Grandpa Tripped over Baby Gate and Fell with 5 Month Old in His Arms

I have been told on various occasions that head traumas usually show up as nausea, headaches, lethargy, and irritable, out-of-character behavior. And that in small children, as they heal it's one-way -- any backsliding or regression is a very bad sign, so if you have a child who is "looking fine" in the afternoon and then throwing up in the evening, that's a reason to rush to the ER. I also was told, when my son had a concussion, that I should wake him over night every 2-3 hours just to check that I could in fact rouse him, and that if I could not, that's also a trip to the ER. Just a heads up to let you know what i was told to look for when head trauma was either known to have occurred, or just even suspected.

I sincerely hope everybody's OK and that Grandpa isn't too too upset, it happens to everyone, even the spring chicken mommies and daddies.

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I'm sure she's fine. The pooping I'm sure is not correlated to that.
And you did take her to the Doctor.

How is Grandpa? Did he get hurt? Grandpa protected her the best he could and was fast thinking to put her on the other side of him so that he took the brunt of the fall. Just monitor him too, in case he got hurt. Older people often get broken hips from falls... luckily that did not happen to him.

I know its scary... but your girl is probably fine. If anything, just see if your Doctor wants you to bring her in for a follow-up or if you are concerned about her not pooping.

all the best,
Susan

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I imagine you must be freaking out! I sure would! When my DD was a newborn I dropped her myself. I was holding her as I rocked her in a rocking chair and we both dozed off. I woke up to the sound of her hitting the floor. You want to talk about freaking out! I could not believe that I let that happen! I guess I loosened my grip on her in my sleep. I was a total wreak and rushed her to urgent care. The doctors checked her over and said the same thing, that she was just fine. Talk about mother's guilt, I think I bawled my eyes out for 3 days! Anyway she was just fine. That was a few years ago now and she is still just fine. Very smart and advanced little girl! I know how you feel, but I am sure your little one is just fine. It is amazing what these little babies can handle! Try to relax and trust the doctors, they would not tell you she was ok if she wasn't. Best of luck to you!

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Most likely she is fine. A scary event like that, on top of the reactions the two adults probably had, are plenty to scare her into a screaming crying fit that doesn't calm down right away.

How's dad?

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It's hard to know, one person can hit their head and be fine while another can hit the same spot and not be ok. It sounds like your beautiful baby is o.k she is laughing and playing and eating and acting normal these are all good signs and the doctor did not see any evidence of injury. Should her behavior change or you have any further concerns call the pediatrician or urgent care center right away that is what they are there for and the urgent care center will already have her medical history. How is Grandpa?

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It sounds like she is okay, just keep an eye on her. Hope that Grandpa is okay too from the fall, since it sounds like he protected her.

I've worked in a gym for gymnastics, so most of the falls were on a softer surface, but from reaction of adults it made a huge difference in how the kids reacted. If the parents got scared, nervous, or ask the child if they were okay the child would start crying. If the parents and coaches ignored the fall or told the child what a wonderful crash and great job the child was fine and kept playing. At the same time you would see multiple other kids crashing on purpose and asking how they did. So I know it isn't the same, but all of the adults were probably very scared and worried when it happened it probably made her reaction worse to go along with her being scared on her own.

Hope she is okay and continues to play, eat and act normal. Hope Grandpa is okay too and suffered no injuries in the fall.

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I just think that your daughter was more scared than hurt. Or maybe she realized how upset Grandpa and your were about it. I was carrying my son to bed one night and tripped over a toy, rolling my ankle pretty badly. My son fell right on his head on the floor. I checked with the on call pediatrician who told me what to look for in head injuries...and my son turned out fine. As long as you got her checked out, all three of you will be okay.

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I know how scary that must have been for you! I fell on the concrete while holding my daughter - we fell forward and I can still to this day remember the sound of her head clunking on the cement. ugh! But she was just fine after the initial shock of it all (I couldn't stop shaking for a while though!). My son also took a huge fall when he was two he fell from the second story of our house to the concrete below and he definitely had bumps and bruises but he was okay. (we sound terrible here don't we) At the hospital the doctor told us that little peoples bones are still "soft" and have a lot of give - so most of the time they are fine! I feel so bad for your Dad as I know he must feel terrible - though it is a mistake any of us could make for sure! Hope you are all doing fine now!

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She was probably crying because she was scared, and the reason you have never heard her cry like that before is because she has never been that scared before. Glad Grandpa and the baby are ok. I fell down the stairs one time holding my 6mo old and it's scary knowing that in a split second your baby could get hurt.

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I did the exact same thing with my grandson when he was around 9 months old. It happened very quickly but I twisted around and took 99% of the impact. He never hit the floor but cried for quite a while because he was scared. I felt awful for a long time; a lot longer than my daughter did. Instead of writing to your dad give him a call to ask how he's doing and let him know that it's ok to be upset but his grandchildren really need him for some hugs and kisses.

