Children's Falls: What Should Parents Do? Dr. Narmin Azizova

Dr. Narmin Azizova

Neonatologist, Department of Neonatal Resuscitation and Intensive Therapy, Scientific Research Institute of Pediatrics named after K.Y. Farajova; Department I, Azerbaijan Medical University; Founder, Pediatriya.az

Children’s Falls: What Should Parents Do?

One of the most common concerns among parents is ensuring their child’s safety after a fall and determining when medical intervention is necessary. Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries among children, with the highest risk occurring in children between 3 months and 5 years old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls account for approximately 50% of all pediatric emergency visits.

Periods of increased fall risk in children

• Infants (0-6 months): Starting from the fourth month, infants begin to roll over unexpectedly, leading to falls from beds, sofas, or changing tables. Never leave infants unattended on elevated surfaces.
• Crawling phase (6-12 months): From the sixth month, infants start crawling, increasing their risk of falling from stairs or furniture. Installing safety barriers on stairs is essential.
• Toddlers (1-3 years): Many parents use baby walkers, but studies indicate that these devices pose a serious fall and injury risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend their use.
• Preschool children (3-7 years): At this stage, children gain independence, become more active, and must start learning safety rules.
• Older children (7-14 years): Coordination develops during this period, but due to engagement in riskier physical activities, serious injuries can still occur.

First aid after a fall

When a child falls, parents should take the following steps:

• Check for visible injuries: Look for open wounds, swelling, bruising, or deformities.
• Assess head trauma: If the child hits their head, watch for loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, or excessive drowsiness.
• Evaluate movement ability: Check if the child can move their limbs normally.
• Monitor behavior changes: If the child appears overly sleepy, irritable, or disoriented, seek medical attention immediately.
• Control bleeding: If bleeding occurs, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop it.

When to seek emergency medical help

If a child exhibits the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Persistent crying and inability to calm down
• Loss of consciousness or difficulty waking up
• Repeated vomiting (5-6 times or more)
• Bleeding or clear fluid discharge from the nose, ears, or mouth
• Seizures or convulsions
• Difficulty walking, speaking, or maintaining balance
• Severe headache or dizziness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), head injuries are among the most severe consequences of falls, and early detection of concussion symptoms can prevent long-term complications.

Home first aid and monitoring

• Head injuries: Keep the child calm and observe them closely for 72 hours. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Bruises and swelling: Wrap an ice pack in cloth and apply it for 10-15 minutes every few hours.
• Minor cuts and scrapes: Clean wounds with soap and water, then cover them with a sterile bandage.
• Rest and observation: If the child sleeps, wake them up periodically to check their consciousness.

Preventing falls in children

• Never leave infants and young children unattended.
• Create a safe home environment and secure furniture to walls.
• Use window safety locks and avoid leaving windows open.
• Keep floors clutter-free and use non-slip rugs.
• Teach children to follow safety rules.
• Ensure children wear helmets when cycling, skateboarding, or playing sports.
• Always use child safety seats and seat belts in cars.

Conclusion

Every fall should be taken seriously and carefully assessed, as even minor injuries can impact a child’s quality of life in the future. Parental vigilance, early intervention, and preventive measures significantly reduce the risk of falls in children.