Injury Prevention

Staircases

Use safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases and in doorways to rooms where your child should not go. Make sure the gates are sturdy. Do not use accordion gates.
Cover doorknobs with safety covers to prevent your child from opening doors that lead to staircases.
Cover railings on steps, decks and balconies with safety netting to prevent children from falling and getting stuck.
When your child climbs steps, show her how to crawl backwards down the steps to prevent falls.

Last Update
January 29, 2008