Although no child is injury proof, parents can take some simple steps to keep their children from getting head injuries.
Your child should wear a seatbelt at all times when they are in a car or other motor vehicle.
Do not drive in a car with a child when you have been drinking alcohol.
Helmets help to prevent head injuries. Your child should wear a helmet that fits properly for the following sports or activities:
Your local sporting goods store, sports facility or bike shop will be able to help make certain the helmet fits properly. You can also contact the American League of Bicyclists.
Almost all major medical organizations recommend against boxing of any sort, even with a helmet.
Older children should always wear a helmet when riding a snowmobile, motorcycle, scooter, or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). If possible, children should avoid riding on these vehicles.
After having a concussion or mild head injury, your child may need a helmet. Always talk with your doctor or nurse about when to return to activities.
See also: Concussion - children - discharge
Install window guards on all windows that can be opened.
Use a safety gate at the top and the bottom of stairs until your child can safely go up and down. Keep stairs free of any clutter. Do not let your children play on stairs or jump on or from furniture.
Do not leave a young infant alone on a high place such as a bed or sofa.
Store all firearms and bullets in a locked cabinet.
Make sure playground surfaces are safe. They should be made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand.
Keep your children away from trampolines, if possible.
Some simple steps can keep your child safe in bed:
Heads up. Facts for physicians about mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). US Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CS 109152.CS109152
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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