how dangerous are stairs for toddlers

Infant walkers are unsafe and should not be used, but they’re especially dangerous around stairs. Stairs are one of the 10 most common sources of injury for toddlers and small children, the American Academy of Pediatrics

reports. Teach Your Children to Climb Up, Slide Down Most children are ready to start using the stairs by 18 months of age.

Full Answer

Are stairs a home hazard for toddlers?

Stairs may also be a home hazard if they are slippery and dangerous for toddlers that are unable to keep their balance. Watch out for railings since the toddler may also get stuck or fall through the open spaces. Placing a baby gate will prevent toddlers from going up and down the stairs.

How common are stair injuries in children?

Stairs are a common source of injury among children. In fact, on average, every 6 minutes a child younger than 5 years is treated for a stair-related injury in a U.S. emergency department. Stairs are a common source of injury among children.

Are floating stairs a fall risk for kids?

Since traveling from one floor to the next always creates a higher fall risk, always be mindful when children are playing near a stairway. It doesn’t matter if the stairway is floating or traditional as the fall risks are the same. Again, make sure to be mindful of the codes that govern stairways.

Why is stair safety important for kids?

Falls can happen anywhere in the home, but by practicing stair safety for kids, you can make your home a safer place for your children. Stairs should be clutter-free, in good condition, and have a banister or handrails on each side.

Did You Know?

How to keep kids safe on stairs?

Why are accordion gates no longer recommended?

How to keep floors clean?

How to prevent falls at the top of stairs?

How to light up a dark room?

What to use to clean a floor?

See 2 more

At what age are toddlers safe on stairs?

Most children are ready to start using the stairs by 18 months of age. At this time, children can usually walk up stairs, but they don't yet have the balance to walk down them safely. Teach and show your child how to walk up the stairs by holding a handrail and taking one step at a time.

Should a 2 year old be able to climb stairs?

On average, by 9 – 12 months, children can crawl up stairs. On average, by 18 months – 2 years, children can take steps two feet per step, while holding a rail or one hand. On average, by 2 years – 2 years 6 months, children can walk up stairs independently, two feet per step, without any support.

Is it common for toddlers to fall downstairs?

Yet the majority of babies take a fall at one point another—from a changing table, a bed, or even down stairs. Although you may think you're the only one, these sorts of scenarios are more common than you might think.

How do I keep my toddler safe on stairs?

How can I keep my child safe from stairway falls?Keep the stairs clear of tripping hazards. Clear the stairs of toys, shoes and other objects. ... Use railing guards. Kids are small and they like to squish their bodies through anything they want to fit through, including stair railings. ... Light the stairs.

At what age do stairs become difficult?

601 in 4 participants who did little to no exercise each day found they experience difficulty with everyday activities around the age of 60. 14% of over 65s who carry out moderate exercise found things like walking and climbing up and down the stairs a challenge.

Can 3 year old climb stairs?

Check-in for children who are 3 years old: Most children can easily walk up and down stairs, alternating feet on each step, by the time they are 3. They should not need to pull themselves upstairs using the railing, crawl up the stairs, or stop to rest.

What do I do if my 2 year old falls down the stairs?

Comfort your child and look for any injuries. Place a cold compress or ice pack on any bumps or bruises. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain if your child is alert. Let your child rest, as needed, for the next few hours.

How do I know if my toddler is OK after a fall?

Changes to watch for include inconsolable crying or fussiness, vomiting more than once, balancing difficulties when sitting or walking, and being unresponsive. If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, or has any significant swelling over the site of the injury, you should take them to the doctor right away.

How do you know if your child has internal bleeding?

What are the symptoms of a GI bleed?Abdominal cramping.Bright red vomit.Dark brown or black vomit that looks like coffee grounds.Diarrhea.Fatigue.Paleness, which can suggest iron-deficiency anemia.Shortness of breath.Stools that are red, black, dark brown, or tar-like in consistency.

What age can a child go up and down stairs alone?

By 2 years: By his second birthday, your child should be able to walk up and down stairs on his own. He may still hold on to the railing at this age. By 3 years: Around the 3-year mark, your toddler will be walking up the stairs just like adults do — alternating feet for each step.

What injuries can a child get from falling down the stairs?

Minor injuries that can result include sprains, strains, bruises, and minor cuts and scrapes. More serious injuries, like broken bones, spinal injuries, deep lacerations and concussions, can also occur from a stair fall.

Should I let my baby climb stairs?

Once your child starts walking, it's safe to let them climb stairs on their feet, holding your hand and the railing for support. If their legs aren't long enough to reach the steps, they could lose their balance and fall – so they might have to crawl up stairs for a little while longer.

At what age do babies learn to climb stairs?

