What to do if baby hits their head

Image source: Microsoft

At some point all kids fall and hit their head... all kids do. This is especially the case with toddlers who are eager to use their new walking and climbing skills. 

In most cases, a bump to the head won't require more than some hugs and kisses and maybe a bit of ice. You will however want to keep a close eye on them just in case.

It's time to call your Doctor if:

1. The child loses consciousness... even if only for a few seconds. It's best to get them checked.
2. There's a lot of bleeding. They might need stitches.
3. They vomit.
4. They become overly sleepy. Whilst it's common to be a bit groggy if they are hard to wake up or don't recharge properly after a nap it's better to get them checked.
5. They become inconsolable. This might mean that the pain is severe and therefore best to see the Doctor.

When a child hits their head it's always a worry but in most cases it's just a bump and they soon forget about it. As always though, if you have even the smallest doubt it's best to get them checked out.

Have you got a story to tell about when you child bumped their head? Share your experiences here in the comments section.

How much sleep does a child need?

Most parents wonder whether their child is getting enough the right amount of sleep at some point. I know I do. Both my boys seem to be able to recharge their batteries quite quickly and I often wonder if they're 'normal'. Obviously all children are different and some just naturally need more or less sleep than others. Mine fall into the less category.

The Baby Center recently made a post about how much sleep children really need at different ages which includes a useful table breaking it down into age, nighttime sleep, daytime sleep and total sleep. You can check it out here. It even shows the number of naps.

One of the most important rules that all sleep experts seem to be in agreement over is the need for a routine. By putting your baby to bed at the same times both at night and during the day you help him build a sleep routine. This is something I'm working on with my 3 months old. As he was premature they kept him in the hospital for 10 days post-part and he mixed up his day and night for quite a while. Things are now improving but he still often wakes during the night meaning I'm still only dreaming of those 6 or more hours in a row that I've read most babies his age are starting to do.

My eldest is 4 years old this month and has never needed much sleep. As he goes to playschool during the day now and no longer has a daytime nap, he normally gets tired pretty early in the evenings. This past week I've tried cooking dinner a bit earlier, so I can get him ready for bed sooner and it seems to be doing the trick. Even  on days when he says he's not tired, it doesn't take him long to fall asleep once his under the covers.

Do you keep to a sleep routine? How many hours sleep does your little one get?

Image via daichang34 on Flickr

5 tips to help when babies get colds and flu

It's that time of year again. Cold and flu viruses are everywhere and babies, with their untested immune systems, are easy victims.

Congestion, coughs and runny noses are no fun for baby and can make for a stressful time for mummy. There are ways you can make your little one more comfortable though.

• Use a syringe to clear your baby's mucus. These are simple to use and really make a difference. This short video shows you how to use the syringes correctly. http://www.babycenter.com/2_how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe-to-clear-your-babys-mucus_10357065.bc
• Make some steam. The moist air helps loosen the mucus.
• Vapor rubs. Natural balms are best. Rub into chest, neck and back area.
• Head up. Elevating your baby's head when they are sleeping can help them breathe more easily.
• Lots of rest. Try to help your baby relax as much as possible. It takes energy to combat an infection.

See also:

If the baby is under 6 months it's always a good idea to get them checked by your pediatric to be on the safe side.

Head Lice

Once your child reaches school age or is in contact with other children chances are it won't be long before you hear those dreaded words muttered, head lice. Tiny little insects that although not dangerous can be incredibly annoying.

Pediculosis capitis is the medical name for head lice but it can also be referred to as cooties or nits.

If you hear that children at school or playgroup are infected make sure you check your own childs hair, especially near the roots (this is where most are likely to be as they feed on human blood and so will prefer to be close to the scalp).

Treatment is simple and pain free, normally involving a medicated shampoo and a lice comb.

The big problem is that it only takes one child having them for the others to get infected again.

you can find more information about head lice and treatments at http://www.headlice.org/

How To Treat Head Lice on Howcast

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