When baby starts movin’, baby starts bruisin’. That’s the general rule anyway, especially when baby starts cruising. When baby is cruising, walking short distances from object to object, he falls often. In fact, the average cruising toddler falls 38 times a day. If you and I fell 38 times a day, imagine the number of bruises we would have!.

Note to New Parents: 

Your child will have bumps and bruises. There is nothing you can do to prevent your baby from falling down. It’s how they learn to walk and jump and run. There are, however, some things you can do to limit injury.

• Baby proof your home with light socket protectors, cabinet locks, baby gates on stairs, and floor padding on hard floors where appropriate. Click here for SmartMomma’s choices for Baby Proofing.

• Keep long pants or long shorts covering the knees on your cruising toddler when he is outside exploring.

• Keep close to your baby to keep him out of harm’s way.

• Teach him how to climb the stairs, but don’t let him access the stairs without you before he is ready.

• Be sure his crib is in the lowest position when he starts to walk, to ensure he doesn’t climb out and fall. Remove his mobile when he begins to stand.

When can you tell if your child is really hurt after a tumble?

Signs of a Head Injury (if your baby has any of these signs, call your doctor or take your baby to the nearest hospital ER)

• Altered level of consciousness
• Bleeding or skull fracture
• Slowed Breathing
• Prolonged Crying
• Convulsion
• Fluid drainage from mouth, nose, or ears (can be clear or bloody)
• Headache
• Increased Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Stiff or pain in neck
• Vomiting
• Swelling at Site of Injury
• Vision Changes

Signs of Broken Bones

• Prolonged crying
• Tenderness in area of injury
• Child can not be comforted

Most babies get through their toddler years with just bumps and bruises. Just remember, he has to fall to learn to walk.

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