Bruises are not uncommon injuries to find on infants, especially infants who are mobile and curious. Most of the time, bruises on infants result from accidental injuries incurred while playing and exploring. However, certain medical conditions as well as physical abuse can also leave bruises on infants. Your pediatrician can treat bruises on your baby, and you can make changes around your home to help prevent such injuries.
Symptoms
Your baby might develop one or more bruises anywhere on her skin. The color of the bruise varies over time, and includes shades of black, purple, blue, red, green and yellow as the bruise ages. In some cases, your baby might develop additional symptoms such as unexplained or uncontrollable bleeding.
Causes
Abuse of a child by a relative or caregiver affects 5.5 million children yearly, reports the Healthy Children website, and one of the most common signs of physical abuse is bruising. If you notice a bruise on a baby that cannot otherwise be explained, report the bruise to a doctor, who can determine whether physical abuse caused the bruise. Medical conditions including hemophilia and jaundice can also cause bruising in babies. As babies explore their surroundings, bumps and bruises can occur as a result of falling when trying to crawl, stand or walk. Babies sometimes get an arm or leg stuck in the slats of the crib, which can cause bruising. A bruise could result from a recent medical procedure such as a vaccination or application of a blood pressure cuff or restraint. Rough play between babies or with an older sibling can also cause a bruise.
Treatments
Pediatricians will treat bruises and other injuries in babies resulting from abuse and report the abuse to child welfare authorities. Parents or caregivers might receive treatments including mental health counseling or medications to treat mental health conditions that contributed to the abuse. Physicians treat hemophilia with medications to reduce bleeding. Babies with jaundice must spend time under a special light until the condition resolves. Applying a cool washcloth or compress and giving your baby infant pain drops as recommended by your pediatrician can treat pain and swelling around the bruise, and the color of the bruise will naturally fade as the body heals.
Prevention
Childproofing your home with baby gates, safety locks and furniture fasteners can also help prevent bruises in babies that result from injuries while exploring. Following your baby's prescribed treatment regimen can help prevent bruising related to medical conditions. Building a social support network of friends and family can help give you a break from caring for your baby when you feel stressed.
