< Injury Prevention Programs

Fall Prevention and Safety

Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury and trauma in children. Children love playing, exploring and climbing. This is part of growing up! But all of these fun things can lead to falling and serious injury. Click on your child's age below and find out how to help your child stay safe.

Babies can be seriously hurt if they fall. The bones in a baby's head are soft, and their neck is not as strong as an adult's. This means their head will shake more when they fall, hurting their brain.

Tips to keep your baby from falling:

  • If you need to step away from your baby for any reason, make sure the baby is in a safe place. You never know when your baby will learn to roll over, so never assume they can't.
    • Unsafe places to leave your baby include: a couch, an open bed, a table or in a rolling walker.
    • Safe places to leave your baby include: a crib, a pack ’n play or a bassinet.
  • It is never recommended to sleep with your baby in your bed. You cannot ensure your baby's safety if you are asleep.
  • Always keep a hand on your baby while they are on a changing table.Use the straps to keep them from rolling off.
  • Avoid falling asleep while holding your baby. You cannot hold your baby safely if you are asleep.
  • Never sit your baby in the car seat or carrier on a high surface like a table.
  • As babies start crawling and walking, it is important to use baby gates to keep them safe. Baby gates should be used at the top and bottom of stairs.

Toddlers are known for exploring and getting into things we don't want them to. This is what they are supposed to do! They have to learn their limits and how the world works. However, as adults, we must look for ways to stop them from hurting themselves.

Tips for toddler fall safety:

  • Baby gates are important for toddler safety. Baby gates should always be used at the top and bottom of stairs.
  • Always make sure to stay close and watch your toddler when you go to parks or playgrounds. Toddlers are more likely to get hurt if they are not being closely watched by an adult.
  • Make sure the park or playground you choose has padding at the bottom of any equipment. This can be wood chips, pebbles, rubber shreds or rubber padding.
  • Make sure your furniture is safe and any furniture that can tip over should be bolted or attached to the wall because toddlers love to climb.
  • Always strap your toddler into their highchair with the safety straps. Toddlers may stand in the chair and fall out.
  • When using a shopping cart, always make sure to use the safety strap when your toddler is riding in the seat. Toddlers may stand in the seat and fall out quickly.
  • Pick up anything your toddler might trip over in the home (toys, electric cords, books, shoes, etc).

Falling can hurt people of all ages. Children tend to take more risks than adults, making them more likely to fall and get hurt. Adults can help prevent children from falling or reduce harm if they do.

Tips for child fall safety:

  • Talk with your child about safety when playing with other children.
  • Do not overcrowd playground equipment.
  • Use equipment as it is meant to be used.Do not climb up slides, do not climb on top of monkey bars and do not jump off of equipment or out of swings.
  • Always make sure to stay close and watch your child when you go to parks or playgrounds. Children are more likely to get hurt if they are not being closely watched by an adult.
  • Make sure the park or playground you choose has padding at the bottom of any equipment. This can be wood chips, pebbles, rubber shreds or rubber padding.
  • Always have your child wear safety gear when participating in activities like riding a bike, horse, ATV or skateboard. If they do fall, helmets and knee pads help prevent serious injury.

Contact an Injury Prevention Expert

Contact an injury prevention expert at 501-364-3400 or email us at injuryprevention@archildrens.org.