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So glad to hear baby and grandpa are fine. I'm sure her unusual scream was because she was scared, could be why you haven't heard it before.
I would like to tell you another reason that I don't like baby gates that don't open...(and remember, tripping when climbing over something with anything in one's hands can happen to anyone) once the baby sees that the gate can be climbed over, they will think that that's how you're suppose to negotiate the barrier, by climbing over. Once or twice of trying and baby's learns it and renders the gate useless. (Although, if that happens, put vaseline on the gate, so the child will slide when they try to climb) With a walk-through gate, the baby learns that you have to do something tricky to get through it. And the ones I've seen and used, were NOT able to be opened by young children. Even some adults had trouble with ours until we showed them how to use it.
I know it's easier and quicker to step over it, but once baby sees that and learns it, it's difficult if not impossible to un-teach that skill.

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my ex tripped on the last step with our son. he cried and cried (my son, not husband!), although my husband broke his foot in 2 places. i'm sure they told you at urgent care what to look for so I would just keep an eye on her. good luck!

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i bet she's fine - babies are a lot tougher than you think! relax and give dad a break.

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I was about 12 years old and carrying my 9 month old cousin. I slid (on my butt) about halfway down my parents hard wood floor stairs. I still have a bump on my lower back from it. I held the baby tight and she never touched a thing she cried a little, but not as much as me! I think my reaction scared her a little because she didn't make a peep until we were at the bottom and I was already upset. I was so scared that I had hurt her that I was histerical! It sounds like the whole incident just really scared your daughter just as sliding down the stairs scared my cousin. Good luck!

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When our 2nd was about 6 months old my FIL was carrying him and tripped over a curb... He shifted baby so that his body and head was totally protected by his arms... He fell so hard that it tore up FIL's knee and ripped thru a pair of jeans and long johns...
Baby was fine and is now a smart 5 yr old... It scared the adults more than the baby... FIL will not carry a baby now cause he's scared it may happen again and something would happen... Just keep an eye on her and keep letting grandpa know she's fine...

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This happened to us too! I was at the dog park with my little guy. He was in a front carrier. A couple dogs came rushing at us - and I knew better - I should have stayed still - but I moved, and fell right on top of Ryan. He cried and cried. It was his first real cry. I felt HORRIBLE. I couldn't believe that happened, or that I was the one who (semi) caused it. Man!

He was fine though. Nothing lasting.

I hope the same for your little girl... :)

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I did the same thing with my son when he was about 4 months. I tripped over the baby gate and it was loose so the gate fell with us. My son cried for awhile but I think it was mostly because I was freaking out so he was doing the same. I was the one that took most of the fall and I dont even know if my son touched the ground. I also fell on ice once with my youngest when he was little and I somehow managed to take the fall on my side so there was no chance of him hitting the ground. Both were fine and I dont think you have anything to worry about.

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Don't worry, probably your dad while protecting her sqeez her too much, plus the stress from the fall it-self. She will be fine. My sone jumped in a empty swimming pool head first and he is fine. As my sister sad back than, "God protects them and while they are young gives them rubber heads.". I believe it will take a while for your dad to feel better. Good luck!

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I am sure it just scared her really bad!If the Doctor didn't find anything I would not worry.Especially if she seems to be back to her normal self.If she starts acting differently you could call her pediatrician and ask if you should take her in.
Your poor Father!I am sure you have already but you need to reassure him that this could have happend to ANYONE,You,Dad,Grandma,teenage cousin,etc...And I know it's hard not to worry but he said she protected her from the floor and the Doc and you found no mark on her.You need to make sure and tell him how happy you are that he was able to protect her when he fell and that your not sure just anyone could've done that!And you're so gald that they are both ok!He can feel that you are still worried and that makes him feel worse than he already did in the first place.I think your baby's fine,I think your focus needs to be on your Father,He needs reassurance,I am sure he feels like he failed you and her!

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If you had her checked out and all seems fine still, then I am sure you are in the clear! God was watching out for her! It could have been so much worse. Kudos to Grandpa for his quick reflexes that protected your baby.

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C.:

Please know you aren't the only one who has had something like this happen. The daughter of someone who went to medical school with my ex (who is actually now a big celebrity doc) was dropped on her head by her grandfather, totally by accident -- he just tipped her too much over his shoulder and swoosh, over she went. They took her to the hospital and had her checked out just like you did. I recently saw her on TV with her mom and she all grown-up and fine. So if that makes your Grandpa feel any better -- babies get dropped on accident but they are extremely resilient little creatures.

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It happens...my daughter fell off the bed when she was 4 months old - she wasn't crawling, was barely rolling....somehow made if from the middle of the bed to the floor. The ER doctor said 50% of babies fall off a bed...my son never did, so I guess my daughter was destined to do so! As long as everyone is feeling fine...try to let it go!