Children typically mastered stair ascent (mean age=10.97 months) several months after crawling onset and several weeks prior to descent (mean age=12.53 months). Most infants (94%) crawled upstairs the first time they ascended independently.

How do I teach my toddler to climb stairs?

Hold their hand as they go up three steps. Take each step one at a time, syncing your movements with your toddler's movements so you are supporting them. Help your toddler maintain their balance as they go up the stairs.

What age do you remove stair gates?

2 years oldEU guidelines say you should stop using stair gates when your child is 2 years old. They may be able to climb over or dislodge the gate at that age and injure themselves. Remove the gates sooner if your child is able to climb over them. When a child is old enough, show them how to slowly and safely clim b the stairs.

At what age can children walk a balance beam?

Balance Beam With Support Development Milestone emerges from age 15 to 17 months. On a balance beam that is 8 inches across, your child should be able to walk at least three feet with your assistance. The balance beam should not be too far off the ground- only about an inch or two.

Are the steps going to be slippery?

The IRC does not provide any specific requirements for slip factors on treads but it is something that some people are concerned about.

What is a riser in a stairway?

In a traditional stairway, the riser is the vertical piece that connects two treads (the horizontal pieces that you step on). Floating stairs, in their pursuit of minimalism and to maintain the floating illusion, get rid of the risers, leaving open air ( what’s the difference between open riser stairs & mono stringers? ).

How much weight can a stair tread support?

IRC states that a stair tread must support a concentrated load of 200 lbs. in a square foot with no deflection. At Viewrail, our floating stairs have had 3rd party testing showing that it can support in excess of 2000 lbs., giving it a safety factor of greater than 10x.

What are the factors that affect the safety of a floating staircase?

There are three main things to be learn about regarding staircase safety: Weight, fall-through concerns, and slip factors. If you’re looking for a floating staircase, make sure to ask about these three factors as they are critical for open-riser staircase safety.

How much gap between stairs?

So, if you have a 7.25” total rise (measured by taking the distance from the top of one step to the top of the next step), with a 3.5” tread, there is only a 3.75” gap. These codes were designed with small children in mind and ensures that any child large enough to be climbing steps won’t be able to fall through the open risers.

Do floating stairs support weight?

You want to make sure that your stairway is going to be able to support the weight of multiple people for decades to come. Floating stairs are beautiful but they also have to be able to serve the function of transporting people from one floor to the next.

Is it dangerous to walk down a stairway?

All Stairways can be Dangerous. Since traveling from one floor to the next always creates a higher fall risk, always be mindful when children are playing near a stairway. It doesn’t matter if the stairway is floating or traditional as the fall risks are the same.

What is the steepness of a staircase?

For example: riser 190 mm, going 260 mm. The staircase steepness is (190 * 2) + 260= 640 mm. As 640 mm is a value included in the range 550 – 700 mm, the steepness is optimal. On a domestic staircase we also suggest to have a maximum pitch angle of 42 degrees. This value is lower for commercial and public staircases (33 degrees maximum).

How high should a handrail be?

As a general indication we recommend that the railing height from top of the handrail is between 900 mm and 1000 mm above the pitch line or floor. The handrail placed on top of the uprights is sometimes required to be continuous. It must run from the top riser to the bottom riser on the entire staircase. You should be able to grasp it and maintain the grasp without having to release your hand.

What to do with wooden treads on stairs?

A very elegant solution if you have wooden treads is to have wooden down-stands coming down the steps. This is only possible on brand new staircases. Staircase Railing. The primary purpose of the railing on the staircase is of course to act as a barrier to avoid persons to fall.

What is the best railing for a staircase?

The most popular railing design is nowadays the glass railing. It can be frameless – with glass fixed directly to treads or to stringers – or supported by uprights and handrail. Another very safe railing option is the one with wrought iron patterns. Forged scrolls or ribbons give an elegant timeless design to the staircase. Also in this case the wrought iron panels have to be manufactured with scrolls and ribbons to prevent a 100 mm sphere from passing through.

How high should a balustrade be?

As a general information for safety reason we can say that the balustrade height from top of floor to top of handrail must not be less than 1000 mm. Check with your Building Officer once more. Railing and balustrade Fitting.

Why are uprights important?

The uprights are especially important to give stability to the whole railing. The infill can be conceived with different layouts. If you have young children using the staircase we recommend an infill with vertical spindles, rather than horizontal rods.

How many mm should a stairway be?

Steps. The going of each step should be not less than 220 mm. Small goings are very uncomfortable to walk even for children. All goings should be equal throughout the entire stairway. Depending on the material they are made of, the surface of treads can be slippery.

How to prevent injury when carrying a child on the stairs?

INJURY PREVENTION TIPS. Avoid carrying a child on the stairs when possible. Place him in a safe place, such as a crib, when you need to use the stairs. When you need to carry a child on the stairs: Avoid carrying other items. The child should be the only thing in your arms.

