Bruises are not very common in infants. They're more common on the lower legs and foreheads of toddlers just learning to walk, active preschoolers, and elementary schoolchildren.
Call Doctor If:
- The bruised area seems very painful, swollen, or infected.
- Your child has a bruise after a serious accident involving the head or an abdominal injury.
- Your child has a large number of bruises or unexplained bruises.
- Your child has a fever.
1. Apply Ice
- Wrap a cold pack in a towel or washcloth and hold it against the bruise for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat, but no more than once an hour.
- Do not hold ice or anything frozen directly against a child's skin.
2. Elevate the Area
- If possible, raise the bruised area above the heart to reduce swelling.
3. Reduce Pain
- Use infant or child-formula acetaminophen (Tylenol). Don't use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) because it may prolong bleeding.
- Follow the dosing instructions on the label.
- If your child has never taken this medication before, call your pediatrician first.
- Don't give aspirin to a child under 16.
