulated Tylenol or Motrin.
7. Observe the baby over the next day. Look for changes in appetite, sleep patterns or signs of lethargy. This is especially important if she has fallen on her head. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice these signs of a concussion.

Tips & Warnings

• You must call 911 if your baby passed out from the fall, stopped breathing or any bleeding will not stop.
• You must take the baby to the emergency room if the baby has fractured or broken any bones during the fall.