This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated in May 2026 to reflect current NHS guidance and improve accuracy for parents and carers.
As parents, few things are more frightening than seeing your baby or toddler take a knock to the head. Whether it’s a tumble from the sofa, a bump during playtime, or an accident at the park, head injuries in young children can leave us feeling worried and unsure about what to do next.
The difficult part is that babies and toddlers may not be able to tell us exactly how they feel. A child may seem fine at first, only for concussion symptoms to appear hours or days later. Knowing the signs and symptoms of concussion in babies and children can help you respond quickly and seek medical advice when needed.
In this guide, I’ll explain what concussion is, the common symptoms to watch for, when to call 111 or 999, and the steps to take to help your little one recover safely.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or injury to the head that affects how the brain works temporarily. Although many children recover fully, concussion or other serious head injuries should always be taken seriously.
In babies and toddlers, even what appears to be a mild bump can sometimes lead to symptoms that need urgent medical attention. Young children are naturally active and resilient, but their developing brains still need careful protection.
According to the NHS head injury guidance, most head injuries in children are mild, but it’s important to monitor your child closely afterwards.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussion in Babies and Toddlers
The symptoms of concussion can vary depending on your child’s age and the severity of the injury. Some concussion symptoms appear immediately, while others develop gradually.
Physical Symptoms
Signs of concussion in babies and toddlers can include:
- Vomiting after a bump or fall
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Swelling or a visible bump on the head
- Problems sleeping
- Unusual tiredness
- Pale skin
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Sensitivity to light or motion
- Poor balance or difficulty walking
- Persistent crying in an infant
- Reduced appetite
A baby or toddler may also become unusually clingy or unsettled after they have sustained a head injury.
Behavioural and Emotional Changes
Sometimes the child’s symptoms are more emotional or behavioural than physical. You may notice your child:
- Seems confused
- Is unusually irritable
- May not be able to concentrate
- Appears quieter than normal
- Doesn’t respond as they normally would
- Is harder to wake from sleep
- Is not acting like their normal self
As parents, we often know instinctively when something “doesn’t feel right”. If you are unsure, it’s always better to seek medical advice.
Signs of a Serious Head Injury
Some head injuries require emergency care immediately. Call 999 or take your child to the nearest emergency department or A&E if you notice any of the following:
- Your child becomes unconscious
- Difficulty breathing
- A seizure or fit
- Repeated vomiting
- Blood or clear fluid coming from the nose or ears
- Unequal pupils
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Severe or worsening headache
- Confusion that becomes worse
- A significant head injury from a road accident or height
- Your child cannot stay awake
A serious head injury can become life-threatening very quickly, so never delay seeking urgent help if your instincts tell you something is wrong.
For emergency advice in the UK, you can also call 111 for urgent guidance or dial 999 in a medical emergency.
What To Do If Your Child Has a Head Injury
If your child has a head injury but seems alert and responsive, there are still important steps to take.
Monitor Your Child Carefully
After a bump or fall:
- Keep your child calm and rested
- Watch for concussion symptoms over the next 24–48 hours
- Check for changes in behaviour or consciousness
- Encourage quiet activities rather than rough play
- Avoid screens if they seem to worsen symptoms
You do not necessarily need to keep waking your child throughout the night, but it’s sensible to sleep nearby so you can respond if they become distressed or difficult to wake.
Managing Pain
For mild discomfort, the NHS advises using paracetamol rather than ibuprofen immediately after a head injury because ibuprofen may increase the risk of bleeding in some situations.
If symptoms become persistent or worsen, seek medical attention.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
You should book a GP appointment or contact 111 if:
- Your child has a headache that will not go away
- Vomiting continues
- They seem unusually sleepy
- Their behaviour changes
- Symptoms may be getting worse rather than improving
- You are worried about your child’s recovery
A nurse, GP, pediatrician, or specialist may want to assess your child further. In some cases, children’s services at the emergency room may recommend observation or an examination to rule out a more significant brain injury.
The NHS guidance on concussion and head injuries explains when to seek urgent care and what symptoms parents should monitor.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most children recover from concussion within a couple of weeks, although recovery can vary depending on the injury and the child’s age.
During recovery:
- Encourage plenty of sleep
- Offer quiet activities
- Avoid contact sports
- Let teachers or childcare providers know what happened
- Help your child return gradually to normal routines
Some young children experience problems sleeping, tiredness, or emotional changes for a short time afterwards. If symptoms continue beyond a few weeks, a pediatric specialist may recommend further support.
Can Concussion Be Prevented?
While accidents happen, there are steps to take to help prevent head injuries in babies and toddlers:
- Use stair gates and window locks at home
- Never leave a baby unattended on a bed or sofa
- Ensure children wear properly fitted cycle helmets
- Use age-appropriate car seats correctly
- Supervise climbing activities carefully
- Create safe play spaces for toddlers
Even the most careful parents cannot prevent every bump or tumble, so try not to blame yourself if your child gets hurt. Most children’s bumps are mild and heal well with rest and monitoring. Keep a fully stocked first aid kit at home for minor cuts and grazes.
FAQs About Concussion in Babies and Children
What are the first signs of concussion in a baby?
Common symptoms include vomiting, unusual sleepiness, persistent crying, irritability, dizziness, and changes in feeding or behaviour.
Should I let my toddler sleep after a bump to the head?
Yes, sleep is usually fine after a mild injury if your toddler is alert and behaving normally beforehand. However, monitor your child closely and seek urgent medical attention if they become difficult to wake.
When should I call 999 for a child’s head injury?
Call 999 if your child loses consciousness, has repeated vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, or shows signs of a serious head injury.
How long do concussion symptoms last in children?
Many concussion symptoms improve within a few days to two weeks, although some children may take longer to recover fully.
Can a concussion happen without losing consciousness?
Yes. Many children with concussion never lose consciousness. Behaviour changes, headache, dizziness, and vomiting can still indicate a concussion.
Should I take my child to the emergency department after a bump?
Take your child to the emergency department if symptoms worsen, if they seem confused or unusually sleepy, or if you notice any warning signs of a significant head injury.
Conclusion
Seeing your baby or toddler hurt themselves is incredibly stressful, especially when it involves a bump to the head. While most head injuries in children are mild, knowing the signs and symptoms of concussion can help you feel more confident about when to monitor at home and when to seek help.
Trust your instincts as a parent. If your little one seems unusually sleepy, distressed, or simply not themselves after a head injury, it’s always worth speaking to a GP, calling 111, or seeking urgent medical attention.
Sometimes reassurance is all that’s needed — but when it comes to our children’s health, it’s always better to check.