Head Injury Babies & Toddlers

For both babies and toddlers: it is fine to give them paracetamol (Calpol), every 4-6 hours, a maximum of four times a day, and ibuprofen, every 6-8 hours, a maximum of three times a day.

For both babies and toddlers: put them to bed at the normal time, but wake them before you go to bed and at 4 am to make sure they are reacting normally for them when being woken.

For a baby you should:

• try to give him or her normal feeds.

For a toddler you should:

• give him or her light things to eat and no rich foods for 24 hours.

You should not:

• let your toddler join in any vigorous games;
• give your toddler any fizzy drinks for the next day or two.

Watch your baby or toddler closely for the next 3-4 days.

Take them to your nearest Emergency Department or telephone us on 01473 702035 if:

• they become more sleepy than usual or are hard to wake up; 
• they are sick more than three times; 
• they act differently or become irritable; 
• they cannot grip or grasp properly; 
• they cry constantly; 
• you are worried about them.

Please remember: for the next couple of hours your baby or toddler will probably be pale, quieter than usual and irritable – this is normal and you should try not to worry about it too much.

If you are concerned, please return to the Emergency Department.