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No advice or story, but writing to say that I'm glad that baby and grandpa are both ok!!! Bless both their hearts!!!

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I was told that if the baby cries, it is a GOOD sign. If the baby didn't cry or acted strange like nothing was wrong, then something IS wrong.

So, crying is good. You had her checked over. You and your dad can start relaxing a little about it.

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This happened to me, I was holding baby AND a glass of water, my pant leg got caught on the gate as I was putting my leg over. I took the brunt of the fall. Baby fell also but in slow motion. Long story short, Always open the gate and never multi task with a baby in your arms.

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When my daughter was three months old, I slipped on two stairs with my daughter and fell, I took the brunt of the fall and the baby was fine. I was crying long after the incident and she was fine. I am sure the baby is fine and I wouldn't worry to much accidents happen. I am sure the baby not pooping is irrelevant.

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My 1st son at 5 months was left unattended on a changing table that was 3ft high. He fell off it onto tile floor. We had no idea how he fell or if he hit is head at all. When I ran to him he was flat on his back screaming. We rushed him to the ER and they checked him over. They said they'd give us a CAT scan to relieve our fears but in all reality he seemed fine. We opted out and he's perfectly fine. Not even a bruise anywhere so his guardian Angel must have caught him on the way down or something...I was so concerned though, I even brought him into the pediatrician the next day just to have them do another check of him...they said the exact same thing he looked great, and if I was still worried they to would send me in for an xray. If you want some more reassurance I'd just go ahead and schedule a follow up appointment with your pediatrician to make sure she's really okay.. In all honestly though, I'm sure your little one is fine, hopefully grandpa's recouping too!!

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It's very scary when something like that happens but I am sure that she is fine. Watch her and if something concerns you take her back to the Dr.

Babies are very resilient. Recently, my friend's son fell out of a shopping cart and hit his head. He was rushed to the ER bleeding from his ear. He was fine - no concussion and even the bleeding didn't seem to be anything serious. He has since had follow-ups with a neurologist and an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist and has been given a clean bill of health. Also, my husband was in a car accident when he was 5 months old where he was thrown from the car. (It was a long time ago and he wasn't in a car seat.) He was taken to the hospital with severe head injuries and not expected to live or if he did, he would most likely have severe brain damage. He not only lived but did extremely well. He is a talented musician and has a graduate degree and has recently started a teaching.

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I just read your so what happened. It seems to me to be a kind of love story if you will. You should keep this memory written down in a special place. It is worth keeping.

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Poor Grandpa, baby and mama! Honestly, the uncontrollable 15 minute cry was probably because she was totally terrified! I'm sure she's okay... I'm sure she doesn't even remember it.

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if it was carpet or a soft surface, I wouldn't worry. If it was a hard surface and from a good height, you were right to take her to urgent care to check for concussions. If they said she was fine after the exams, she's probably okay. Little ones are pretty tough. If you're still worried though, take her to her peds to get her re-examined. But sounds like she'll be okay.

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Most likely the fall was very scary for her and that was why she was so upset. She would of had a mark of some sort if she hit the ground.

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I actually fell while hiking within the last week with my 8 month old on my back. My husband was watching and thought my daughter had hit the ground, but there wasn't a spot of dirt or scratch on her. It sounds crazy, but it's amazing how protective loving arms are. That's actually why airlines won't let people use a carrier during take off or landing. Carriers break, but moms don't let go of their babies.

Your dad loves your little girl and did his best to protect her. It sounds like he did a really good job and that she's just fine! There was a study a couple years ago (2-3?) about how resillient kids are. I wish I remember where I saw it, but basically it said that a newborn can fall from 5 feet (without loving arms around it) without any major harm. I'm not testing that personally, but after seeing both my kids tip over, fall, trip, etc, It seems that their natural padding is there for a reason. To protect them.

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Your baby will be fine. They are made to withstand things and their little bones are soft.
Grandpa could have broken a hip!
My daughter wiggled out of her high chair harness and practiced Olympic high dive maneuvers straight onto the floor from her high chair tray.
She only did it a couple of times and it was enough for her. But, she really wasn't hurt in any way other than a couple bruises on her head.
Tell Grandpa not to worry about it, He didn't mean for it to happen.
And, I'm guessing your child is well on her way to forgetting about it.
Instintively we fall to protect the baby and that is what Grandpa did,
I'm sure there was no lasting harm caused.
Make sure Grandpa knows she is fine.
The baby will foget it long before he does.

I wish you the best!

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Well that is hard to say. When I was little, my mother said that I broke the shower door with my head and my parents rushed me to the hospital. The doctor asked if I threw up which I didn't. Since the answer was no, he didn't think there was nothing wrong. So anytime my son does something crazy now, that is my first question prior to assessing if he needs to see the doctor.

Glad to hear that your dad and daughter are well. That is scary.

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