Researcher recommend that adults actively supervise their children when around open windows, avoid opening upper level windows and move furniture away from open windows.

Since the change in weather, there has been a rise of pediatric patients admitted to U-M for injuries sustained in a fall from an open window. Several children have required hospitalization.

Every year, about 3,300 children five and younger are treated for falls from windows, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Children under five years old are the most common age group to be treated for falls from windows. At that age, much of a child’s weight is in their head, so even leaning out of a window can cause them to fall.

“Children younger than 5 are particularly curious about their environment and the events happening outside of a window are a natural draw for a child’s attention,” says Dr. Michelle Macy, Clinical Lecturer of Emergency Medicine at the U-M Medical School. “Relatively large heads make it difficult for them to keep their balance which is particularly true when they are leaning forward, like they do when trying to look out a window.”

To prevent falls, U-M doctors urge parents to:

• Make sure windows on upper floors are never open more than a few inches. If a child can fit their head through the open space, a fall can occur.

• Keep furniture away from windows so kids can’t climb to the ledge. Small children that may not be tall enough to reach could use furniture to gain easier access to the opening.

• Keep windows locked and closed when they are not being used.