Prevent your Child from Falling

Falls are a normal part of your child’s development.

As children begin to explore their environment – and crawling and walking soon advance to climbing, running and jumping – it’s no wonder that falls are a common part of childhood.

Though most falls result in a few bumps, scrapes and bruises, some falls can cause serious injuries that need immediate medical attention.

Common Reasons for Falls

• Child’s physical development, such as learning to walk
• Products, such as baby carriers, highchairs and changing tables, not meeting or used according to consumer recommendations
• Poorly maintained playground equipment or inappropriate surfacing
• Hazardous environments
• Inadequate supervision
• Playing at heights, such as stairs, balconies and age-inappropriate playground equipment
• Unsecured furniture

Prevention Tips:

• Windows
  • Properly install window guards.
  • Keep windows locked and closed when not in use.
  • If your windows open from top and bottom, only open from the top.
  • Keep furniture away from windows.
• Playground
  • Visit playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces, such as rubber or sand, that provide for a more cushioned landing than grass or concrete.
  • Read playground signs and use age-appropriate equipment for your child.
  • Be aware of other fall risks in play area, such as rocks or tree roots.
  • Contact the organization responsible for playground to address safety hazards.
• Stairs
  • Use approved safety gates at tops and bottoms of stairs for babies and small children.
  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Not all gates are safe for use at the top of stairs.
  • Hold your child’s hand when going up and down stairs.
• Furniture
  • Use mounts, brackets, braces, anchors or wall straps to secure furniture and televisions.
  • Never let your child climb on furniture or use drawers or shelves as steps.
• Sports
  • Make sure your child is wearing a properly sized helmet when participating in activities such as biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, etc.
  • Make sure your child wears appropriate protective gear for sports and play, including wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and a helmet.
• Other Tips
  • Ensure that walkway areas are clutter-free and well-lit.
  • Make sure babies and young children are strapped in to high chairs, infant carriers, swings and strollers.
  • If your baby is in a carrier, never place carrier on top of a table or other furniture. Rather, place carrier on the floor.
  • Be cautious when your child is learning to walk. Stay close by and keep them away from stairs, hot appliances or cords.
  • Use nonslip rugs, and mats or decals in the bathtub.
  • Avoid play on high porches, decks, stairs and balconies.
  • Always secure your child with harness or safety belt in a shopping cart and never leave child unattended.
  • Talk to your child about expected and safe behaviors.

For more information: Fall Prevention in Children – Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children