Preventing falls at home
All children fall. Some children fall more than others, because their illnesses or medicines make it hard for them to move, balance, or see. Some children fall when they have a
seizure. Children can also fall because medicines make them dizzy.
There are many things you can do to prevent your child from falling at home. Here are a few:
- Keep your home well lit, so your child can see floors and furniture
- Use wall brackets on furniture and TVs
- Never leave your child unattended on anything high
- Use window locks, don’t trust screens, and keep window areas clear of climbable objects
- Keep paths clear. Stepping on paper or small toys can make a child slide and fall.
- Floors should not be easy to slide on. Wet floors, especially wet tile, can cause a fall. Too much wax can also make a floor slippery.
- Do not use small throw rugs. If you do, make sure they have rubber on the back to keep them from sliding.
- Your child should always wear shoes, or socks with treads, to keep from slipping.
- Keep things a child uses within his or her reach. This keeps the child from climbing to get to them.
- Put gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Always help your child use the stairs safely.
- Your child's bed should be low (mattress close to the floor).
- Your child's bed could have side rails, if needed.
- Give your child enough time to move at a safe speed. Rushing can cause falls.
- Know if the medicine your child is taking makes your child more likely to fall. Some medicines make it harder to balance or think.
- If your child needs a cane, walker, or crutches, they should make getting around easier. If your child has trouble using them, tell your child's doctor. Your child may need to learn how to use them, or may need something different.
- Help your child take care of himself safely. Put rails or hand grips around the bathtub, shower, or toilet.
- Look around your home for things that could be dangerous. What could cause your child to fall? Change these things so they're safer. For example, if a throw rug always slides when you step on it, don't use it anymore.
- You can prevent many falls if you or another adult watches your child at all times.