Which age group experiences the highest rate of life-threatening injuries?

• A. Infants and toddlers
• B. Preschoolers
• C. School-age children
• D. Adolescents

Answer: (A)

Infants and toddlers are most at risk for life-threatening injuries because this is a period of rapid exploration combined with limited judgment and developing motor skills. As babies start crawling, pulling up, and walking, they’re constantly moving through environments filled with hazards—stairs, pools, bathtubs, hot liquids, sharp objects, small choking hazards. Their bodies are small and their heads are proportionally larger, so when injuries occur they can be more serious relative to their size. They depend entirely on caregivers for supervision and for creating a safe environment, which means hazards in the home are continually within reach. As children grow older, they gain better balance, coordination, and ability to recognize danger, which reduces the likelihood that injuries will be life-threatening, even though others may occur.