Males are twice as likely as females to die from fall-related injuries. Low-income children are more likely to be injured from falls due to deficiencies in their environment, including aging or deteriorating housing and equipment. The majority of falls occur between noon and early evening, the most common playtime for children. Each year, an estimated 27,500 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for baby walker-related injuries. Injuries associated with falls down stairs are the most severe and are more likely to result in head injury and hospitalization.
Toddlers are at greater risk of injury from window-related falls.
Children falling from windows are more likely to be male, under age 3 and playing unsupervised at the time of the fall. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs if there are infants and toddlers in the home. Move chairs and furniture away from windows. Consider installing window guards on windows located on the ground floor and up, unless designated as an emergency fire exit. Active and diligent supervision is the key to preventing falls in children.