FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT HOOD, Texas – Parents and caregivers are encouraged to prioritize shopping cart safety as Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Centers Army Public Health and Nursing Department highlight the risks associated with shopping cart-related injuries among young children.
According to national injury data, over 20,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency departments each year for shopping cart-related injuries. Most of these injuries involve children younger than 5 years old, with more than 70 percent resulting from falls from shopping carts. Head and neck injuries account for the majority of cases, underscoring the potential seriousness of these incidents.
“Many parents are surprised to learn how frequently shopping cart injuries occur,” said Shannon Horn, injury prevention specialist, CRDAMC, APHN. “A simple fall from a shopping cart can result in significant injuries, particularly to a young child’s head and neck.”
Cpt. Rene Palaniuk, chief APHN at CRDAMC, recommends the following safety measures when shopping with children:
- Always use the shopping cart’s safety belt or harness.
- Ensure children remain seated in the designated child seat area.
- Never allow children to stand up, ride in the basket, or climb on the outside of the cart.
- Always stay within arm’s reach of the cart.
- Consider alternatives, such as strollers or baby carriers, for younger children.
- Avoid placing infant carriers on top of shopping carts, as they can become unstable and fall.
Falls can occur quickly, even when a caregiver is nearby. Taking a few extra moments to secure a child properly can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
As families continue their daily shopping routines, CRDAMC professionals emphasize that awareness and prevention are the most effective tools for keeping children safe.
For more information about child injury prevention and shopping cart safety, see the attached flyer.
