Took DS to ER - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

baj406 · 10-21-2007, 10:48 PM

I feel like a HORRIBLE mother right now. I know it wasn't my fault, but I still feel so badly. I had DS napping on my bed, which is a daily occurence. He can roll but chooses not to, so I feel quite safe doing this. Well, the dogs aren't allowed on the bed when the baby's on it, especially the big one. I turned my head to check the time and when I turned back Patches (the big one) WAS on the bed. He got scared bc he knew he shouldn't have been there and in his haste to get off, so he wouldn't get in trouble, he stepped right on DS. All 70lbs of his weight went on my poor baby's face. How could I have let this happen!? I know it's not my fault but it's so hard to accept. So, anyway, the baby laid there in shock for a few seconds and then just started SCREAMING! His cheek immediately started swelling. I figured I should take him to the ER just to MAKE sure he was ok, but thought I'd check to see if my mom agreed. She did and went with me. Fortunately he seems to be okay, just has a small scrape and some bruising, but I'm supposed to be watching for signs of head injury for the next 48 hours. I feel SO awful! Oh yeah, and his head is getting flat too.

When is enough enough?

LauraLu · 10-22-2007, 08:11 AM

Oh I'm SO sorry that happened to you and your son! Please don't feel as if you're a horrible mother, you're not!!! Accidents happen and you absolutely did the right thing by taking him in. If we kept our eyes on our children ALL the time, we would never get anything done and would be walking zombies. My heart goes out to you, but rest assure, you are not a bad mommy!!! I think I might be giving Patches the cold shoulder for a day or two though...

liloulou · 10-22-2007, 08:21 AM

Oh I"m sorry to hear this is happenig, but look, your DS is most likely going to be fine.
Just a week or so ago, my DD rolled off of the bed! I totally freaked out and called the dr. who said to watch her, wake her from her sleep after two hours. I did all of this to make sure she didn't have a head injury and in the end she was fine.
But I felt horribly guilty and scared that she was hurt and it was my fault for turning my back for literally two seconds.
But that's the thing, as LauraLu said, we can't have our eyes on them 24/7 and things will happen. We just have to make the best judgement calls as we can and learn and adjust. In my situation, I know now to not let me baby stay on the bed AT ALL, unless I'm on the bed with her.
I hope you're son will be fine and don't beat yourself up over it, just try to learn from each situation for the future.

neshee · 10-22-2007, 08:52 AM

Oh sweetie! I know EXACTLY how you feel! My DD was 2years old and fell down our WHOLE flight of stairs!! She hit her head 3 times (top) going down, and I just stood at the top of the stairs like an idiot. Fortunately my DH was home and downstairs and got to her first (I think I was in shock...and it only lasted like 3 secs before I ran down the stairs too). We made her lay still for awhile and checked her over. Called doc and said to just keep her awake for an hour to make sure she didn't have a concussion. She didn't, and was fortunately just fine. I credit this to the stairs being so heavily padded and carpeted. So, after the fire, I demanded the stairs be covered the exact same way, so as to protect from any future incidents. I am sure your son will be just fine. I would have done the same thing. Kids are much more resilient than we think.

luckydarlin · 10-22-2007, 07:05 PM

Accidents happen - especially when there are animals in the house. I have a yellow lab who weighs in at 105 lbs and has been our only "baby" until my daughter was born. We always have to pay attention because even when my little one is squeaking a toy, the big pup comes running! What you are describing is something I ALWAYS worry about!

A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the ottoman in my daughter's room with her sitting on my lap and my dog was standing in front of us wagging his tail while I patted him. Next thing you know, he heard something outside and turned and ran - when he turned to run, the side of his face and nose bashed my little on the side of the face. There was that momentary silence and the the screaming and sobbing followed. I felt like such an idiot! All I could think was 'good moms don't let these kinds of things happen' - but let's be honest, accidents happen! We try out absolute best and that's all we can do. My daughter is infatuated with my dog and I cringe knowing that once she's crawling and walking there will be many accidental knock downs.

I feel terrible for you because you felt terrible about what happened. I'm so glad your little one is going to be ok...and you will be too!