Cranial Injuries Due to Misuse of Infant Carriers

Infant carriers (car seats, bouncy chairs) can cause injuries when used for other than their intended purpose. We studied children aged 0-24 months with carrier related injuries reported to the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study (PTOS) dataset (2001-2022 inclusive). 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 Scores were 9.3. 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. We conclude that falls in, or from, infant carriers are a significant public health concern. Education, advocacy, and changes in carrier design may help to reduce the frequency of these injuries.