Fall Prevention at Home in Children – Instructions
Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in children and teens ages 18 and younger. Injuries from falls can include cuts and bruises, broken bones, and concussions.
Many of these injuries can be prevented by taking a few precautions. Children should also be reminded not to push and shove each other while playing. Rough play is another common cause of falls and injuries.
What actions can I take to prevent falls at home?
- Supervise children at all times.
- Always strap small children securely into the harnesses of high chairs and child carriers. When a baby is in a child carrier, do notleave the carrier on any high surface. Always rest it on the ground.
- Do not use baby walkers. Consider alternatives like a bouncer or play yard.
- Teach children not to climb on furniture. Secure televisions, bookshelves, and other high furniture to the wall with secure brackets.
- Keep furniture away from windows so that a child cannot climb up on it to reach the window.
- Install locks on all windows. You can also install window guards that prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches. If you have windows that can open from both the top and bottom, open only the top window.
- Do notlet children play on high decks, porches, or balconies.
- Install gates at the top and bottom of all staircases. Use gates that attach directly to the wall, not tension-mounted gates.
- Make sure that your stairs have hand rails.
- Keep stairways uncluttered and well-lit.
Use non-skid mats in the bathroom and tub.
Where to find more information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fall Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov
- Safe Kids Worldwide, Fall Prevention: https://www.safekids.org
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your child has a fall that causes pain, swelling, bleeding, or bruising.
- Your child has a fall that causes a head injury.
- Your child loses consciousness or has trouble moving after a fall. (In this case, call 911 immediately. Do notmove your child.)
Summary
- Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in children and teens ages 18 and younger.
- Many injuries from falls can be prevented.
- Never leave children unsupervised.
- Remind children not to push and shove each other while playing.
- Follow safety tips to prevent falls at home.
