The biggest danger for falls for smaller children are from changing-tables and for bigger kids, it’s summer sports and bikes. Globally, more than 4 percent of pediatric deaths are associated with falls. Almost 2.8 million children a year are injured by them. Bike injuries in children and adolescents add up to 26,000 traumatic brain injuries a year. To lower the risk of falls, incorporate the use of guardrails and stair gates, change diapers on the floor and use highchairs with safety belts. In older children, make it a family rule to use of basic protective sports gear. That certainly includes wearing a bike helmet!
Leigh Gistinger, CPNP
