Infant And Toddler Health

Preventing Falls For Babies And Toddlers

            Falls are the most common cause of accidents in every age group. As babies and children become more and more mobile, falls and bumps become more likely. Injuries to children often happen unexpectedly because grown-ups don't realize what children can do and how quickly they develop new skills. 

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The most useful thing you can do to try and keep your child safe is to keep an eye on the new skills she’s learning, and the new places she can reach and get to – and then adjust your environment accordingly. Understanding your child’s development will help you plan ahead for safety.

Fall Safety For Kids At Home

At home, fall safety for kids hinges on basic precautions. Follow these simple tips:

1) Beware of heights. Never leave a baby alone on a bed, changing table or piece of furniture. Use the safety strap on highchairs and other infant seats. Don't allow a young child to play alone on a fire escape, high porch or balcony. Safety netting also may help prevent falls.

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2) Keep stairs safe. Make sure stairs have handrails on both sides that go from the top step to the bottom step. Keep stairs clear of clutter and well lit.

3) Install safety gates. Block a toddler's access to stairs with safety gates. If you're putting a safety gate at the top of a staircase, attach it to the wall.

4) Keep windows locked and screens in place. A young child may squeeze through a window opened as little as 5 inches. Although all windows that open should have guards or screens, screens aren't strong enough to keep a child inside. Discourage play near windows and patio doors, which could lead to a fall through glass. Don't store or display anything a child could climb near a window.

5) Prevent access to extension cords and ladders. It's easy to trip on extension cords. Store ladders on their sides in a shed or garage.

6) Avoid baby walkers. A young child may trip over a baby walker, fall out of the walker or fall down the stairs while using a walker.

7) Use night lights. Consider using them in your child's bedroom, the bathroom and hallways to prevent falls at night.

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