Every child likes to run, jump, and play wherever they are. However, jumping around and exploring new places can be dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in children (1). Each year several thousands of children are taken to the emergency room (ER) as the result of a fall. Many different types of falls can happen and lead to many different outcomes. Scrapes, cuts, stitches, or broken bones are never fun!
Here are some facts to know and steps to take to prevent your child from falling.
Falling from heights is a big problem to watch out for in any building with balconies and windows above the first floor. Additionally, beware of falls indoors. Young children jumping or falling from furniture such as beds, dressers, and even the kitchen table can end in a trip to the ER.
That is why we say: No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
It is impossible to keep an eye on your child every second of their life. So, to prevent falls and injuries from happening look at these quick tips:
1.Avoid baby walkers as they are a common cause of falls. Instead, use stationary play centers that do not move.
2.Install self-latching safety gates at both the top and bottom of staircases to help prevent falls.
3.Always use safety straps when seating your child- whether in a highchair, grocery cart, baby carrier, stroller, or other device.
4.Install locks on windows and sliding doors. This way, an unsupervised child is not able to open a window and fall out.
5.If a window or balcony access is open, make sure the child is supervised.
6.Mesh window screens are NOT strong enough to catch a child. They may catch bugs, but a mesh screen will rip easily. Child safety window screens made of steel and other durable materials are available.
7.Avoid placing furniture near windows or balconies. This could make it easier for kids to reach windows or climb onto balconies.
8.Encourage and allow for playtime on ground surfaces such as backyards, parks, and playgrounds with safe play structures. This way, running, jumping, and playing around is safer.
Children are not the only things that can fall.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated over 60,000 children in the US were injured from furniture tipping over on them between 2006 and 2021 (3). Furniture such as dressers, bookcases, and even TVs are tall and can tip-over easily. Children are naturally curious and although some furniture may look like a jungle gym, it's important to make sure it is not treated as one. Here are some tips to prevent tip-over accidents:
1.Secure all furniture to walls using anti-tip devices. Wall anchors can be placed into walls to grab both the wall and the edge of the furniture. Resources for wall anchors can be found here: http://www.meghanshope.org/
2.Install dresser or cabinet drawer stops. This will prevent children from pulling drawers out and climbing up.
3.Do not place toys, electronics, or remotes on top of tip-able furniture. Jumping up to reach can pull the furniture down if it is not attached properly and the right force is applied.
4.Mount all TVs and mirrors to walls with proper anchors and attachments. If heavy objects like TVs and mirrors are set on top of a cabinet or dresser, the more top heavy an object is the more likely it is to fall!
5.Store heavier objects near the bottom of dressers.
If your child does have a fall or is crushed by a fallen object, it is important to take them to the emergency room immediately!
For more information on how to prevent falls in children, visit healthychildren.org or contact the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program supported by The Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080.
References
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Injury Mortality Reports. http://webapp.cdc.gov.access.library.miami.edu/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html
- https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/107/5/1188/66235/Falls-From-Heights-Windows-Roofs-and-Balconies?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/CPSC-Approves-New-Federal-Safety-Standard-for-Dressers-and-Other-Clothing-Storage-Units-Rule-Aims-to-Reduce-Injuries-and-Deaths-Associated-with-Tip-Overs
