Injuries in Non-Mobile Infants

National and local serious case reviews have identified the need for heightened concern about any bruising or injury in a baby who is not independently mobile. It is important that any suspected bruising is fully assessed even if the parents are able to provide an explanation for it.

Bruising is the commonest physical sign of child abuse. A bruise can be a sign of abuse in a child of any age but bruising in young babies is unusual and can be associated with life threatening injury.

Given the vulnerability of non-mobile infants, this toolkit has been developed to provide further information and support for professionals to safeguard these children.