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Preventing falls while at the hospital

You can help keep your child safe by knowing their risk and working to prevent falls.

Published July 22, 2025
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider

Children receiving hospital care — whether staying overnight or visiting for appointments — face a higher risk of falling due to unfamiliar surroundings, medical treatments, and feeling unwell. Falls can cause injuries, delay treatment, and create stress for families. The good news is that most falls can be prevented with the right precautions.

Key Prevention Strategies

  • Stay close: Walk with your child and ask for help when moving
  • Wear proper shoes: Non-slip soles, good fit, no flip-flops
  • Move slowly: Take time getting up from beds and chairs
  • Keep spaces clear: Remove toys, cords, and clutter from walkways
  • Use safety equipment: Keep bed rails up and beds low
     

What can increase fall risk?

Medical Factors

  • Recent anesthesia or medicines that cause sleepiness
  • Pain medications or other drugs that cause dizziness
  • Weakness from illness or not eating/drinking well
  • Nerve damage that causes numbness in legs and feet
  • Seizure disorders
  • Recent weight loss or gain

Physical Factors

  • Previous falls
  • Young age (less developed balance and coordination)
  • Problems walking due to injury, pain, or muscle weakness
  • Need for walking aids like canes, crutches, or wheelchairs
  • Feeling confused, dizzy, or less alert than usual

Environmental Factors

  • Unfamiliar hospital layout and rooms
  • Medical equipment like IV lines that can get in the way
  • Cluttered floors or poor lighting

 

 

 

How can I protect my child from falling and hurting themselves?

Footwear and walking
  • Have someone walk next to your child.
  • Make sure your child is wearing shoes that fit well with non-slip soles and low heel when walking. They can also wear non-slip socks.
  • No flip-flops or other loose or floppy footwear.
Ask for help and move slowly
  • Remind your child to move slowly when getting up from a bed or chair.
  • Sit for a few minutes before standing
  • Ask for help every time before getting out of bed or chair. Children often fall when a parent is in the room.
  • Help your child learn to use the call light.
  • Make sure your child can reach the call light.
Bathroom Safety
  • Go together: Help your child to and from the bathroom every time
  • Stay nearby: Supervise bathroom visits, even if your child wants privacy
  • Don't rush: Encourage regular bathroom breaks so your child doesn't feel hurried

Note: While privacy is important, hospital stays require extra safety measures

Space and surroundings
  • Learn the layout: Help your child get familiar with their room and nearby areas
  • Medical equipment: Watch for medical equipment like IV and feeding tubes that can affect your child’s balance and natural movement
  • Furniture rules: Work with staff to ensure your child doesn't climb on furniture or medical equipment
  • No riding equipment: Rolling chairs, stools, and IV poles are not for playing on
Bed and crib rails
  • Babies and toddlers can easily fall out of the crib when rails are left down and caregivers are not looking.
  • When you are not at the crib facing your child, always put the crib rails all the way up.
  • Bed rails also need to be clicked into position.
  • Keep the bed as low to the floor as possible. 
Medicines
  • Some medicines may make your child dizzy, sleepy, or shaky.
  • Before and after a procedure, your child will be unsteady because of sedating medicines.

Remember: Most hospital falls happen when families think "it will just take a second" or "they'll be fine." Taking a few extra moments for safety precautions can prevent injuries and keep your child's treatment on track.