Overview of preventing falls in children
Falls are the most common cause of injury in children who have to go to hospital. 50% of all injuries in children under the age of 5 are due to falls.
Babies can fall when they roll over and move around for the first time.
Adult supervision and using equipment like changing tables safely can help to prevent falls
It is impossible to prevent all falls from happening. But you can take steps to reduce the risk or prevent serious injury.
Falls in babies and young children usually occur from a height. This could be from:
- raised surfaces like a changing table, counter top an table
- windows or balconies
- baby walkers
- steps and stairs
- televisions and television stands
- sofas, couches and chairs
- furniture like chests of drawers, bookcases, coat stands
- play equipment like trampolines, slides and swings
- beds and bunk beds
- washing machines, dishwashers and dryers