Pediatric guide · 7 min read
Concussion Signs in Babies, Toddlers & Kids
Kids hit their heads constantly — and most bumps are nothing. The challenge for parents is that babies and toddlers can't describe symptoms, and school-age kids often under-report to get back to play. Here's how concussion actually shows up at each age, and exactly when to escalate.
First: when to go to the ER (any age)
Call 911 or go to an emergency department for loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, a worsening or severe headache, seizures, weakness or trouble walking, slurred speech, one pupil larger than the other, unusual drowsiness or inability to wake, inconsolable crying in an infant, or a bulging soft spot. Infants under 6–12 months with anything more than a trivial bump deserve a same-day medical opinion — their evaluation is different.
Infant concussion signs and symptoms (under ~18 months)
- Inconsolable crying or unusual irritability, especially when the head is moved
- Changes in feeding — refusing bottle or breast, vomiting
- Sleeping much more than usual, or unusually hard to settle
- Loss of new skills (a baby who stops pulling to stand, babbling less)
- Flat affect — less eye contact, less interest in faces and toys
- A bump that comes with any of the red flags above → emergency care
Toddler concussion symptoms (~18 months–4 years)
- Clinginess, tantrums, or personality change out of proportion to the day
- Loss of balance beyond their normal toddler wobble; reluctance to walk or play
- Holding or rubbing the head; saying it "hurts" without localizing
- Vomiting, sleep changes, loss of interest in favorite activities
Concussion symptoms in school-age kids and teens
Older kids show the classic picture — headache, dizziness, fog, light/noise sensitivity, mood changes — but two patterns matter for parents: symptoms often emerge or worsen back at school (reading, screens, noisy cafeterias are demanding environments), and athletes minimize symptoms. Ask specific questions ("Does the cafeteria bother you? Does reading make it worse?") rather than "Do you feel okay?"
How child concussions are treated
The same modern playbook as adults, adjusted for age: 24–48 hours of relative rest, then a gradual return to normal life guided by symptoms. Two child-specific priorities:
- Return to learn before return to play. Short school days, extra breaks, reduced screen work, and postponed tests beat keeping a child home in the dark. Most schools will accommodate with a clinician's note.
- No return to sports until cleared. Every state has a youth concussion law requiring removal from play and written medical clearance. Kids' brains take longer to recover — often four weeks or more — and a second impact before recovery is the scenario every protocol exists to prevent.
If your child's symptoms last beyond four weeks, ask for a referral to a pediatric concussion program — children's hospitals and sports medicine centers run dedicated clinics with vestibular, vision, and return-to-learn expertise. Our directory lists over 600 programs serving children and teens; filter by "Pediatric/Youth" to find one near you.
Find a concussion specialist near you
Search 3,214 verified concussion clinics and specialists across all 50 states — filter by services like vestibular therapy, vision therapy, and neuropsychology.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of concussion in a baby?
Inconsolable crying, feeding changes or vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unusual irritability when moved, loss of recently learned skills, and reduced engagement with faces and toys. Any red-flag sign — repeated vomiting, seizure, unusual drowsiness, a bulging soft spot — warrants emergency care, and infants deserve a low threshold for same-day medical review.
How do I know if my toddler has a concussion?
Watch behavior rather than asking about symptoms: personality change, clinginess or tantrums, balance problems beyond normal wobbling, head rubbing, vomiting, and sleep or appetite changes in the day or two after a head impact.
How long does a concussion last in a child?
Children and teens typically need up to four weeks — often longer than adults. If symptoms persist past four weeks, a dedicated pediatric concussion program should evaluate for targeted therapy.
Educational content only — not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reviewed by Jon MacKay, PharmD, BCACP against current clinical guidance; last updated July 2026.