Bruising and Injury In Non-Mobile Infants

This guidance highlights the principles for response to bruising and injury in non-mobile infants for all local agencies. Practitioners should be aware of their own agency safeguarding policies which will be based on these principles but will include detailed pathway information.

While this guidance specifically relates to non-mobile infants, bruising is the most common injury in mobile children who are physically abused as well as being a common accidental injury. In mobile infants and older children, professionals should seek a satisfactory explanation for all bruising / injury and assess characteristics and distribution of the bruising / injury in the context of the child’s personal (including disability), family and environmental history to ensure that there is a consistent accidental explanation. Referral should be made to social care where there are concerns of non-accidental injury in older infants and children.

Download the guidance here.