Falls from highchairs

Aim of study: It is the aim of this study to investigate the mode of accide nt, the type and late sequels of injuries sustained in highchair falls and to develope accident prevention strategies. Methods: Within a 6,5 year period we analysed in retrospective the mode of accident, type and late sequels of injuries caused by highchair falls. Addi tionally 200 randomly chosen families with children aged 2-6 years were ask ed if they had used a highchair for their child, whether they had used high chairs equipped with child restraints and whether high chair falls have occ ured. Results: 111 infants aged 12,5 months (7-30 months) were injured in highcha ir falls. 40,5% of infants tried to stand up in the highchair and lost bala nce, 25,2% fell while unsupervised and were found on the floor, 9,9% pushed back their highchair and the highchair tipped over, 1,8% fell when they cl imbed the highchair which tipped over and 1 child (0,9%) slid down undernea th the highchair front table due to a technical defect of the highchair. In 21,6% of families no adequate information was obtained. 97,3% of infants s ustained head injuries (skull fractures: 16,2%, brain concussion: 14,4%, co ntusion of head/face: 61,3% and head/face wounds: 5,4%). Conclusion: The most promising highchair accident prevention strategy is th e use of highchairs equipped with adequate child restraint systems, the con struction of highchairs with increased tipping-over-stability and the remov al of steps or horizontal bars suitable for placing the infants feet on it when sitting. Infants using highchairs must not be left unsupervised.