Head injuries in infants: the risks of bouncy chairs and car seats.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Falls from inappropriately placed bouncy chairs or car seats form a significant proportion of head injuries in infants, resulting in unnecessary and preventable morbidity.
Wickham
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Department of Paediatric Accident and Emergency, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. doctimwickham@yahoo.com
Abrahamson
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D000058:Accidental Falls; D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000209:etiology*; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015370:Infant Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors