08/28/2026
๐ถ๐๐ง Recognizing Concussions in Infants & Toddlers + PURPLE Crying
Bulkley Valley NBIA was so honoured to be hosted by Smithers Pregnancy Outreach this week for our first-ever presentation on Recognizing Concussions in Infants & Toddlers + PURPLE Crying! ๐
What an incredible group! โค๏ธ Everyone was engaged, interactive and so open to having important conversations about keeping our littlest community members โ and ourselves as parents and caregivers โ safe.
๐ง We talked about recognizing possible concussion or brain injury in babies and toddlers, including signs that can sometimes be harder to spot when a little one can't tell us how they are feeling after a knock to the head, face or body:
๐น Unusual or excessive crying or irritability
๐น Changes in sleeping patterns or difficulty waking
๐น Vomiting, especially repeatedly
๐น Changes in feeding or refusing to eat/nurse
๐น Appearing unusually sleepy, dazed or less responsive
๐น Loss of balance, unsteady walking or changes in movement
๐น Not acting, playing or interacting normally
๐น Seeming not to recognize a parent's or familiar caregiver's face, familiar toys or other familiar people or objects
๐น Loss of interest in favourite toys or activities
๐น Changes in behaviour or personality
๐น Suddenly losing or struggling with a recently learned ability or developmental skill โ such as holding their bottle, using or holding a spoon, walking, talking, playing in a familiar way or previously established toilet-training skills
๐น A bump, swelling or injury to the head
These changes are especially important to pay attention to after a fall, car accident, collision or a significant knock or blow to the head, face, neck or body โ even when there isn't an obvious injury to the head.
๐ We also discussed RED FLAGS that need urgent medical attention, such as repeated vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, increasing difficulty waking / crawling / settling, worsening confusion or unusual behaviour, weakness, worsening symptoms, or one pupil appearing larger than the other.
When in doubt, seek medical care. If symptoms appear severe, life-threatening, or the child is unconscious or unable to wake call 911. ๐
๐ And then we talked about PURPLE Crying๐
Periods of intense crying can be incredibly difficult and overwhelming. We had an open, supportive conversation about coping strategies, soothing techniques, asking for help and recognizing when we, as caregivers, need a break too.
It is okay to place a baby safely in their crib, step away for a few minutes, regroup and reach out for support. โค๏ธ
Never shake a baby. Even a few seconds of violent shaking can cause devastating and potentially life-threatening brain injuries.
We also talked about something that can easily be forgotten while caring for little ones โ recognizing concussion symptoms in ourselves as parents and caregivers, too, and the importance of self care and seeking support for ourselves. ๐ง
It was a fabulous turnout filled with insightful questions, shared experiences, learning and laughter.
Most importantly, it was an opportunity to build connections, learn from one another and strengthen the circle of support around families in our community. ๐
๐คฐ๐ถ Could you use some extra caring, kind and supportive people in your corner during pregnancy or throughout those infant and toddler years?
Please don't hesitate to reach out to the amazing team at Smithers Pregnancy Outreach. Programs like this can make such a difference when families know they don't have to navigate everything alone. โค๏ธ
๐ง And if you have questions about concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), acquired brain injuries (ABI), brain injury prevention, recovery, resources or supports, please reach out to Bulkley Valley Northern Brain Injury Association.
Education creates awareness.
Awareness supports prevention.
And connection helps build stronger, safer communities. ๐๐ง
A huge THANK YOU ๐ to Smithers Pregnancy Outreach for inviting us, welcoming us so warmly and creating space for such an important conversation! ๐ถ๐๐ง
