Preventing Falls

It seems as if children are always falling: tripping on their shoelaces, stumbling over a rock, sliding on the grass. Although some of these falls are harmless, parents should be aware that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries to children.

Each year, an estimated 3 million children are treated for fall-related injuries - nearly one-third of all the injury-related emergency room visits. Children are more prone to falls because their motor skills are not as developed as adults. Falls may be a natural part of a child's development, but parents should take precautions to protect children from serious injury.

Kosair Children's Hospitalrecommends the following safety tips to help protect children from serious falls:

Falls In The Home
The home is a minefield of potentially dangerous falls for children of all ages. It's filled with furniture of varying heights, rugs, stairs and windows. Each year, there are 9,000 injuries related to cribs, 8,000 to highchairs and 22,000 related to bunk beds. The majority of these injuries are caused by falls.

Parents should:

  • Never leave young children alone - a serious fall can happen in seconds.
  • Always use the safety devices on children's furniture, such as high chair and changing table straps.
  • Lower the height of the crib's mattress when a child is old enough to climb out.
  • When a child is old enough to pull up to a standing position in the crib, remove toys, bumper pads, mobiles and other objects that can assist the child in climbing out.
  • Install safety rails on the top bunk bed.
  • Do not let children play on fire escapes, high porches or balconies.
  • Be wary of stairs, especially with infants and toddlers.
  • Block off access to stairs with safety gates.
  • Don't allow children to play on stairs and banisters.
  • Encourage children to use handrails when going up and down stairs.
  • Repair any loose or worn carpet.
  • Keep stairs well lit and clear of clutter.
  • Slipping and sliding are also major causes of falls in the home.
    o Secure area rugs with non-slip backing
    o Apply non-slip appliqués or mats in bathtubs
    o Install grab bars in tubs and showers
    o Discourage children from running in the house
    o Children should avoid wearing socks on slippery floors or stairs

Falls From Windows
One of the ways in which people enjoy the warm weather is by opening windows. Unfortunately, this innocent practice can take a tragic turn when an unsuspecting, curious child falls out a window. Unguarded windows opened only five inches pose a danger to children under age 10. Relatively simple and inexpensive steps can be taken to prevent window falls.

  • Do not rely on screens to prevent a fall. Screens are designed to keep insects out, not children in.
  • Install window guards on all windows that are not designated emergency fire exits. Window guards are inexpensive and are available at most hardware stores.
  • Keep furniture, especially beds, away from windows so that children cannot use them to reach windows that would otherwise be inaccessible.
  • Keep window covering equipment, such as blinds and drapery cords, out of children's reach to prevent them from pulling themselves up to a window.
  • Always lock unopened windows.

Falls From Shopping Carts
Falls from shopping carts are among the leading causes of head injuries in young children. Parents should:

  • Always use the safety straps to secure the child in the shopping cart.
  • Never leave a child unattended while shopping.

Falls In Baby Walkers
Many serious fall-related injuries occur in a baby walker. Infants and toddlers falling down stairs in the walkers cause most of these injuries. Because of the hazardous nature of baby walkers, Kosair Children's Hospital recommends that parents do not use baby walkers. Saucers and other stationary designs are a much safer alternative.

In An Emergency
If you believe your child needs emergency care, contact your child's doctor. If you're unable to reach your physician - or in the event of a serious emergency - bring your child straight to the emergency department at Kosair Children's Hospital, any hour of the day or night. Kosair Children's has the staff, the facilities, the equipment, and the technology to handle any pediatric emergency, from the smallest cut to the most serious injury.

Why Kosair Children's Hospital Cares
Kosair Children's Hospitalis Kentucky's only free-standing, full-service hospital dedicated exclusively to caring for children, adolescents and young adults. We have a strong commitment to the health and safety of all children. For more information on preventing falls or to inquire about free fact sheets on a variety of health and safety subjects, call 502-629-KIDS or 1-800-852-1770.