by Cicely Richard

Created on: August 28, 2008   Last Updated: January 21, 2009

Even the most protective parent will face situations when a baby falls for one reason or another. We place a baby on the bed, turn our backs for one second, and hear the inevitable thump. Many times, a fall leads to minor injuries and questions about our parenting skills. On the other hand, serious injury or death may result from serious falls. Nevertheless, there are a number of tips for preventing falling baby situations.

For newborn babies, their limited mobility makes falling rare. The primary situation that leads to falling is when using a changing table. Babies tend to wiggle when we change their diapers and can fall off the table. When we use chainging tables at home or in public, make sure that the new diaper, wipes, and powder or cream are within reach. Strap the baby on the table or keep one hand on the baby.

If, for some reason, newborns are sleeping on the bed, make sure they are in the center and that you can hear and see what's going on in the room. Once babies start lifting their heads and turning over, they need additional protection and should not be alone in the room.

Babies who are learning to turn over need some kind of railing or guard around their napping area. There are even mats that can be placed on the floor that provide a comfortable place to sleep.

Another sleeping option is a crib. Make sure the slats are close together and aren't designed like ladders that babies can grab hold and climb. A rocking crib is also inadvisable. Locks someone slip out of place. I'll never forget when my sister fell out of one of those when she was a baby.

When babies become more mobile and start scooting and crawling, falling situations tend to increase. We lived in a townhouse when my daughter was a baby. The stairs were a constant temptation. Because those gates didn't fit the angle of our stairs, we had to keep our eyes on her. However, most people should have a gate to prevent falling down the stairs.

Age-appropriate toys also help prevent falling situations. Until babies are about three years old, toys with ladders and stairs should remain outside of the home. Not only can babies fall from the top; they can actually hang themselves. If people you know has toys of that nature, politely ask them to place those out of your child's reach.

Falling situations are going to occur, especially as children grow and become curious. All we can do as parents are try our best to make sure the falls are minor. Falling is one of those learning experiences that are a part of growing up.

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