When most parents think of kids and concussions, a teen playing sports comes to mind. But a concussion can just as easily occur when a toddler learning to walk stumbles and falls at home, on the playground or other places. It's important for parents to ensure that no significant injury, including a concussion, has occurred after a fall.

"As a mom, I think falls are one of the most frightening experiences, and even more so now with all the publicity around Natasha Richardson's death," says Christine Agro, a mom from Brooklyn, N.Y., referring to the famous actress who died after a fall while skiing. "We are fortunate that our 5-year-old Caidin hasn't suffered a concussion, but he has taken some major falls and whacks."

It's especially vital to check out your baby or toddler after a fall, since he or she cannot communicate as effectively as an older child, says Dr. Avinash Mohan, co-chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y. "Therefore, any time a baby or toddler hits his or her head, it should be taken seriously."

Signs to look for when a concussion is suspected include swelling and bruising, confusion, irritability, vomiting, lethargy or the child is just not acting like his or herself, Dr. Mohan says.

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