Should I Let a Baby Sleep if He Hits His Head?

Be Safe, Not Sorry

• Your pediatrician may want to examine your baby in person. Keep in mind that a baby may feel sleepy after hitting his head, especially if the incident happens near nap time or bedtime, according to the pediatricians at the Ask Dr. Sears website. However, keep your baby awake until your pediatrician tells you that it̵7;s OK to let him sleep ̵1; and then check on him every two hours while he sleeps. If he looks pale or blue, breathes irregularly or twitches on one side of his body, immediately take him to the emergency room. You should also call the pediatrician if your baby sleeps longer than normal, seems unusually sleepy or doesn̵7;t protest when you try to wake him.

When Age Matters

• The types of injuries that a baby can sustain from a head bump range from a scrape or minor swelling to an internal problem that you can̵7;t see. While expert opinions vary as to what age it is no longer necessary to call a pediatrician in the event of a head bump, the KidsHealth website, which is part of the pediatrician-led Nemours Center for Children's Health Media, advises calling a doctor if the child is an infant, which is typically considered up to 12-months-old. However, pediatrician Dr. Greene on his website advises calling your doctor whenever a baby age 6 months or younger hits her head.

Causes for Concern

• While even a momentary loss of consciousness resulting from a head bump is reason to call your pediatrician, you should also immediately call if your baby vomits more than twice, cries for 10 minutes or more, or seems unusually sleepy when it isn̵7;t bedtime or time for nap. Another cause for concern is if you notice liquid or blood draining from your baby̵7;s ears, nose or mouth. Bruising or swelling around the eyes or ears, or unequal pupil sizes also warrants an immediate call to the pediatrician. If your child has any of these symptoms, but seems fine otherwise, still call the pediatrician. If the injury is the result of a collision, like an auto accident, have a doctor check her out right away, even if she seems unaffected by the event.

Home Care

• If your baby̵7;s pediatrician assures you that your little one̵7;s injury is of little concern, she may recommend that you place ice on the affected area for 20 minutes every few hours. Use an ice pack or place ice in a zippered plastic bag, and wrap the pack in a towel to prevent skin irritation from the ice. The doctor may also recommend that you closely monitor your baby for the next 24 hours in the event that he displays any abnormal behavior, which could indicate that he needs to go to the emergency room.

Keeping It Safe

• Because babies lack coordination, childproof your home to prevent future head injuries. Remove objects that could accidentally fall on your baby's head -- like a book on the edge of a table -- in any area where he plays, bathes or sleeps. Always use the straps on changing tables, strollers, car seats, high chairs and carts. Use baby carriers, car seats and strollers that are appropriate for your baby's age, size and weight. Do not place your baby in a baby walker. Avoid carrying your baby and cumbersome objects at the same time so she doesn̵7;t accidentally slip through your arms.