Virtual Children's Hospital: CQQA: Childhood Falls

Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Childhood Falls

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: April 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

What should I know about falls?

What causes falls?

Most falls happen from furniture, stairs, baby walkers, shopping carts, and playground toys. Shopping carts are very dangerous.
Falls from windows can cause death or serious injury.

How can I prevent falls?

You cannot protect your child from every bump, fall, or bruise, but you can take some preventative steps.
Do not leave your child unsupervised on a changing table or other high furniture.
Don't let children jump on furniture.
Strap your child in to highchairs and strollers.
Baby walkers are very dangerous. They are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Using them delays a child from learning to balance.
Stationary play centers (without wheels) are a safe choice.
Do not put chairs, cribs, and furniture next to windows.
Always put crib sides up, even for babies who cannot yet push up on both hands.
Stay with your child on stairs, decks, and high porches.
Do not leave things lying on the floor or stairs.
Put safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
Cover windows with guards. Screens are not strong enough to hold children in.
Use seatbelts and car safety seats. Children should always ride in the backseat of the car.
Children should wear helmets when riding bikes, skating, using scooters, etc.
Do not allow children to jump from high playground equipment. It should be used only to climb.

What should I do if my child falls?

How badly your child may be injured depends on how far she fell and the surface she landed on.
Hold your child until she stops crying and keep an eye out for unusual symptoms. See "When should I call the doctor" below.
If your child is unconscious after a fall, do not move her. Check her breathing. If she is not breathing, give CPR if you are trained. Have someone call 911.

When should I call the doctor?

Call immediately if a fall leaves your child unconscious.
Call immediately if your child has a bad head injury.
Call if she becomes sleepy, hard to wake up, or irritable after a fall.
Call if she starts to vomit within 24 hours of a fall.
Call if she complains of pain, especially neck or back pain.
Call if she won't stop crying.
Call if she has blood or fluid coming from her nose, ears, or mouth.
Call if you think she has broken a bone.
Call if you have questions or concerns about any of your child's symptoms, injuries, or behavior after a fall.

Quick Answers

Falls are the leading cause of injury in children of all ages
Most falls happen from furniture, stairs, baby walkers, shopping carts, and playground toys.
To prevent falls, supervise your child. Child-proof your home. Block stairs and windows. Use products and toys that are approved under new safety standards.
How badly your child may be injured depends on how far she fell and the surface she landed on.
Call if you have questions or concerns about any of your child's symptoms, injuries, or behavior after a fall.

References

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Emergency: Falls. 1996-2001 (2002 March 15). URL: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/wellness_index.jsp?id=-8872
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Falls. 1996-2001 (cited 2002 March 15). URL: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/wellness_index.jsp?id=-8846
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Trauma Center: Falls. 1996-2001 (2002 March 15). URL: http://safekids.chop.edu/prevention/falls.html

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/pediatrics/cqqa/falls.html