Children are curious and don't understand the risks of falling from heights and when running and playing. It is very easy for children to slip, trip and fall as they are energetic and fast-moving. Different age groups are at risk from different kinds of falls.
Furniture in the home can be hazardous to young children. Sharp edges and corners, unstable furniture, and heavy items on top of furniture can all create unsafe environments for curious infants, toddlers, and young children.
Babies' heads are large compared to the rest of their body. This affects their balance and makes them more vulnerable to falls. Also, as babies can wiggle, kick and roll, they can fall from high surfaces such as change tables, cribs, high chairs or counters.
Almost 80% of injuries in the home are fall related.
How to prevent it
- Use a stair gate to prevent children going up and down stairs unsupervised
- Keep windows locked or fix them with a stop so they won’t open far enough to let a child fall out
- Use non-slip rugs and mats on the floor and in the bathroom and keep hallways and stairs well lit and free from anything children could trip over
- Supervise children when playing
- Remove any glass-top coffee tables, end tables, etc
- Pad sharp corners and edges with table edge cushions.
- Install drawer latches on all dresser and bureau drawers to prevent climbing
- Prevent TV tip over by using a stand specifically designed for your TV or place your TV on sturdy furniture appropriate for its size. Push your TV as far back on the stand as possible, out of your child’s reach. If you have a flat screen TV, it is best anchored to the wall.
