March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about how to protect children from head injuries. Kids are naturally active and curious (especially as they’re still learning how to control their bodies) which means bumps and falls are bound to happen.

While most minor falls result in a simple bruise or scrape, more serious head injuries—like concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—can have lasting effects.

Fortunately, many head injuries can be prevented by taking safety precautions at home, during playtime, and while traveling.

Common Causes of Head Injuries in Kids

As a parent, you might feel too aware of the many ways head injuries can happen in children. Instead of listing them all, here are just a few of the most common.

  • Falls – The most frequent cause of head injuries in young children. This includes falling from furniture, down stairs, or off playground equipment.
  • Bicycle, scooter, or skateboard accidents – Without proper safety gear, falls from bikes, scooters, or skateboards can lead to serious head injuries.
  • Sports and recreational activities – Contact sports like football, soccer, and basketball, as well as activities like skateboarding and biking, put children at risk for head injuries.
  • Car accidents – Children who are not properly restrained in a car seat, booster, or seat belt are at risk of head injuries in the event of a crash.
  • Being struck by an object – Heavy items falling from shelves or accidental hits from hard objects during play can cause head trauma.
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Ways to Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Head Injuries

While you can’t prevent every accident, you can take steps to minimize the risk of serious injury.

1. Use Helmets for Sports and Activities

Helmets that fit properly are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious head injuries. Your child should always wear a helmet when:

  • Biking, scootering, or skateboarding
  • Rollerblading
  • Riding a horse
  • Skiing or snowboarding
  • Playing contact sports like football, hockey, or baseball

When choosing a helmet, make sure it meets safety standards and fits snugly on your child’s head.

2. Create a Safe Home Environment

For younger children especially, taking safety measures at home can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries. These precautions include the following:

  • Installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
  • Use proper hardware to attach and secure heavy furniture (like bookshelves or dressers) and TVs to the wall
  • Place non-slip mats in the bathtub and on slippery floors
  • Make sure playground surfaces (both at home and in public areas) have shock-absorbing materials like rubber, mulch, or sand
  • Consider using window guards to prevent falling from windows

3. Encourage Safe Play

Teach children to play safely and be aware of their surroundings. For example, encourage playing on age-appropriate playground equipment, and teach them to be aware of other kids running around or using the swings. Follow safety rules in sports (like no head-first slides in baseball) and discourage roughhousing on hard surfaces.

4. Follow Proper Car Safety Measures

Car crashes are a leading cause of head injuries in children, but using the correct car seats, boosters, and seat belts save lives.

  • Infants and toddlers should be in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible (until they reach the height or weight maximum).
  • Young children should use a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
  • Older children should ride in a booster seat until they are tall enough for a seat belt to fit properly (usually around 4’9”).
  • Everyone in the car should always wear a seat belt.

5. Supervise Toddlers and Young Children

Young children are naturally curious and may try to climb on furniture, run indoors, or explore unsafe areas. Keep a close eye on toddlers as they explore—especially near stairs, sharp corners, and elevated surfaces.

What to Do If Your Child Hits Their Head

Not all head bumps require a trip to the doctor, but some injuries need medical attention. For mild bumps, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and monitor your child for any concerning symptoms. If they seem overly tired or not themselves, it’s best to check in with a doctor.

If your child has any of these symptoms after a head injury, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Severe headache that doesn’t go away
  • Slurred speech or confusion
  • Dizziness, trouble walking, or balance issues
  • Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up
  • Seizures

Put Safety First!

Head injuries are common in kids, but many can be prevented with a few precautions. Whether your child is playing outside, riding in a car, or playing sports, safety should always come first.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help reduce the risk of serious head or brain injuries and keep your child safe as they grow and explore.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.