09/05/2025
Are Younger Kids at Risk for Concussion?
Youth athletes aren’t the only kids at risk for concussion. Hard falls or bumps to the head are common causes of concussion in babies and toddlers.
“It’s important for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion, especially in younger children who may not be able to communicate how they’re feeling,” says Andrew Reisner, MD, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the Concussion Program at Children’s. “If a child is diagnosed with a concussion, then prevention becomes even more critical because kids who have had one concussion are more likely to have another one, which may be more severe.”
Parents should take the following steps to help keep young children safe at home and on the go:
👉Don’t allow other children to carry your baby.
👉Don’t leave your baby on a bed or couch.
👉Don’t use baby walkers that have wheels, as these are prone to tipping.
👉Always use safety straps on changing tables and in grocery carts and high chairs.
👉Secure large pieces of furniture, such as bookshelves and TVs, to the floor or wall to prevent them from tipping over on your child.
👉Make sure your child rides in an approved child safety seat or booster seat in the car.
👉Keep windows and screens locked, or install safety guards to keep your child from falling out of them.
👉Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
👉Make sure the surface on your child’s playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand.
A helmet gives a child an added layer of protection against a traumatic brain injury. It’s not a guarantee that concussion won’t happen, but it is one way to help prevent the severity of a brain injury, especially when the right helmet is worn the right way during high-risk activities, including:
⛑Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter or all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
⛑Playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey or boxing.
⛑Using in-line skates or riding a skateboard.
⛑Batting and running bases in baseball or softball.
⛑Riding a horse.
⛑Skiing or snowboarding.
A helmet gives a child an added layer of protection against a traumatic brain injury. It’s not a guarantee that a concussion won’t happen, but it is one way to help prevent the severity of a brain injury, especially when the right helmet is worn the right way during high-risk activities, including:
If your child experiences a hit to the head—no matter how minor—keep a close watch for signs and symptoms of concussion. Reach out to your child’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You can never be too careful when it comes to a head injury.
Source: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
