The number of babies being injured while in high chairs and booster seats is increasing, according to a nationwide study.
The study, published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, found that the number of high chair injuries has increased by more than 22 percent between 2003 and 2010. Researchers reported more than 9,400 high chair-related injuries a year—or about one injury per hour—and that the accidents commonly result in head injuries, such as concussions.
The researchers said they are unsure why the number of injuries is increasing. Elevated chairs in close proximity to hard tables or counters may increase risk of an injury, as well as the chairs’ restraining systems not being used properly.
In order to prevent high-chair related injuries,scientists advised that parents take precautions, such as firmly strapping their child in their seat and making sure that the chair is not near hard or sharp objects. They also suggested that parents make sure they purchase high chairs that have been approved for safety standard, and to make sure their high chairs and boosters seats haven’t been recalled.
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