What Can You Do?

Tips to Prevent Concussions This Summer

In children under five years of age:

• actively watch your child. Make sure they are in a safe environment.
• use wall-mounted gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• install window guards on all windows on the second floor and above. 

In children five to nine years of age:

• teach your child about safety during wheeled activities.
• make sure your child wears a helmet during wheeled activities.
• use child car seats and booster seats correctly.

It can be difficult to tell if your child has a concussion. Watch for: 

• a headache that does not go away.
• changes in the way they play or act, or in their mood.
• changes in the way they eat or sleep.

Children suspected of having a concussion should stop sports or activities, see a healthcare provider and rest. Rest, followed by a gradual return to activities, is often the best way to recover from a concussion. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.

Call 911 if your child has symptoms such neck pain, repeated vomiting, growing confusion, seizures, and weakness or tingling in their arms or legs. 
 

Learn More

• Keep Your Child Safe from Falls – Provincial Injury Prevention  
• Concussion Basics – MyHealth.Alberta.ca  
• Sport & Recreation Safety for Children – MyHealth.Alberta.ca 
• Concussion Information & Resources – Parachute 
• Concussion in Early Childhood – Coco Communication (U of Montreal)