Prevention Tips

The following are tips that can be used to prevent children from sustaining injuries related 

to falls:

Play safely. Check to make sure playground equipment your child uses is properly 

designed and maintained and there’s a safe, soft landing surface below.

Make home safety improvements. Use home safety devices, such as guards on 

windows that are above ground level, stair gates, and guard rails. These devices can help 

keep a busy, active child from taking a dangerous tumble.

Keep sports safe. Make sure your child wears protective gear when playing active 

sports, such as wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and a helmet when in-line skating. 

Supervision is key. Supervise young children at all times around fall hazards, such as 

stairs and playground equipment, whether you’re at home or out to play.

Please visit www.cdc.gov/safechild for podcasts, tip sheets, and other information on the 

leading causes of child injury and steps you can take to protect the children you love.

Protect the ones you love

FALLS

The Reality

Child injuries are preventable

We all want to keep our children safe and secure and help them live 

to their full potential. Knowing how to prevent leading causes of child injury, like falls, is a step 

toward this goal.

Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries for all children ages 0 to 19. Every day, 

approximately 8,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. This 

adds up to almost 2.8 million children each year. 

Thankfully, many falls can be prevented, and parents and caregivers can play a key role in 

protecting children.
The Burden of Child Injury, 

Unintentional Injury Deaths

Ages 1–19, United States, 2000–2005

Non-Injury

57,373

(38%)

Intentional Injury

27,222

(18%)

Unintentional Injury

67,169

(44%)

•	 Across	the	United	States,	

injuries are the leading cause of 

death among children ages 19 

and younger.

•	 About	33	children	die	every	

day because of injuries.

•	 Each	year,	nearly	9.2	million	

children aged 0 to 19 years are 

seen in emergency departments 

for injuries, and 12,175 

children die as a result of being 

injured.

CS122253

In addition to doing all you can to protect a child from being injured 

because of a fall, follow these steps to prevent other leading causes of 

injuries:

Burns —Fire and scalding water can pose threats to children. To 

help keep kids safer from burns caused by fire, install and maintain smoke alarms in 

your home. 

Drownings —Drownings can happen quickly and quietly, but installing four-sided 

fences, with self-closing and self-latching gates, around backyard swimming pools can 

make a life-saving difference by keeping kids away from the water when you’re not 

there to supervise.

Poisonings —Everyday household products can be poisonous to children, but you 

can safeguard your home. Keep medicines and toxic products, such as cleaning 

solutions, in locked or childproof cabinets.

Road traffic injuries —To make injuries less likely when you’re on the road with 

kids, always use seat belts, child safety seats, and booster seats that are appropriate 

for your child’s age and weight.

www.cdc.gov/safechild