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.
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Figure 1 .
Two of the most common types of bouncy chair.
Figure 2 .
The mechanism of injury resulting in a head injury and subsequent attendance at A&E.
Figure 3 .
Suggested pictorial warning of the dangers of placing these devices on an elevated surface.
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
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