How often do children get injured on stairs?

Stairs are a common source of injury among children. In fact, on average, every 6 minutes a child younger than 5 years is treated for a stair-related injury in a U.S. emergency department.

Why do you keep one hand on the handrail?

Keep one hand on the handrail to help prevent a fall in case you trip or slip.

Where to use stair gates?

Use stair gates both at the top and at the bottom of stairs.

Can stair gates be used as a substitute for adult supervision?

While important and effective, remember that stair gates are not a substitute for adult supervision.

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How to reduce the likelihood of someone going up stairs?

Light stairs well - by lighting stairs well , you reduce the likelihood that someone will trip because they could not see properly. Keep nightlights on near steps for nighttime use.

How many people die from stairs every year?

Don't be fooled by their commonplace appearance; stairs are a serious danger that cause over a thousand deaths every year. Obviously, the danger that stairs pose is that of falling. However, the damage can vary widely based on any of a number of factors, from what direction you're heading, to how high up you were at the time of the fall..

Why do people go to the hospital?

Falls are one of the top reasons why people have to go to the hospital, and stairs are the top place where people fall. With a few precautions, though, you can mitigate your chances of falling or sustaining serious injury if you do fall.

Who is Kitchi Joyce?

Kitchi Joyce is the Director of Administrative Services for Southern Orthopaedics Specialists, a full service Atlanta orthopedic practice specializing in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. Southern Orthopaedics Specialists has multiple locations around the Atlanta Metro area where doctors, physicians and medical staff help patients live and perform at the peak of their physical ability. Decades of experience, education and research means that all branches ofAtlanta orthopedics are covered, from cartilage restoration to spine care and sports medicine. Learn more about Atlanta orthopedics at http://www.sos-atlanta.com/services/orthopaedic/.

Can you take stairs to reduce risk of falling?

There are many small risk reducing steps you can take in your own home and sometimes on other stairs that can reduce your risk of a fall.

Who is most at risk of falling on stairs?

Unsurprisingly, the people most at risk from a serious fall on the stairs are the elderly and young children. However, secondary groups like pregnant women, the immuno-suppressed, those with poor vision or balance, and hemophiliacs need to take special caution around stairs as well.

How dangerous are electrical outlets?

Not protecting your child from these dangerous outlets can cause your child to get shocked or electrocuted if playing nearby. Extensions and loose wiring can also be a child hazard if your toddler decides to play with them . The best way to keep these wires away from toddlers is by hanging them up high towards the ceiling, tightening them together behind the furniture, or stapling them/taping them as closest to the floor edges as possible and away from the children. Also, make sure the wires are in good condition and not pealing off. Any damaged wiring can create sparks and be potential fire hazards if not maintained correctly.

How to keep kids safe from sharp objects?

Having sharp objects around the house is inevitable. They are located in almost every part of our home. However, taking note of how reachable these home hazards may be for the young toddler (s) is important. That’s why it’s always good to maintain knives, forks, or other pointy items out of the reach of children. You also want to make sure that if you have a dishwasher, to baby proof that and all other appliances, and that is your safest bet. Point sharp knives and forks downwards, and avoid adding soap to the dishwasher, at least until it is time to turn on the dishwasher. Items that are made out of glass are also dangerous since they might fall to the ground and shatter into sharp pieces. Always keep on the lookout for these dangerous child hazards.

How to keep toddlers from falling down stairs?

Watch out for railings since the toddler may also get stuck or fall through the open spaces. Placing a baby gate will prevent toddlers from going up and down the stairs.

How to keep wires away from toddlers?

The best way to keep these wires away from toddlers is by hanging them up high towards the ceiling, tightening them together behind the furniture, or stapling them/taping them as closest to the floor edges as possible and away from the children. Also, make sure the wires are in good condition and not pealing off.

What to keep from crawling on the ground?

Therefore, it’s important to keep debris, dirt, or other nasty scum away from the ground. Although, it may be a bit more work to sweep and mop more frequently, it will be for the safety of your child. Anything that a toddler may find while crawling on free space will be potential choking hazard if swallowed. You never know what you might find on the ground until you sweep. You may be surprised at all of the items you may find such as loose screws, pieces of plastic, buttons, pennies, or other small parts that your baby might want to nibble on or eat.

What are the scariest things to do with a baby?

Stairs & Windows. Windows are probably the scariest child hazards to have around babies. Toddlers are at the age where they want to explore their curiosity. It’s safer to avoid a tragedy by keeping windows closed and locked. If you need to open the windows, then try opening the top part only instead.

How to be alert to a baby?

Be alert on the safety of your baby at all times. The changes of behavior and mood of your baby are more than enough signs that something isn’t right. Follow your sixth sense at all times! The health and safety of your baby should be your number one priority.

