Unexplained injuries in babies
Following on from the Baby G learning review in 2019, a leaflet has been developed by Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. for families where there are unexplained injuries and bruising in babies and children who are not moving independently. The leaflet has been circulated to relevant staff in local hospitals, GP surgeries and medical centres to share with parents to help them understand what to expect in situations of unexplained injuries, the responsibilities of health and other professionals in safeguarding children and the aim of working together with families. The leaflet was designed to answer common questions parents may have and is written with a restorative lens, acknowledging the anxiety parents may be experiencing in these situations. The leaflet has been developed collaboratively with a parent advisor and it is this type of collaborative work that Bexley F.L.A.R.E. is involved with.
S.H.I.E.L.D.’s leaflet is here: Unexplained Injuries leaflet
S.H.I.E.L.D.’s briefing note on the Baby G review is here: Baby G learning review briefing note
Bruising is strongly related to mobility and once children are mobile they can sustain bruises through everyday activities and accidents. Bruising in an infant who is pre-mobile is, however, very unusual and should always be investigated. Local and national Safeguarding Children Practice Reviews have identified the need for heightened concern when bruises are seen in infants without independent mobility. Bexley S.H.I.E.L.D. has worked with Health and Local Authority partners to develop a Bruising Protocol for Non-Independently Mobile Infants and Children. Revised in November 2023, the protocol can be found here: Bexley Bruising Protocol for Non-Independently Mobile Infants and Children 2023
A 7-minute briefing was produced in August 2022 to provide an overview of the content of Bexley’s Bruising Protocol:
Bexley Bruising Protocol – 7 minute briefing
ICON has been endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGPs). There are resources for parents and professionals on their website:
