Ethan BrooksBy Ethan Brooks

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury among toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that injuries are the leading cause of death for children younger than 4 years old in the United States, and falls happen in many everyday settings. Simple changes to your home, the way you use everyday gear, and the playgrounds you visit can reduce the risk of a serious fall. This guide covers practical steps for preventing toddler falls from furniture, stairs, windows, high chairs and strollers, and on the playground.

Short version: Anchor furniture and TVs, use safety gates at stairs, install window guards and stops, always strap children into high chairs and strollers, place infant carriers on the floor, and choose playgrounds with soft surfacing. Close supervision is essential.

Furniture and TV Tip-Over Prevention

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that furniture, televisions and ranges can tip over and crush young children. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, you should secure TVs and furniture to the wall using mounts, brackets, braces, anchors or wall straps. The AAP adds that children can be seriously hurt or killed when they climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on large pieces of furniture like bookshelves and dressers. Anchor bookcases, dressers and TV stands to the wall, and keep computers out of reach. Free-standing ranges and stoves should be installed with anti-tip brackets, the CPSC advises.

Do not let children climb on furniture or use drawers or shelves as steps. Even heavy furniture can tip when a toddler pulls on an open drawer. For more on choosing and installing anchors, see our guide to furniture anchors. Remember that no device is completely childproof; determined toddlers have been known to overcome or disable them, so supervision remains important.

Stair Safety and Gates

Safe Kids Worldwide recommends using approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs and attaching them to the wall if possible. The CPSC stresses that only gates that screw to the wall should be used at the top of stairs, and pet gates should never be substituted for a child safety gate. The AAP advises avoiding accordion-style gates, which can trap a child’s arm or neck, and instead using gates firmly mounted to the home’s studs. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure you have the right gate for your needs; not all gates are safe for use at the top of stairs.

Beyond gates, the AAP suggests considering carpeting stairs and making sure the carpet is firmly tacked down at the edges. On hardwood floors, do not let a toddler run around in socks, which can make slippery floors more dangerous. Safe Kids adds that anti-slip rugs, mats or decals in the bathtub or shower can help, and hallways and stairs should be kept well-lit and clear of clutter. Toddlers should not play on high porches, decks, stairs or balconies unless an adult is closely supervising.

Active supervision on stairs is key. Safe Kids advises holding a toddler’s hand when walking up and down stairs. For more on stairway safety, see our stairway safety page. Proper installation of gates is critical; visit our installation guide for tips.

Window and Balcony Falls

The CPSC’s window safety publication says never to depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows, and Safe Kids Worldwide notes that screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. Instead, install window guards or window stops. Window stops should allow windows to open no more than 4 inches. For windows on the 6th floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire. The AAP also recommends opening windows from the top if possible, and installing operable window guards that only an adult or older child can open from inside. A screen is not strong enough to prevent a fall.

Keep furniture away from windows to discourage climbing. Safe Kids Worldwide adds that windows above the first floor should have an emergency release device in case of fire. Check window safety devices frequently to make sure they are secure and properly maintained. Learn more about these measures on our window safety page.

High Chairs, Swings, Strollers and Carriers

Safe Kids Worldwide reminds parents and caregivers to always keep babies and young children strapped in when using high chairs, infant carriers, swings and strollers. When placing a baby in a carrier, put the carrier on the floor, never on a table or other furniture. Even a brief moment on an elevated surface can lead to a dangerous fall. These simple habits reduce the risk of a child wiggling free or tipping over.

Playground Safety

The AAP emphasizes that the surface under playground equipment is one of the most important factors in preventing injuries. Hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt should be avoided, and grass does not absorb impact well. The CPSC recommends a thick layer of wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel at least 12 inches deep, or mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like material, extending at least 6 feet in all directions from the equipment. The AAP’s guidance for children 2 to 4 years old suggests maintaining loose-fill materials such as shredded rubber, sand, woodchips or bark to a depth of at least 9 inches.

Check that equipment is age-appropriate. Platforms higher than 30 inches above the ground intended for school-aged children should have guardrails or barriers. Spaces between ropes or bars should be less than 3½ inches wide or more than 9 inches wide to prevent head entrapment. Rungs should be evenly spaced and about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter for a good grip. Inspect for sharp points, protruding nails, rust or peeling paint. Do not let a child wear or play with anything that could get caught on equipment, such as drawstrings or necklaces.

For slides, look for a platform with rails and a guardrail or hood at the top so the child must sit before going down. Open slides should have sides at least 4 inches high. Teach children to go down feet first and never with an adult on their lap, as that can cause leg injuries. Swings need a cleared area in front and behind equal to twice the height of the suspending bar, and at least 6 feet of clearance on either side. Swing seats should be made of soft materials, and hooks should be closed to form a figure 8. There should be at least 24 inches between swings. The AAP adds that lack of supervision is linked with nearly half of playground-related injuries, so keep an eye on the action.

What to Do After a Fall

If your toddler has a serious fall or does not act normally afterward, the AAP advises calling your doctor. Safe Kids Worldwide says 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. For any fall that worries you, it is always appropriate to contact your child’s pediatrician.

Frequently asked questions

What type of safety gate should I use at the top of the stairs?

Use a gate that screws to the wall and meets current child safety standards. The CPSC warns that pet gates are not safe for children, and older gates with “V” shapes can trap a child’s head and neck. The AAP advises against accordion-style gates. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check that the gate is securely mounted.

How can I tell if a playground surface is safe enough?

Look for loose-fill materials such as wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel that are at least 9 to 12 inches deep, or unitary rubber mats. The surface should extend at least 6 feet from the equipment in all directions. Avoid concrete, asphalt and grass. The CPSC recommends 12 inches of loose-fill material, while the AAP suggests a minimum of 9 inches for toddlers.

What should I do if my toddler falls from a window?

If the child appears seriously injured, call 911 immediately and do not move them. For less severe falls where the child seems normal but you are concerned, call your pediatrician. Safe Kids Worldwide stresses that only trained medical personnel should move a seriously injured child.

For more guidance on preventing falls, visit our Falls category page.

Sources

Ethan Brooks

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.