Your child had a fall or bump or blow to the head and has a mild head injury. They may have a small bump, bruise, or swelling on the scalp.

Most children with a mild head injury recover fully within a few days. Watch your child closely over the next few days for any symptoms such as feeling sick to the stomach, vomiting, dizziness, or changes in behavior since these can be signs of a more serious head injury.

• 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.
• Feed your child breast milk or formula as you usually do. If your child is eating solid food, you can feed your child as usual. If they vomit, give them clear liquids (like water or broth) and call your healthcare provider.
• Let your child rest as needed. If your healthcare provider tells you to check your child while they are sleeping:
  • Go to your child every few hours.
  • Touch them gently and make sure they wake up enough to respond to you (open eyes, move, or cry normally).
  • Make sure that their breathing and skin color look normal.
• Follow up with your healthcare provider as instructed (usually within 24 hours) by phone or in person to make sure your child is continuing to get better.
• Check with your healthcare provider before giving your child any medicines.

Your child:

• Is very cranky or crying more than usual
• Has changes in eating or sleep patterns
• Seems to feel sick to their stomach or vomits
• 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:

• Is hard to wake up 
• Vomits again and again
• Has a seizure (unusual jerking movements)
• Is crying and cannot be comforted
• Isn't speaking or walking as usual 

Does a bump on the scalp (called a “goose egg”) mean that there is swelling of the brain? No, a bump or swelling of the scalp does not mean there is any swelling of the brain. The skull bone separates the scalp from the brain and protects it from injury. The bump should slowly improve over a few days.

Does my child have a concussion (brain injury)? At this time, your healthcare provider does not feel that your child has a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion might happen right after the head injury or develop over hours to days later. They can include:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Vision changes
• Feeling sick to the stomach and/or vomiting
• Trouble walking and talking
• Feeling sluggish

Some of these symptoms can be hard to recognize in young children. So, call your healthcare provider if you are worried your child has any of these symptoms.

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.
• Always have your child wear a helmet if they are riding on the back of a bike.
• Use safety gates at top and bottom of stairs.
• Move furniture away from windows and install window guards to prevent falls.
• Keep floors clear of clutter.
• Always strap your child into highchairs, strollers, and carriers.
• Do not place infant seats on high surfaces like tables or counters.
• Avoid baby walkers.
• Watch your child closely on playgrounds and choose ones with soft surfaces like mulch or rubber.
• Never leave babies or toddlers alone on beds, couches, or changing tables.