Last Updated on March 14, 2023
If your baby falls out of their swing, it can be a scary experience. It is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if the baby fell out of swing. We will provide tips on how to prevent this from happening, and what to do if it does happen. So, keep reading!
- What to do if baby falls out of swing?
- What Happens When a Baby Falls Off The swing?
- What to do right after your baby falls out of a swing?
- How would I know if it's an emergency?
- Why are the next 24 hours important?
- Signs and symptoms of a more serious fall-related injury to look for:
- When to seek immediate medical attention for a fall-related injury:
- When should I take my kid to the emergency room?
- Stats on dropped baby injuries
- What do doctors look for when you bring in a dropped baby?
- Can a baby be okay after a fall?
- FAQ Baby Swing
- Wrapping up:
What to do if baby falls out of swing?

If your infant has more than a minor lump or falls from a height of over three feet, you should go to the emergency department. Otherwise, if you detect any new or recurring symptoms in babies, see a doctor as soon as possible.
If your baby has a minor fall, you can take the following steps at home:
- Inspect the area around where your baby fell to look for any sharp objects or other hazards.
- Gently feel your baby’s entire body for any pain or tenderness. Pay close attention to their head and neck.
- Apply ice to any areas that are swollen or painful.
- If your baby is fussy or seems irritable, try comforting them with soft words and gentle rocking.
- Monitor your baby closely for the next 24 hours for any signs of a concussion or other serious injuries. These can include vomiting, sleepiness, fussiness, and loss of appetite.
You should always be concerned about your baby. Always use safety belts that are provided with baby swings. If you have any concerns whatsoever, it is always best to avoid caution and bring your baby to the emergency department or their doctor for evaluation.
Also read: Baby swings that hold up to 40 pounds
What Happens When a Baby Falls Off The swing?
If a baby falls off the swing, they will likely cry and may be injured. It is important always to supervise your child while on the swing and to ensure that they are securely strapped in.
If your baby sustains an accident and is injured, but you’re unsure how bad their injuries are after a fall, contact your doctor or head to the emergency department immediately.
A fall from a swing can also cause broken bones, especially in the arms or legs. It can also cause spinal injury. If you think your child has suffered a break, take them to the emergency department for an X-ray.
In some cases, a baby who has fallen off a swing may just be scared or shaken up.
“My 3 month old fell out of swing. She cried for a few seconds but then soon calmed down and stopped crying pretty quickly,” says Maria Pechlivani, a baby girl’s mum. “I didn’t take her to the hospital, as she seemed to be fine afterwards.”
If your child is crying but doesn’t seem to be injured, try to comfort them and watch for signs of shock, such as pale skin or difficulty breathing.
It’s important to stay calm and assess the situation when a baby falls off a swing. If you think your child is seriously injured, get medical help right away. Otherwise, comfort your baby and watch for signs of shock or other injuries.
Also read: Best swing for colic baby
What to do right after your baby falls out of a swing?
First, don’t panic. Your baby is likely fine and just needs a little TLC(Tender little care). Here’s what you should do:
- Pick up your baby and comfort them. They may be startled and upset, so hold them close and reassure them that everything is alright.
- Check for injuries. If your baby hits their head or seems to be in pain, or falls from a height of more than 3 feet, take them to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- Otherwise, give your baby a few minutes to calm down before putting them back in the swing or continuing with your activities.
If your baby falls out of their swing and seems unharmed, there’s no need to worry. Just comfort them and put them back in the swing when ready.
“Don’t forget to inspect the swing and make sure it is secure before putting your baby back in,” says Dr. Gina Jansheski, a board-certified pediatrician. “If it seems loose or worn, repair or replace it immediately. Your baby’s safety always comes first!”
And if you have any concerns about your baby’s health, always err on the side of caution and take them to the emergency room.
Also Read: Can baby swings cause brain damage
How would I know if it’s an emergency?

