Shopping cart injuries

Whether or not we are expecting our first baby or already have a few at home: one thing is for certain.  We will use shopping carts frequently to restrain our children as we go about our usual business of grocery shopping, clothes shopping and running errands.  It is a necessity for most parents, who could otherwise not manage these daily tasks.

It is important to inform parents that the number of children ages 5 and under who have been injured in shopping cart related accidents has increased by more than 30% since 1985.  In 1998, 26,000 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for shopping cart related injuries. 1 out of 20 children (5%) sustained injuries so severe that hospitalization was required. Most people do not think of shopping carts as being dangerous, yet these  alarming statistics show how harmful they can be for our children.  

How do injuries occur?

Children may suffer serious injuries, including fractures, concussions and lacerations as  a result of jumping or falling from a shopping cart, having the cart suddenly overturn, falling against the cart or being pinched by the folding mechanism of the seat.  Children also sustain shopping cart injuries from getting fingers and toes caught in the wheels, having carts tip over on them while trying to climb inside, and running into or being hit by carts.

What is the most common cause of injury?

Most shopping cart related injuries are a result of falling from shopping cart seats or baskets due to standing up in the cart or the cart tipping over. Head injuries account for more than 2/3 of all injuries associated with falls from shopping carts. More than half of children who have head injuries as a result of falls also suffer concussions and fractures.

Where do these accidents occur?

 Almost all accidents (85-90%) occur inside grocery stores or department stores. 

Who is at risk?

Children who are left unattended are at greater risk, although research shows that 80% of children are left unattended at least once during each shopping trip. Children under the age of 5 are at greatest risk of injury.  In 8 out of 10 cases, the falls from a shopping cart occurred when the children were not restrained with a safety belt.

Prevention tips:

* Never leave the shopping cart unattended.  Always stay close to the cart and be aware of what your child is doing (reaching out for items or leaning over the seat can cause falls)

* Always use the safety belts to restrain your child in the shopping carts.

* Do not let your child stand in the shopping cart

* Do not let your child push or steer the shopping cart or try to "ride" on it (this may tip the cart and is unsafe for child)

* do not attempt to place an infant carrier on the shopping cart unless the cart is specifically designed for such use (make sure to ask ahead of time).  Infant carriers have been known to fall off or fall inside the cart causing serious injury to baby.

Final thoughts:

As parents., it is our responsibility to make sure our children are safe. Knowing the facts and following these guidelines may help prevent a serious injury from occurring.