DID YOU KNOW?
In a single year, falls among children result in:
- 5,861 hospitalizations
- 297,889 emergency department visits
- 1,636 disabilities!
Although falling is a normal and expected part of childhood—essential for learning to walk, climb, and play—the injury risk is significant. Falls are, in fact, the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for children from birth to age 14. In just one year, nearly 4,500 children in this age bracket were hospitalized because of a fall.
Alarming statistics warrant action; everyone should adopt effective fall prevention measures. Here are essential tips, sourced from Parachute—Canada’s national charity dedicated to injury prevention—along with other valuable insights:
FALLS IN CHILDREN
- Infants and young toddlers typically fall around the home—from furniture, beds, change tables, high chairs or down the stairs.
- Older toddlers tend to fall while walking, running or crawling around the house.
- Children between 5 and 9 years of age most often fall at playgrounds.
BASIC TIPS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE FROM FALLS
- Get down to a child’s eye level and look around; seeing your home from this perspective can help you identify potential hazards.
- Buckle a child in their high chair or stroller every time; this will prevent a child from falling out as they move, wiggle and reach.
- Always set car seats and other carriers down on the floor, never on top of furniture etc.
- Always keep one hand on a child when they are on a high surface, such as a changing table or other furniture, to prevent them from falling to the ground.
- Never use a baby walker with wheels—use stationary activity centres instead.
- BANNED IN CANADA: Wheeled baby walkers are prohibited because they present a serious risk of injury to children, notably from dangerous falls down stairs.
SAFETY GATES
- Safety gates are designed for children between 6 and 24 months old.
- Choose a gate that is meant for the area in which it will be used, such as: at the top and bottom of stairs or to block off high-risk areas.
- Always use a hardware-mounted (screw-in) gate at the top of a staircase.
- Pressure mount gates can be used at the bottom of the stairs.
- Install gates according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with locking mechanisms placed on the side away from the child.
- Use the correct gates; according to experts, once a child’s chin is in line with the top of the gate or when they are two years old, the gate is no longer effective.
- DO NOT use gates designed and marketed for pets.
PLACE FURNITURE AWAY FROM WINDOWS & BALCONY DOOR HANDLES
- Children can climb even before they are able to walk.
- Climbing on furniture gives children access to windows and balcony door handles where they can fall from significant heights.
USE WINDOW STOPS OR GUARDS & KEEP BALCONY DOORS LOCKED
- A window screen can easily tear or get pushed through if your child is pressing on it.
- Keep windows locked when possible and use window stops, which prevent windows from being opened wide enough for a child to fall through.
- Alternatively, use window guards that act as a barrier in front of the window. As well, ensure to use window guards that have a release mechanism so they can be fully opened in case of an emergency.
CLEAR CLUTTER & TRIP HAZARDS
- Keep stairs and high-traffic areas free of clutter and tripping hazards.
- In areas such as the bathroom and kitchen, wipe up any water or other liquid spills right away to prevent slipping.
CHILDREN AT PLAY
- Community and backyard playgrounds are common areas where children fall as they climb and explore playground equipment.
- Active supervision, while still giving a child a chance to explore and develop, is key.
- Child safety experts recommend matching your level of supervision with the potential risk a child is facing, something they call “stages of vigilant care.”
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
