Your child had an injury or blow to the head that required a hospital stay. While in the hospital, your child was watched closely and is now ready to go home.

Your child may or may not have had symptoms from the head injury while in the hospital (such as vomiting or headache). You will need to watch your child for the next few days for any new or worsening symptoms. It can be hard to know if young children or babies are having these symptoms. If you are unsure, call your healthcare provider.

Here's how to care for your child.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for:

• Letting your child return to usual activities (They will need to add activities slowly. If the activity causes symptoms like throwing up or dizziness, they should stop the activity. They can try the activity again in a few hours or the next day.)
• When your child can go back to all their activities
• Giving your child medicine for pain such as acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• Whether your child needs to follow up with any specialists such as a neurologist (a doctor that specializes in injuries to the brain and spinal cord)

General instructions:

• If your child has a bump on their head, you can put ice wrapped in a cloth on the bump for 15 to 20 minutes, three or four times a day. Don't put ice directly on the skin.
• Your child can eat their usual diet. If they vomit, give them clear liquids (such as oral electrolyte solution, water, or broth) and call your healthcare provider.
• Let your child rest as needed.

Your child:

• Is acting very fussy or crying more than usual
• Has changes in eating or sleep patterns
• Has a headache or feels dizzy
• Has trouble concentrating or can't think clearly
• Feels sick to their stomach or vomits
• Is stumbling
• Isn’t acting like themselves or responding to you in their usual way

You know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right or they have symptoms that bother you, call your healthcare provider or take your child to the ER.

Your child:

• Has a bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of the head (for kids younger than 1 year old)
• Is hard to wake up 
• Vomits again and again
• Has a seizure (unusual jerking movements)
• Has trouble breathing
• Seems to have a very bad headache
• Isn't speaking clearly or walking normally

If any of the above symptoms seem severe or you cannot reach the healthcare provider, get emergency help.

Does my child have a concussion (brain injury)? A concussion is a brain injury that leads to symptoms. So if your child had symptoms like headache, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, vomiting, or tiredness, they may have a concussion. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure if your child has a concussion.

How can I prevent another head injury? Here are some important ways to help keep your child safe:

• Always use the proper car seat every time your child rides in a car.
• Make sure your child wears a properly fitting helmet for riding in a child’s bike seat on the back of an adult bike or riding a tricycle, balance bike, or scooter.
• Childproof your home by using baby gates on stairs, securing furniture to walls, and keeping floors clear.
• Watch your child closely on playgrounds and choose ones with soft surfaces like mulch or rubber.
• Never leave a young child alone on high surfaces like changing tables or beds.
• When using a high chair or changing table, strap your child in with the safety harness.
• Avoid using walkers as they can lead to falls.