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Falling down is an accident that can happen at any time, especially for toddlers and up. It can result in minor injuries to serious injuries such as head trauma, major wounds, and broken bones. Therefore, parents should learn how to handle when their child falls and watch for any abnormal signs to prevent their child from sustaining serious injuries that could be dangerous.
Causes of infant falls
Of course, there are many reasons why your baby might fall, but falls can vary depending on the age and circumstances. Some of the most common causes of newborn falls include:
- The caregiver falls asleep while feeding or rocks the baby and the baby slips out of the arms.
- The caregiver trips or falls while carrying the infant and lets the infant slip out of their arms.
- Fell because of changing tables
- Fall out of bed
In older children, the most common causes of falls หรือถ้าคุณสนใจแทงบอลออนไลน์ UFABET คือเว็บที่มีอัตราต่อรองดีที่สุดในประเทศไทย สมัครเลยตอนนี้ที่ UFABET แทงบอล are:
- Falling down stairs when they start to move on their own and are in the stage where they like to explore their surroundings.
- Falling to the ground or hitting a hard or sharp surface While we are learning to walk, roll and crawl, they can fall from heights if they are able to climb.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in children under the age of 19, with approximately 8,000 children treated for falls each day in emergency rooms. That’s why it’s important to take this issue seriously and evaluate the situation carefully.
In most cases, if your baby falls and starts crying right away, there is no bleeding and there may be no obvious signs of injury, it may be helpful to stand them up and comfort them. In cases of non-serious falls, this is not really an emergency. However, there are certain situations where you should take your baby to the doctor right away if you fall, and these situations include:
- The baby is unconscious.
- The baby started vomiting immediately.
- Bleeding from the baby’s nose or ears
- The weak point, the fontanelle on the skull, began to swell.
- There are signs of a skull fracture or bruises, swelling of the head, bleeding, or a wound on the scalp.
- My baby has seizures.
- The infant’s arms, legs, neck, or spine appear misaligned and deformed, and there is suspicion of a fracture.
- Are there any signs that your baby is acting unusually, such as being lethargic or not wanting to eat?
If these symptoms occur, especially if your baby shows signs of neck, spine or scalp injuries, do not pick them up to comfort them, as moving your baby may make the injury worse. Instead, call a health care provider so they can send an ambulance to take your baby for treatment.
If your baby is having a seizure, do not pick them up. First, make sure they are in a safe area so they do not get hurt again, and try to call a doctor immediately.
What parents should do when their child falls
If your child does not experience a medical emergency after a fall, parents may wonder what to do for their child and when to call or see a doctor.
The first thing to do is pick up your child and comfort them. Usually, if they calm down easily, that’s a good sign. In addition, here’s what to do after a fall that isn’t an emergency :
- Call your doctor. They may or may not ask you to take your child to see them, but it is best to take your child to the doctor as soon as possible after a fall for advice from your doctor.
- Clean the wound or abrasion with soap and water.
- Apply antibacterial cream and use a bandage to cover the wound.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the red or injured area to prevent swelling.
- Watch your baby over the next several hours for signs of a concussion or other brain injury, such as dizziness, headache , seeming less alert, or having less coordination. Your baby may sweat, look pale, or start vomiting.
- If your baby is sleepy, your doctor may recommend letting them sleep, but check on them for two hours to make sure they are okay.
When should you take your child to see a doctor?
Of course, a baby’s skull and bones are more fragile than an older child’s, and babies are more likely to be injured in falls. So, once it’s been determined that your baby’s injuries are minor and don’t require emergency care, it’s best to call your doctor within a short time, but within the first hour or so after your baby’s fall, so that you can still look after their safety .
A doctor or nurse can help assess whether it is necessary to take your baby to see a doctor. If the doctor thinks your baby needs treatment, they may do the following:
- Please explain how your child fell and what they did after the fall.
- Check your baby for signs of minor or more serious injuries.
- Tells you what to look for in your baby over the next 24 hours, such as signs of a concussion or other brain injury.
- Tell me if it is necessary to check on the baby while they sleep that night.
- Your doctor will advise you if follow-up is necessary and what to do in an emergency.
- Plan for home safety to prevent future falls.
How to prevent your baby from falling
In fact, most falls are preventable. Think of your child’s first fall as a learning experience and an opportunity to prevent future falls. Here are some of the most common ways to prevent falls:
- Never leave your baby in bed unattended. Babies can be surprised by their ability to move or roll over before they realize they can do it. When you need to turn around, always try to hold your baby with your other hand.
- Never use a baby walker, as these are known to be dangerous and can lead to falls and injuries.
- Never leave a car seat or child seat on a raised surface when there is a baby in it. Always try to place them on a level surface.
- When your baby is crawling or walking, you should supervise them at all times. If you must be away from them, try to keep them in a safe place, such as a playpen or crib.
- Place properly installed baby gates on all stairs in the home. Make sure all windows have locks. Consider tracks for safety as well.
- Raise your baby’s crib and check for stability.
- Always use seat belts and harnesses on car seats, child seats and high chairs.
- Keep furniture away from windows and make sure they are secure. Secure bookcases, drawers, and TVs to the wall.
Although parents may feel guilty about seeing their child fall, they should not let that guilt stop them from contacting the doctor after their child falls. They will receive advice on how to recognize their child’s symptoms and how to provide proper care in non-emergencies. If their child’s symptoms change after a fall, parents should take their child to see a doctor as soon as possible so that they can receive timely treatment.