Baby fell off bed: what to do next

Baby fell off the bed and hit her head. What should you do next?

Keep a close eye on her for three days after she suffers a head injury, Dr Tham Lai Peng, a senior consultant at the department of emergency medicine from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Take her to the Emergency Department immediately if you notice any of the signs below:
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Changes in behaviour, such as irritability, disorientation and confusion
• Bleeding from the ears or nose
• Unsteady gait
• Weakness of arms
• Fits
• Unusual eye movements

What you want to rule out are skull fractures and brain injuries that can be serious if she fell off the bed. While monitoring your baby, avoid giving her medication that may cause drowsiness.

Never leave your young child unattended on an adult bed, sarong cradle or other high surfaces, even if you think she is asleep.

If you must walk away for a while, always leave her in the cot or playpen instead.

Once your toddler moves to her big-kid bed, install bed rails to prevent falls. This way, baby will not be able to fall off the bed.

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