Preventing head injuries in children
Concussion - preventing in children; Traumatic brain injury - preventing in children; TBI - children; Safety - preventing head injuryAlthough no child is injury proof, parents can take simple steps to keep their children from getting head injuries.
Car Safety
Your child should wear a seatbelt at all times when they are in a car or other motor vehicle.
- Use a child safety seat or booster seat that is best for their age, weight, and height. A seat that fits poorly can be dangerous. You can have your car seat checked at an inspection station. You can find a station near you by checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website -- www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#35091.
Safety seat or booster seat
All states require children to be secured in a car seat or booster seat until they reach certain height or weight requirements. This article gives y...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Children can switch from car seats to booster seats when they weigh 40 pounds (lb), or 18 kilograms (kg). There are car seats that are made for children who weigh more than 40 lbs or 18 kg.
- Car and booster seat laws vary by state. It is a good idea to keep your child in a booster seat until they are at least 4'9" (145 cm) tall and between 8 and 12 years old.
Do not drive with a child in your car when you have been drinking alcohol, used illegal drugs, taking medicines that make you sleepy, or are feeling very tired.
Wearing a Helmet
Helmets help to prevent head injuries. Your child should wear a helmet that fits properly for the following sports or activities:
- Playing contact sports, such as lacrosse, ice hockey, football
- Riding a skateboard, scooter, or inline skates
- Batting or running on the bases during baseball or softball games
- Riding a horse
- Riding a bike
- Sledding, skiing, or snowboarding
Your local sporting goods store, sports facility, or bike shop will be able to help make certain the helmet fits properly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has information on how to fit a bike helmet.
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 not ride on these vehicles.
After having a concussion or mild head injury, your child may need a helmet. Be sure to talk with your health care provider about when your child can return to activities.
Concussion or mild head injury
Your child was treated for a concussion. This is a mild brain injury that can result when their head hits an object or a moving object strikes the h...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleKeeping Your Child Safe in the Home
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. When using a high chair, make sure your child is strapped in with the safety harness.
Store all firearms and ammunitions in a locked cabinet.
Outdoor Safety
Make sure playground surfaces are safe. They should be made of shock-absorbing material, such as rubber mulch.
Keep your children away from trampolines, if possible.
Bed Safety
Some simple steps can keep your child safe in bed:
- Keep the side rails on a crib up.
- Do not let your child jump on beds.
- If possible, do not buy bunk beds. If you must have a bunk bed, check online reviews before buying. Make sure the frame is strong. Also make sure there is a side rail on the upper bunk. The ladder should be strong and attach firmly to the frame.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Concussion basics. www.cdc.gov/headsup/basics/index.html. Updated April 5, 2024. Accessed August 12, 2024.
Johnston BD, Kendi S. Injury control. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 14.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Car seats and booster seats. www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#35091. Accessed August 12, 2024.
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Review Date: 7/31/2024
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M.