The Top Items Most Likely to Injure Young Kids, Survey Says

Any parent will tell you tiny tots are very curious and always discovering new things about the world around them. While this is great for their growth, sometimes their curiosity can also set kids up for injuries. One 2020 survey looked into the top products most likely to cause injuries in young children.

The survey looked at data from Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2020 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) report, comparing it to their own survey of 1,001 respondents.

The survey found that the following items caused injuries the most for kids aged 0 to 6:

• Furniture, including bed and bed frames, tables, chairs, sofas, couches, cabinets, racks and room dividers
• Baby gear, including highchairs, car seats, cribs and strollers
• Items for play, including toys, scooters, trampolines and playground equipment
• Everyday items, including cups, glasses, mugs, jewelry, coins, tablets or capsule drugs, bicycles and accessories
• Bathtubs and showers

When young children are involved, it’s always a good idea to read product safety labels and consumer warnings. The survey found many parents agree, with 75 percent saying they always or usually read warning labels on products for their kids. Plus, the top five risk factors that parents considered most when shopping for their kids were found to be:

• Sharp edges: 56 percent
• Possible poisoning: 47 percent
• Potential to break: 45 percent
• Choking hazards: 45 percent
• Drowning risk: 40 percent

While parents try to minimize the risk, the survey also found that some believed injuries were inevitable and even helped children learn. Of the respondents, 67 percent felt that, while safety was important, there was always a chance of injury, and 55 percent felt that some level of risk helped kids learn important life lessons.

Of course, no parent ever wants to see their child get hurt. To minimize the chances of injury, always read product and consumer safety labels when buying items. Plus, when installing furniture or baby gear, consult the manual or an expert to ensure the item is built correctly and safely for children. And if your little one is about to start crawling or walking, make sure you read up on these baby proofing tips.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.