Childcare Chronicles

Alexandria Paquin, RN Public Health Nurse

As a childcare provider, you help keep children safe as they grow, learn and play. Children are curious, love to move and explore, but this can increase their risk for a fall that can result in a concussion.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain that affects its ability to function well. Any hit to the head, neck or body, causes the brain to move in a back-and-forth motion inside the skull. Common causes are:

• Rough play
• A fall
• A hit in sports or a collision
• Car crashes

How can I tell if a child experienced a concussion?

The most common concussion symptoms in young children are agitation, irritability, and sleep disruptions. Concussions can look different in younger children. They may not be able to tell us how they feel when something is wrong.

For some people, concussion symptoms do not appear until hours or days later. 

Additional symptoms include:

• Cognitive: clumsier than usual and changes in speech.
• Physical: stomach aches, reacting to loud noises, and changes in appetite.
• Mood: clinginess, fussiness, an increase in tantrums and crying.
• “Red Flags” are more serious symptoms that need medical attention. These symptoms can include:
  • Worsening or severe headache
  • You can't wake them up
  • Inconsolable crying
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting more than once.

How are concussions treated?  

• Rest, light activities at home, and reduce screen time for 24–48 hours.
• Returning to school, sports, and play requires a gradual approach.
• Work with the family and the child's medical provider for a safe return.

You play an important role within the 4 Rs of concussion recovery:

• Recognize – If you see a child get hurt, recognize the signs.
• Remove – STOP the child from playing.
• Refer – Get help! See your doctor for medical attention.
• Return – Slowly return to normal daily routines.

How can I help prevent concussions in young children & infants?

• Children should wear a properly fitted helmet while biking, during sports, and when riding motorized vehicles.
• Ensure you secure the seatbelt in cars and highchairs.
• Help prevent tripping by removing toys or objects from the floor.
• Secure baby gates at stairwells.
• Provide supervision appropriate to the child’s activity.
• Use mats in the infants’ play area.

Did you know?

• In Canada, children six years and under experienced the highest number of concussions, compared to other age groups.
• Not all concussions result in a loss of consciousness.
• Everyone reacts to concussions differently; be sure to see a medical professional to be safe!

Resource links

• Rowan’s Law: Concussion Awareness Resources | ontario.ca
• TBI – Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory
• Holland Bloorview Concussion Handbook for Parents & Kids

Lisa Barber Registered Dental Hygienist

Dental trauma is common among preschoolers. Being prepared during a dental emergency can affect the outcome of saving or losing a tooth.

Injuries can range from minor to those that require immediate treatment. When in doubt, contact a dental professional for assessment.

Dental emergencies can include:

• Soft-tissue injuries: These are among the most common injuries. They can affect the tongue, cheeks, gums and/or lips. Control the bleeding, have the child rinse their mouth with a mild salt-water solution. Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth. If swelling appears, apply a cold compress.
• A broken tooth: If a tooth appears broken, gently clean the injured area with warm Place a cold compress on the affected area to help reduce swelling.
• A knocked-out tooth: When a tooth is completely knocked-out and the root appears intact, rinse it gently under running Avoid touching the root and if possible, place the tooth back in its socket. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a cup of milk or cold water.
• A jaw injury: If you suspect this type of injury, do not move the jaw. If swelling is present, apply cold

Remember:

When a serious dental emergency occurs, the child needs to see a dentist as quickly as possible. If your child is not covered by a dental plan, call us, we can help!

Published on: Nov. 19, 2025