Toddlers, Head Bumps, and Mild Panic: A Mum’s Guide to Figuring Out What’s Actually Serious
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information only. It does not replace professional medical advice. In any emergency, call 999 immediately. For medical concerns about your child, always consult your GP or healthcare provider.
By Johnee (Jo) Whalen HCPC Critical Care Paramedic, NHS Resuscitation Practitioner, RCUK Instructor
Medically Reviewed: 23/01/2026
Last Updated: 23/01/2026
Let’s talk about toddler skulls.
Thick as bricks.
But also? Terrifyingly fragile when it’s your kid.
Last week, mine took a dive off a bookshelf at nursery. Second rung. Total face-plant.
The bruise? Impressive.
Her mood? Feral.
My anxiety? Through the roof.
And even I wasn’t sure if it was a concussion.
(Which is mildly concerning considering I literally teach this stuff.)
Toddlers: Built Like Miniature Stunt People
I swear they’re made of rubber and chaos.
One minute, they’re doing somersaults off Nana’s wobbly ottoman.
Next minute, they’re asking for snacks like nothing happened.
Meanwhile, you're Googling “toddler head injury but acting normal???”
So let’s cut through the noise and get clear on what to actually watch for.
🚩 Head Injury Red Flags (a.k.a. The Real Worry List)
If your child shows any of these signs after a bonk to the head, it’s time to ring 999 or head to A&E:
Won’t wake up or is unusually drowsy
Confused or not making sense
Vomiting more than once
Severe headache or visual problems
Loss of balance / can't walk straight
Seizure or twitching
Fluid or blood from the nose or ears
New deafness in one or both ears
Not responding to your voice or touch
Grabbing at their head or showing distress
Any behaviour that makes you say, “Nope. Something’s wrong.”
Trust your gut. If your brain whispers “this feels off” — listen.
But What If It’s Just a “Mild” One?
Here’s the messy truth:
Most head bumps don’t need an ambulance.
They just need time, observation, and about 87 extra cuddles.
Here’s what’s normal after a toddler clonks their head:
More clingy, more grumpy, more tired
Acting a bit off-colour
Feeling sick but not vomiting
Trouble settling at night
Mild wobbliness or irritability
Less interest in toys
Just not quite themselves
It’s like their whole nervous system’s been jostled. Because… it has.
If you’re worried? Call 111. No one ever regretted double-checking.
Let’s Do Some Myth Busting:
That Whole “Don’t Let Them Sleep” Thing? WRONG
Here’s the truth:
Yes, they can sleep.
They absolutely need to rest!
BUT — you NEED to check on them.
Here’s how:
Wake them gently once an hour for the first 6 hours
Call their name, stroke their back, poke their foot
If they stir, grumble, roll over = all good
If they don’t respond? That’s not “deep sleep.” That’s unconscious. Call 999.
Easy test: Would you be worried if they slept like this normally?
If the answer’s yes, wake them up. And get help if they won’t wake.
Healing Looks Boring (And That’s Good)
Here’s your post-bump protocol:
🛌 Rest. Let them sleep when tired.
💧 Fluids. Any liquid they'll actually drink. (Real apple juice works a treat)
🚫 No roughhousing. (Yes, this includes launching off the sofa.)
🎮 No screens for 48 hours. Sorry. Their brain needs the break.
🧸 Gentle days. Puzzles, books, snacks, cuddles.
🏫 Keep them home until they’re totally themselves again
⚽ No contact sports for three weeks
Honestly? Healing looks like nothing’s happening. That’s how you know it’s working.
Watch for Delayed Symptoms
Concussion can show up hours or even days later.
So if your little one starts acting weird, sleeping too much, or you catch them staring through you like you’re made of wallpaper… reassess.
Still worried? 111 exists for a reason. Use it.
Final Words from a Mum Who’s Been There
Last week, I hovered over my daughter for three days straight.
Analysed every grimace. Stalked her sleep. Nearly lost it when she skipped dinner.
(Then I watched her eat a crayon and remembered… yeah, she’s fine.)
Point is: You’re not overreacting. You’re parenting.
Breathe. You’ve got this.
And if you don’t?
That’s what this village is for!
The more we know together, the safer all our kids will be.
Want the calm the next time your child gets hurt?
Inside Panic to Prepared, we go through everything step-by-step so you know what to do before it all hits the fan.
It’s like having a paramedic mum-friend in your pocket — real life experience, minus the scary bits.
XX Jo
Mum | Paramedic | Founder of Project CPR
Coffee always lukewarm. Kids always sticky.
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