Every year unintentional window falls send thousands of children under the age of 5 to emergency departments. Any window higher than six feet from the ground poses a risk of injury. Children could open unlocked windows, squeeze through partially opened windows or easily push out window screens. Remember to supervise children around windows and follow these recommendations to keep your children safe.

Install window guards and stops

• Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. Properly install an approved window guard or stop.
• Use window guards that adults and older children can easily open or those with an emergency release device. Include this in your family’s fire and emergency escape plan and practice it regularly.
• Use window stops to prevent windows from opening more than four inches.

Open windows from the top and close after use

• If you have windows that can open from both top and bottom, make a habit of opening just the top to prevent accidental falls. Keep in mind that as kids grow, they may have enough strength, dexterity and curiosity to open the bottom.
• Keep windows locked and closed when they are not being used.

Keep kids from climbing near windows

• For your crawlers and climbers, move chairs, cribs and other furniture away from windows to help prevent window falls.
• Never move a child who appears to be seriously injured after a fall. Call 911, and let trained medical personnel move the child with proper precautions.

• Use approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs. Safety gates at the top of stairs must be hardware-mounted to the wall so they cannot be pushed out of place.
• Remember to read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels to make sure you have the right safety gate for your needs.
• Actively supervise toddlers on stairs. Hold their hand when walking up and down stairs.
• Keep stairs well-lit and clear of clutter.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of playing on stairs.

• Consider anti-slip rugs for the floors in your home. Use mats or decals in the bathtub or shower to prevent falls.
• Keep hallways well-lit and clear of clutter.
• Don't let kids play on high porches, decks, stairs or balconies. If it's unavoidable, make sure they are supervised by an adult.
• If wearing socks indoors, use those that have nonslip grippers on the bottom.

Secure kids when seated

• Keep babies and young children strapped in when using high chairs, infant carriers, swings and strollers.
• If your baby is in a carrier or baby seat, remember to place it on the floor, not on top of a table or other furniture.

Help babies learn to stand and walk safely

• Baby walkers allow children to move to areas or reach items that may be unsafe. They also do not come with safety features that prevent the walkers from rolling down the stairs.
• Because baby walkers can be dangerous, a stationary activity center can be a safer choice. These items give your baby a chance to practice standing and moving more safely. Look for one that is on a stable, immobile base and place it away from stairs, hot appliances and window cords

• Take your kids to playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea gravel, wood chips or mulch. If your child falls, the landing will be more cushioned than on asphalt, concrete, grass or dirt.
• It is best practice to use shock-absorbing surfaces under home playground equipment as well.
• Children should use outdoor play equipment that’s right for their size and developmental ability.
• Actively supervise children on playgrounds, monitor them for risk-taking behavior and make sure they are using equipment properly.
• Wear the right helmet and safety gear for activities such as biking or snowboarding to prevent an injury that can ruin the fun down the road.

• We know that letting your child ride in the shopping cart basket, under the basket, on the sides or on the front of the cart is fun. It can also be dangerous.
• Never leave your child alone in a shopping cart.
• Do not place infant carrier car seats on top of shopping carts. They are not designed to be secured to shopping cart handles and can easily fall off.
• If possible, use shopping carts that have a wheeled child carrier that is permanently attached. Some of these models look like cars or benches attached to the shopping cart, which many children enjoy.
• If you are placing your child in a shopping cart seat, strap them in with a harness or safety belt. If the belt is missing or broken, select another cart.

• Remove items, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of dressers, TVs and other large furniture. Secure top-heavy furniture to the wall with an inexpensive furniture anchor, such as a bracket, brace or wall strap. TVs that are not mounted on the wall should be anchored to the wall or stand by an anti-tip device.
• When your baby is on a higher surface, such as a changing table, always buckle the straps to keep them from falling off the table. Even babies who can’t yet roll over independently can still manage to roll off a changing table.
• Do not use crib bumpers because they pose risks of suffocation and strangulation. They also can be a fall risk if a child uses them to climb out of a crib.

Learn more:

• TV and Furniture Tip-over Prevention Tips