Citation

Wickham T, Abrahamson E. Arch. Dis. Child. 2002; 86(3): 168-169.

Affiliation

Department of Paediatric Accident and Emergency, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. doctimwickham@yahoo.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11861231

PMCID

PMC1719118

Abstract

AIMS: To establish whether the incorrect use of bouncy chairs (BC) and car seats (CS) is a significant cause of injuries in babies. METHODS: Prospective study over a 12 month period. All babies under the age of 1 year, presenting to the department with a head injury were eligible. RESULTS: A total of 131 cases were recorded, 17 (13%) of which were associated with either BC or CS, the second largest aetiological group. All BC cases (11/11, 100%) were caused by a fall from a surface with the baby in the chair. In the CS group, 2/6 (33%) were caused by such a fall. The carer was aware in only one of the 13 cases involving a fall from a surface that there was any chance of injury from this mechanism. CONCLUSION: Falls from inappropriately placed bouncy chairs or car seats form a significant proportion of head injuries in infants, resulting in unnecessary and preventable morbidity.

Language: en