Most head knocks in children are minor, ending in a small lump and tears. What matters is watching the child's behaviour over the next 24–48 hours — not the look of the bump alone.

In short — what to do

  1. A cold compress on the lump for 15 minutes.
  2. Paracetamol for pain if needed — avoid ibuprofen on day one if bleeding is a concern.
  3. Let them sleep at their normal bedtime — sleep helps recovery; the myth is keeping them awake. Check on them once or twice while asleep: normal breathing? normal position? That's enough.
  4. Watch for 48 hours: any sign from the danger list = ER.
  5. A day or two of rest from screens and sport.

This topic’s video is coming soon on our channels — follow us

@lahzaem
Cold compress and watch their behaviour for 48h — normal sleep is allowed
Cold compress and watch their behaviour for 48h — normal sleep is allowed
The full details

To the ER immediately if

  • They lost consciousness even for seconds, or you can't wake them easily.
  • They vomited twice or more after the injury.
  • Seizure, confusion, strange speech, or not recognising you.
  • A worsening headache, or unsteady balance and abnormal walking.
  • Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ear, or bruising around the eyes.
  • A fall from higher than one metre, or a car/bike accident without a helmet.
  • An infant under one year with any scalp swelling or a bulging fontanelle.

Minor bump and a normal child?

  1. A cold compress on the lump for 15 minutes.
  2. Paracetamol for pain if needed — avoid ibuprofen on day one if bleeding is a concern.
  3. Let them sleep at their normal bedtime — sleep helps recovery; the myth is keeping them awake. Check on them once or twice while asleep: normal breathing? normal position? That's enough.
  4. Watch for 48 hours: any sign from the danger list = ER.
  5. A day or two of rest from screens and sport.

About sleep after a head bump

The problem was never sleep itself but "not being able to wake up". A child who fell asleep easily and woke normally when you called them = a reassuring sign, not a worrying one.

This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.

← All topics