04/06/2026
Why should a child cry immediately after a bump to the head? 🤔
Why is crying after a bump to the head often reassuring?
🙌🏼 Because it usually means your child is conscious, responsive and breathing normally. Crying is a natural reaction to pain, shock and fright, and can be a good sign right after a bump.
⚠️ BUT keep watching them closely afterwards for at least 24 hours.
If they display any of the following symptoms take them to A&E or call 999 immediately.
If your baby or child has:
- Lost consciousness (even briefly)
- Difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open
- A fit (seizure)
- Fallen from a height more than 1 metre or 5 stairs
- Problems with their vision or hearing
- A black eye without direct injury to the eye
- Clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
- Bleeding from their ears or bruising behind their ears
- Numbness or weakness in part of their body
- Problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
- Hit their head at speed, such as in a car crash, being hit by a car or bike or a diving accident
- A head wound with something inside it or a dent to the head
- Been crying more than usual (especially in babies and young children)
- Vomited since the injury
- Had a change in behaviour, like being more irritable, losing interest in things or being easily distracted (especially in children under 5)
🫶🏼 Crying can be reassuring in the moment, but it’s what happens next that really matters.
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Do you want to feel more confident handling injuries, illnesses and emergencies? Head to https://www.daisyfirstaid.com/ to find your local trainer!
