Preventing childhood falls starts at home
Falls are the leading cause of trauma-related hospital admissions at Dartmouth Health Children’s Hospital. Children age 14 and are most at risk. Surprisingly, most of these falls happen in the home—often in everyday settings that quickly turn hazardous.
Common culprits include:
- Bunk beds
- Open windows
- Stairs
- The natural energy of squirmy toddlers
Risky behaviors can also contribute to injuries. That’s why supervising children at all times is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents.
Simple things make a big difference
Simple safety strategies can make a big difference in preventing falls.
- Installing baby gates at both the top and bottom of staircases helps reduce the risk of dangerous falls.
- When choosing the best gates for your home, make sure to use wall-mounted gates for stairs.
- Pressure-mounted gates can be used in other areas of the home if they are well positioned and the gate stands firm when pressed against.
For many families, limited space and resources make it harder to create a safe environment. When safety gear like stair gates or corner bumpers are not affordable or accessible, and furniture isn’t designed with children in mind, the risk of injury increases. In homes without safe play areas, even routine activities can lead to serious accidents.
Please take a moment to look at the information below and learn how to prevent pediatric falls.
Winter falls safety for children
As temperatures drop, icy sidewalks, slippery steps, and snow-covered play areas become areas for increased falls risk for children. Falls in the winter often happen during everyday activities like walking to school, playing outside, or even getting in and out of the car.
Cold weather safety tips:
- Dress kids in non-slip boots and warm layers to prevent slips and frostbite.
- Use salt or sand on driveways and walkways to reduce ice buildup.
- Supervise sledding and snow play—choose gentle slopes free of obstacles.
- Teach children to walk like a penguin: small steps, arms free, and slow pace.
Learn more tips about winter safety for kids by reading Playing Outside in Winter: Tips to Keep Kids Warm & Safe from the American Academy of Pediatrics.