If your kid banged their head or back and is experiencing any of the following symptoms, we recommend that you visit an emergency room right away:
- Extreme neck or back discomfort.
- Inability to move a limb.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the chest, arms, or legs.
- Seizure.
- Slurred speech or confusion.
- Vision changes.
Why are the next 24 hours important?
The initial 24 hours following a fall are critical. Your baby may seem fine after the fall, but it’s critical to keep an eye on them for 24 hours. Injuries might take time to manifest themselves, so keep an eye out for new or worsening symptoms. If your baby develops new symptoms, bring them to the doctor immediately.
If you’re worried about your baby after a fall, don’t hesitate to call their doctor. Faith in your parental instincts. With prompt medical attention, most injuries sustained from a fall can be treated successfully.
Signs and symptoms of a more serious fall-related injury to look for:
- A state of unconsciousness
- Breathing problems
- Abnormal or sluggish respiratory rate.
- Bleeding or exudation of clear liquid from the nose or ears.
- Eyes with different sized pupils.
- The soft spot on the top of your baby’s head is inflated.
- Seizures are possible
When to seek immediate medical attention for a fall-related injury:
If your child has any of the above signs or symptoms after a fall, seek immediate medical attention. Also, seek medical attention if your child loses consciousness (even briefly) after the fall, has head or neck pain, or shows any sign of paralysis.
When should I take my kid to the emergency room?
Suppose your child suffered an injury to their back, neck, or head. In that case, we recommend that you visit a hospital for emergency pediatric trauma care if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Severe neck or back pain.
- Inability to move a limb.
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the chest, arms, or legs.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
- Seizures.
- Difficulty breathing.
- A change in consciousness, such as lethargy, confusion, or not responding to you.
Suppose your child is younger than one year old and has a head injury. In that case, we recommend that you visit a hospital for emergency pediatric trauma care if they experience any of the following symptoms:
– A head injury that is more than a quarter-inch deep.
– The bone is visible after that head injury.
– A head injury with an object still stuck in it.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Also Read: What age can you put a baby in a baby swing
Stats on dropped baby injuries
Babies are more likely to suffer injuries to their heads in falls/drops. According to the CDC (Trusted Source), newborns’ heads were injured in 97 percent of these falls and drops. Around 14% resulted in apparent injuries, while 56% produced bruises. Most falls (less than 1%) resulted in an infant’s concussion or fractured skull.
According to one 2001 study, accidental injuries in pre-mobile (before crawling/walking) infants, there were 3,357 falls reported by caregivers among the 2,554 children included in the surveys.
The first thing to know is that falls are normal and that some babies may experience more than one large fall during their first year. Falling from a bed or sofa was the most common scenario, accounting for 53% of incidents. Another 12% fell from the arms of a caregiver. The remainder were unknown (35%).
What do doctors look for when you bring in a dropped baby?

If you drop your baby by accident, or they fall as a result of an accident, take a deep breath and give yourself some forgiveness. It happens to the best of parents. However, it is always a good idea to take your child to see the doctor just to make sure everything is okay.
There are a few things that doctors will look for when you bring in a dropped baby. First, they will check for any obvious injuries. This includes cuts, bruises, or anything else that may have happened due to the fall. And they will ask about the falling situation.
Next, they will look for bruising when searching for skull fractures, not necessarily on the infant’s head. Instead of examining the infant’s face, physicians check around the eyes and behind the ears for Battle’s Signs or bruises.
According to Andrew J. Bernstein, a physician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “not all bruises are created equal, but they aren’t necessarily related to any bleeding inside the skull, which is the real risk of a head injury.”
They might do a CT scan or an MRI to make sure that there are no signs of internal bleeding.
Finally, the doctor will check for any concussion symptoms. These can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache. If your child is showing any of these symptoms, they will likely need to be observed for a few days.
If everything comes back clear, then you can rest assured that your child is just fine. Accidents happen, and your child will be okay. Just be more careful in the future!
Can a baby be okay after a fall?
Falls can be deadly for newborns, yet most falls are minor and your baby will recover on their own if they are given rest. If your kid falls more than three feet onto a hard surface or has any signs of injury, go to the doctor.
But if the fall was shorter and your baby is acting fine, they likely just had a scare. Most babies will be okay after a fall, especially if it was from a short distance and onto a soft surface.
It is also important to keep an eye on your baby for the next 24 hours after a fall, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Falls are one of the most common accidents that can happen to babies and young children, so it is important to be vigilant in order to prevent them from happening in the first place.
If your child takes a fall, remain calm and assess the situation before taking further action.
FAQ Baby Swing
Wrapping up:
We hope you’ve found this article helpful. Before wrapping up, we just want to say that it is important to be aware of the risks of falls for babies and young children, as they are more susceptible to head injuries than adults.
If your child takes a fall, remain calm and assess the situation before taking further action. If you have any concerns about your child’s health after a fall, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
We hope this blog post has been helpful in understanding the risks of falls for babies and young children. For more information on keeping your child safe while using baby swings, please read our other posts.
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Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certified general pediatrician and has been practicing pediatrics at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000. Since 2005, she has been working as an independently contracted pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey. She also enjoys cooking outside of the medical profession. Read more