How old should a toddler be to not use screen time?

Limit screen time and develop a media use plan for your family. external icon. For children younger than 18 months of age, the AAP recommends that it’s best if toddlers not use any screen media other than video chatting. Your toddler will seem to be moving continually—running, kicking, climbing, or jumping.

Why do toddlers need less food?

Your toddler might become a very picky and erratic eater. Toddlers need less food because they don’t grow as fast. It’s best not to battle with him over this. Offer a selection of healthy foods and let him choose what she wants. Keep trying new foods; it might take time for him to learn to like them.

What are developmental milestones?

Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (like crawling, walking, or jumping). During the second year, toddlers are moving around more, and are aware of themselves and their surroundings.

What does it mean when a toddler is moving?

Your toddler will seem to be moving continually—running, kicking, climbing, or jumping. Let him be active—he’s developing his coordination and becoming strong.

What to give a nursing toddler?

Give your child water and plain milk instead of sugary drinks. After the first year, when your nursing toddler is eating more and different solid foods, breast milk is still an ideal addition to his diet.

How to keep toddlers out of the house?

Ensure that your home is toddler proof by placing plug covers on all unused electrical outlets. Keep kitchen appliances, irons, and heaters out of reach of your toddler.

How to help toddlers learn language?

Help to develop your toddler’s language by talking with her and adding to words she starts. For example, if your toddler says “baba”, you can respond, “Yes, you are right―that is a bottle .”

What is the AAP website?

Department of Agriculture provides information on health and nutrition for 2 through 5 years of age. AAP’s Healthy Children website provides information on feeding, nutrition, and fitness for all developmental stages from infancy to young adulthood.

How to keep toddler safe?

Because your child is moving around more, he will come across more dangers as well. Dangerous situations can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on your child. Here are a few tips to help keep your growing toddler safe: 1 Do NOT leave your toddler near or around water (for example, bathtubs, pools, ponds, lakes, whirlpools, or the ocean) without someone watching her. Fence off backyard pools. Drowning is the leading cause of injury and death among this age group. 2 Encourage your toddler to sit when eating and to chew his food thoroughly to prevent choking. 3 Check toys often for loose or broken parts. 4 Encourage your toddler not to put pencils or crayons in her mouth when coloring or drawing. 5 Do NOT hold hot drinks while your child is sitting on your lap. Sudden movements can cause a spill and might result in your child’s being burned. 6 Make sure that your child sits in the back seat and is buckled up properly in a car seat with a harness.

How much sleep should a toddler get?

Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: For toddlers 1-2 years, 11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

What is SAMHSA?

SAMHSA works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services. Teens Health external icon. Visit this site for information on healthy eating and exercise for children and teenagers. Page last reviewed: February 22, 2021.

What is a kids quest?

Kids Quest is a CDC website designed for students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, to get them to think about people with disabilities and some of the issues related to daily activities, health, and accessibility.

How to help a toddler with reading?

Following are some of the things you, as a parent, can do to help your toddler during this time: Set up a special time to read books with your toddler. Encourage your child to take part in pretend play. Play parade or follow the leader with your toddler.

What should toddlers be able to do?

During this stage, toddlers should be able to follow two- or three-step directions, sort objects by shape and color, imitate the actions of adults and playmates, and express a wide range of emotions.

Did You Know?

Every 6 minutes, a child younger than 5 is rushed to an ER for a stair-related injury.

How to keep kids safe on stairs?

When children need to be carried up and down the stairs, hold on to the banister or handrail, and do not carry anything else. Carefully watch toddlers on stairs. Hold their hands when walking up and down, until they are ready to use ...

Why are accordion gates no longer recommended?

Accordion-style baby gates are no longer recommended, due to strangulation hazards. Make sure your baby gate is up-to-date, and meets all current safety standards. Check for recalls here.

How to keep floors clean?

Keep floors clear of toys, clutter and spills. Make sure carpets and runners are secure. Use rugs with non-slip backs, or if that's not possible, use non-slip rug pads. Floors that are wood, or have been recently cleaned, can be slippery, so take extra precautions when wearing socks and slippers.

How to prevent falls at the top of stairs?

Use hardware-mounted gates at the top of stairs. Gates that only press against walls—pressure-mounted gates—are not secure enough to prevent falls at the top of stairs.

How to light up a dark room?

Keep hallways and stairways well-lit, and use nightlights to light up any dark spaces, bathrooms and children’s bedrooms.

What to use to clean a floor?

When cleaning, it is best to use non-skid wax or polish on your floors, and make sure to wipe up any furniture polish that may have landed on the floor. Avoid trips and falls by securing cords from phones, computers or lamps in high-traffic areas, by tucking them away or using cord shorteners. LIGHTING.