The short answer is: If your infant recently suffered a head injury—especially in a situation involving potential abuse or neglect—watch for sudden changes in behavior, sleep, eating habits, or responsiveness. Symptoms like vomiting, excessive crying, unusual drowsiness, or seizures could point to a concussion.
As a parent, nothing is more terrifying than realizing your baby may have been hurt, especially if the injury happened under suspicious circumstances. Whether your infant was in daycare, with a caregiver, or another adult you trusted, you may now be worried that they suffered a head injury due to abuse or neglect.
The problem? Babies can’t tell you what happened—or how they feel. That’s why knowing the signs of a concussion in an infant is so important. In this article, we’ll walk you through the symptoms to watch for, when to seek medical help, and what to do if you believe someone else’s actions or inaction caused your child’s injury.
What Is a Concussion—and Can Infants Really Get One?
Yes—infants can get concussions, and they can be severe. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head. In infants, even a seemingly minor fall or impact can cause significant damage because their skulls and brains are still developing.
These injuries can happen accidentally, but they may also be the result of negligence or abuse, such as:
- Being dropped and not properly attended to afterward
- Shaken baby syndrome or rough handling
- Falling from furniture or equipment due to a lack of supervision
- Unsafe or poorly maintained environments
If someone who was supposed to care for your child isn’t giving you clear answers about what happened—or their explanation doesn’t match your child’s symptoms—you have every right to be concerned.
Signs of a Concussion in an Infant
Unlike older children, babies can’t describe pain, dizziness, or confusion. Instead, you’ll need to watch for physical and behavioral symptoms that may indicate a concussion, including:
- Unusual fussiness or irritability
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more than usual, or struggling to stay awake)
- Lack of interest in feeding or playing
- Vomiting or spitting up more than normal
- Bulging in the soft spot (fontanelle)
- Blank staring or trouble focusing on faces or toys
- Loss of motor skills (like rolling or reaching) that they had before
- Seizures or twitching
Even if the injury seemed “minor,” if you notice any of these signs, immediately take your baby to a doctor. And if there’s any chance your child was harmed due to someone else’s actions, or lack of action, it’s time to start asking questions.
When to Go to the ER
Certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your baby:
- Lost consciousness, even briefly
- Is vomiting repeatedly
- Has unequal pupil size
- Appears very drowsy or won’t wake up
- Has a seizure
- Shows clear fluid draining from their ears or nose
Don’t wait or assume things will get better. A concussion can worsen over time, and in some cases, be life-threatening without quick medical treatment.
What If the Injury Was Caused by Negligence or Abuse?
As hard as it is to think about, not every injury is an accident. If your baby was hurt while with a caregiver, in a daycare, or even in the care of a friend or family member, and the story doesn’t add up, trust your gut.
We've worked with many families who later found out their child’s head injury was the result of neglect—like being left unsupervised on a changing table—or even intentional abuse.
How The Button Law Firm Helps Families After Infant Injuries
When you suspect abuse or neglect played a role in your child’s injury, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure where to turn. At The Button Law Firm, we help families uncover the truth, hold negligent providers accountable, and make sure your baby’s future is protected.
We take on cases involving head trauma, concussions, and other serious injuries caused by abuse or neglect. If your child was hurt and you aren’t getting answers, we’ll help you get clarity and take the next step forward.
Explore our free legal resources or contact our team for more help.
Contact The Button Law Firm
If your infant suffered a concussion or head injury and you suspect someone else’s actions or negligence caused it, you deserve answers—and your child deserves justice. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
You can contact us by calling 214-699-4409, emailing us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or filling out the contact form on our website.
.png)
.png)
