Preventing Head Injuries
Tips and Advice for Parents

• Always secure a child with the safety straps when placed in high chairs, changing tables or strollers.
• Never allow a child to stand up in a high chair or stroller.
• Place the high chair far enough away from counters,walls and tables to prevent the child from pushing off and tipping.
• Never place infant carriers on tables, sofas, beds or counter tops.
• Place window locks on all windows.
• Place a baby gate at the top of the stair case and at the bottom.
• Avoid using walkers for your toddler.
• Set up your changing table so that everything is at hand.
• Never leave your baby unattended on the changing table. Changing tables should have a child safety strap to prevent falls.
• When your baby is strong enough to flip over and resist having his diaper changed place the changing pad on the floor to prevent falls.
• Secure heavy items such as bookshelves,dressers and televisions to prevent tip overs.
• Do not use outdoor climbing equipment inside on hard surfaces.
• Play ground equipment should be age appropriate with soft ground cover like sand. Grass is not considered soft ground cover.
• Cover all sharp edges on furniture with foam safety padding in the event of a fall.
• Cover fireplace hearths with padding. Foam floor squares that interlock can be a good padding source for this hard to cover area.
• 75% of all bicycle related deaths among children could be prevented with a helmet fitted and correctly worn. Always use protective gear when riding bicycles.
• Set a good example for your child and use helmets too.
• Make sure that you purchase a helmet for your toddler that meets or exceeds current SNELL or ANSI safety standards.
• Correct fit of helmets is essential. If a child wears a helmet that does not fit correctly they have a 52% greater risk of head injury.
• Helmets should fit snugly,comfortably and should not rock back and forth or side to side.
• Make sure the bicycle your toddler is riding fits him properly.
• Teach your young children safety rules of bicycle riding.

Common signs of severe head trauma:

• Unconsciousness or trouble staying awake
• Prolong uncontrollable crying (greater than 10 minutes)
• Blood in the ears, eyes or nose
• Area of injury swelling rapidly
• Vomiting or nausea
• Dizziness or uncoordinated movements

When any of these signs are present always seek medical attention.

Toddler Safety

Water Safety

Car Seat Safety

Gun Safety

Burn Prevention

Sun Safety

Toy Safety

Shock Prevention

Suffocation Prevention

Poison Prevention

Pet Safety

Head Injuries in Children

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