Cranial Injuries due to Misuse of Infant Carriers.

INTRODUCTION

Infant carriers (car seats, bouncy chairs) can cause injuries when used for other than their intended purpose.

METHODS

We studied children aged 0-24 months with carrier related injuries reported to the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study (PTOS) dataset (2001-2022 inclusive).

RESULTS

There were 562 injured children, averaging 23 injuries per year. Mean age was 3.3 months; 54.3% were male. Most (82.7%) fell from an elevated surface; 88.7% fell an estimated 2-5 feet. Head injuries (intracranial injury/hemorrhage and/or skull fracture) were present in 85.6%. Admission Glasgow Coma Scores were most commonly 15 (79.1%); 7 had GCS <12. Average Injury Severity Score was 9.3 (range 1-30). Average length of stay was 1.4 days; 30% spent >1 day in the intensive care unit. Two children underwent cranial operations. There were no deaths, and 82.9% were discharged home.

CONCLUSION

Falls in, or from, infant carriers are a significant public health concern. Education, advocacy, and changes in carrier design may help reduce the frequency of these injuries.