Medical Conditions

Signs of a Broken Bone or Fracture in Baby

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby, here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Children's bones are more flexible than adults' and often bend or partially break (greenstick fracture) rather than snapping completely. Signs of a possible fracture include: swelling, deformity (the limb looks bent or crooked), inability or refusal to use the limb, severe pain when the area is touched, and a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury. If you suspect a broken bone, immobilize the area (do not try to straighten it), apply ice wrapped in a cloth, and take your child to the emergency room or urgent care for an X-ray.

Key takeaways

  • Children's bones are more flexible than adults' and often bend or partially break (greenstick fracture) rather than snapping completely. Signs of a possible fracture include: swelling, deformity (the limb looks bent or crooked), inability or refusal to use the limb, severe pain when the area is touched, and a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury. If you suspect a broken bone, immobilize the area (do not try to straighten it), apply ice wrapped in a cloth, and take your child to the emergency room or urgent care for an X-ray.
  • Usually normal when: Your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes
  • Call your doctor if: Visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle)
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, children's bones are more flexible than adults' and often bend or partially break (greenstick fracture) rather than snapping completely. Signs of a possible fracture include: swelling, deformity (the limb looks bent or crooked), inability or refusal to use the limb, severe pain when the area is touched, and a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury. If you suspect a broken bone, immobilize the area (do not try to straighten it), apply ice wrapped in a cloth, and take your child to the emergency room or urgent care for an X-ray. At 0-12 months, fractures in non-mobile babies are uncommon from normal handling but can occur from falls off beds, changing tables, or being dropped. Clavicle (collarbone) fractures can occur during a difficult delivery. Signs in a baby include: crying when the area is touched or moved, not using one arm or leg, swelling, and visible deformity. A baby who stops using one arm or cries when the arm is moved may have a nursemaid's elbow (a pulled elbow) or a fracture. Any suspected fracture in a baby needs prompt medical evaluation. Fractures in non-mobile babies without a clear mechanism of injury should be evaluated carefully. It is generally considered normal when your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle).

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes
Visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle)
Mild bruising after a bump without swelling or movement limitation
Significant swelling at an injury site

When to Seek Immediate Care

  • Visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle)
  • Significant swelling at an injury site
  • Your child refuses to use an arm or bear weight on a leg after a fall
  • A snapping sound was heard during the injury
  • Bone is visible through the skin (open fracture - call 911)
  • Pale, blue, or cold fingers or toes below an injury site (circulation concern)
  • A suspected fracture in a baby under 12 months with no clear cause

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

Fractures in non-mobile babies are uncommon from normal handling but can occur from falls off beds, changing tables, or being dropped. Clavicle (collarbone) fractures can occur during a difficult delivery. Signs in a baby include: crying when the area is touched or moved, not using one arm or leg, swelling, and visible deformity. A baby who stops using one arm or cries when the arm is moved may have a nursemaid's elbow (a pulled elbow) or a fracture. Any suspected fracture in a baby needs prompt medical evaluation. Fractures in non-mobile babies without a clear mechanism of injury should be evaluated carefully.

1-3 years

Toddler fractures are common, especially of the tibia (shinbone) - called a "toddler's fracture." This often happens from a fall, twist, or trip and may cause the toddler to limp or refuse to walk. Other common fractures include the forearm (from falls onto an outstretched hand) and clavicle (from falls). Signs include: swelling, bruising, pain with movement, refusal to use the limb, limping or refusal to bear weight, and visible deformity. If your toddler suddenly refuses to walk after a fall, even without visible swelling, they may have a subtle fracture that needs an X-ray.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child is favoring one limb or limping slightly after a fall.
  • Mention if mild swelling that is not improving.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes
  • Mild bruising after a bump without swelling or movement limitation
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child is favoring one limb or limping slightly after a fall
  • Mild swelling that is not improving
  • Your child flinches when a specific area is touched
Act now when...
  • Visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle)
  • Significant swelling at an injury site
  • Your child refuses to use an arm or bear weight on a leg after a fall
  • A snapping sound was heard during the injury
  • Bone is visible through the skin (open fracture - call 911)
  • Pale, blue, or cold fingers or toes below an injury site (circulation concern)
  • A suspected fracture in a baby under 12 months with no clear cause

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle).

Baby or Toddler Fell Down the Stairs

Falls down stairs are a common injury in babies and toddlers. Most stair falls, especially from just a few steps, do not result in serious injury. However, any fall down stairs warrants careful observation. After a fall, check your child from head to toe for signs of injury. If your child cried immediately, is consolable, is moving all limbs normally, and has no visible signs of serious injury, observe them closely for 24-48 hours. Any fall from a significant height, loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, excessive sleepiness, or signs of a broken bone require immediate medical evaluation.

Baby Fell Off the Bed or Couch

Falls from beds, couches, and changing tables are one of the most common accidents in infancy. Most falls from furniture height (2-3 feet) do not cause serious injury, but every fall involving the head deserves careful monitoring. If your baby cried immediately after the fall and is now acting normally - alert, feeding, and moving all limbs - serious injury is unlikely. However, certain warning signs require immediate medical evaluation.

Nursemaid's Elbow (Pulled Elbow) in Baby or Toddler

Nursemaid's elbow is the most common orthopedic injury in children under 5. It happens when a ligament in the elbow slips out of place, usually after a pulling or swinging motion on the arm. The child suddenly stops using the affected arm, holding it still at their side with the palm turned inward. It is not a dislocation or fracture, and it is easily fixed by a doctor with a quick, gentle maneuver. Recovery is immediate - most children use the arm normally within minutes of reduction.

Signs of a Concussion in Baby or Toddler

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Babies and toddlers cannot tell you they have a headache or feel confused, so parents need to watch for behavioral signs. Concussion symptoms in young children include: excessive crying, change in eating or sleeping patterns, loss of interest in toys or activities, unsteadiness, vomiting, irritability, and loss of newly acquired skills. Most concussions resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, any head injury with loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, or worsening symptoms needs immediate emergency evaluation.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby normal?
Children's bones are more flexible than adults' and often bend or partially break (greenstick fracture) rather than snapping completely. Signs of a possible fracture include: swelling, deformity (the limb looks bent or crooked), inability or refusal to use the limb, severe pain when the area is touched, and a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury. If you suspect a broken bone, immobilize the area (do not try to straighten it), apply ice wrapped in a cloth, and take your child to the emergency room or urgent care for an X-ray.
When should I call the doctor about signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby?
Visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle) Significant swelling at an injury site Your child refuses to use an arm or bear weight on a leg after a fall
When is signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby normal?
Your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes Mild bruising after a bump without swelling or movement limitation
What causes signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby?
Children's bones are more flexible than adults' and often bend or partially break (greenstick fracture) rather than snapping completely. Signs of a possible fracture include: swelling, deformity (the limb looks bent or crooked), inability or refusal to use the limb, severe pain when the area is touched, and a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury. If you suspect a broken bone, immobilize the area (do not try to straighten it), apply ice wrapped in a cloth, and take your child to the emergency room or urgent care for an X-ray. Common explanations include: Your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes. Mild bruising after a bump without swelling or movement limitation.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby?
You should mention signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby at your next visit if: Your child is favoring one limb or limping slightly after a fall. Mild swelling that is not improving. Your child flinches when a specific area is touched.
Is signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby normal at 0-12 months?
Fractures in non-mobile babies are uncommon from normal handling but can occur from falls off beds, changing tables, or being dropped. Clavicle (collarbone) fractures can occur during a difficult delivery. Signs in a baby include: crying when the area is touched or moved, not using one arm or leg, swelling, and visible deformity. A baby who stops using one arm or cries when the arm is moved may have a nursemaid's elbow (a pulled elbow) or a fracture. Any suspected fracture in a baby needs prompt medical evaluation. Fractures in non-mobile babies without a clear mechanism of injury should be evaluated carefully.
Is signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby normal at 1-3 years?
Toddler fractures are common, especially of the tibia (shinbone) - called a "toddler's fracture." This often happens from a fall, twist, or trip and may cause the toddler to limp or refuse to walk. Other common fractures include the forearm (from falls onto an outstretched hand) and clavicle (from falls). Signs include: swelling, bruising, pain with movement, refusal to use the limb, limping or refusal to bear weight, and visible deformity. If your toddler suddenly refuses to walk after a fall, even without visible swelling, they may have a subtle fracture that needs an X-ray.
Should I go to the ER for signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby?
Seek emergency care if visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle), or if significant swelling at an injury site. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby go away on its own?
In many cases, signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby resolves on its own, especially when your child cries after a fall but resumes normal use of all limbs within 30 minutes.
AAPAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Broken Bones. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Toddler Fractures. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Pediatric Fractures. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Signs of a Broken Bone or Fracture in Baby.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child is favoring one limb or limping slightly after a fall.
  • Mention if mild swelling that is not improving.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child is favoring one limb or limping slightly after a fall
  • Mild swelling that is not improving
  • Your child flinches when a specific area is touched

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle)
  • Significant swelling at an injury site
  • Your child refuses to use an arm or bear weight on a leg after a fall

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Well-Baby Visit PrepBaby Sign Language GuideEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of signs of a broken bone or fracture in baby are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if visible deformity of a limb (bent at an unnatural angle).

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Baby or Toddler Fell Down the Stairs

Falls down stairs are a common injury in babies and toddlers. Most stair falls, especially from just a few steps, do not result in serious injury. However, any fall down stairs warrants careful observation. After a fall, check your child from head to toe for signs of injury. If your child cried immediately, is consolable, is moving all limbs normally, and has no visible signs of serious injury, observe them closely for 24-48 hours. Any fall from a significant height, loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, excessive sleepiness, or signs of a broken bone require immediate medical evaluation.

Baby Fell Off the Bed or Couch

Falls from beds, couches, and changing tables are one of the most common accidents in infancy. Most falls from furniture height (2-3 feet) do not cause serious injury, but every fall involving the head deserves careful monitoring. If your baby cried immediately after the fall and is now acting normally - alert, feeding, and moving all limbs - serious injury is unlikely. However, certain warning signs require immediate medical evaluation.

Nursemaid's Elbow (Pulled Elbow) in Baby or Toddler

Nursemaid's elbow is the most common orthopedic injury in children under 5. It happens when a ligament in the elbow slips out of place, usually after a pulling or swinging motion on the arm. The child suddenly stops using the affected arm, holding it still at their side with the palm turned inward. It is not a dislocation or fracture, and it is easily fixed by a doctor with a quick, gentle maneuver. Recovery is immediate - most children use the arm normally within minutes of reduction.

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