Young nurse helping to walk to little girl with broken leg

Pediatric Orthopedic Patient Education

Your child’s health is our priority, and we’re dedicated to supporting you with the knowledge and resources you need to keep them safe, active and injury-free. If an injury does occur, we’re here to help your child recover quickly and safely so they can get back to being a kid.

Cast Care for Kids

Learn About Cast Care

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Crutch Walking for Children

Learning to use crutches can be a challenge for kids, but these tips make it easier and help your child gain mobility and independence while recovering from an injury.

Get Crutch Tips for Kids

Sports Conditioning Strategies

The right conditioning can help your child perform at their best. No matter what sport they play, you can help your child increase their strength and flexibility to reach peak performance.

Check Out Conditioning Tips

Preventing Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common, but many can be prevented with the right strategies. Learn how to protect your child from injuries and enjoy the activities they love safely.

Prevent Sports Injuries

Car Seat Safety

Explore car seat safety programs, resources and events designed to keep kids safe on the road and prevent childhood injuries.

Help Prevent Injuries

Lawn Mower Safety

Each year, over 9,000 children in the U.S. are treated for lawnmower injuries in the emergency room. These accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including flying debris, trips or falls near the blades or falling off a riding mower.

There are a few steps you and your child can take to prevent injuries from occurring:

Keep young children out of the yard while mowing.
Children should be at least 12 to operate a push lawnmower and at least 16 for a riding lawnmower.
Never allow passengers on a riding lawnmower, especially young children as they could fall and get injured.
Always remove stones, toys and sticks from the yard before mowing.
If operating a riding mower in reverse, always look for children behind the mower.
Make sure the motor is turned off before checking, servicing or cleaning the mower.

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ATV Safety

ATVs can provide an adventurous and fun activity, but there are safety concerns to consider, especially for children. ATVs do not have as many safety features as a car, and there are fewer rules for driving them. Common injuries in kids include eye injuries, broken bones and spine damage.

Here are ATV recommendations by age:

Children under 6 should never drive or ride as passengers on an ATV.
Children under 12 should not drive an ATV.
Drivers aged 12-16 should avoid ATVs with engines larger than 90 cubic centimeters, as they are more powerful.
Children under 16 should never ride an adult-sized ATV. A speed limiter should also be used to avoid reaching high speeds.

Guidelines to keep your kids safe while riding ATVs:

ATV drivers of all ages should receive proper safety training.

Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection and long pants.
Do not ride on paved roads.
Do not carry more passengers than the ATV was designed for.
Do not “jump” or attempt to get the vehicle off the ground.
Ride only during the day in appropriate weather conditions.
An adult should supervise ATV activities.

It’s important to talk with your child about these safety guidelines so they feel prepared and can stay safe when riding on or driving an ATV.

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ATV Safety

Here are ATV recommendations by age:

Children under 6 should never drive or ride as passengers on an ATV.
Children under 12 should not drive an ATV.
Drivers aged 12-16 should avoid ATVs with engines larger than 90 cubic centimeters, as they are more powerful.
Children under 16 should never ride an adult-sized ATV. A speed limiter should also be used to avoid reaching high speeds.

Guidelines to keep your kids safe while riding ATVs:

ATV drivers of all ages should receive proper safety training.

Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection and long pants.
Do not ride on paved roads.
Do not carry more passengers than the ATV was designed for.
Do not “jump” or attempt to get the vehicle off the ground.
Ride only during the day in appropriate weather conditions.
An adult should supervise ATV activities.

It’s important to talk with your child about these safety guidelines so they feel prepared and can stay safe when riding on or driving an ATV.

Pediatric Orthopedic Patient Education

Cast Care for Kids

Crutch Walking for Children

Sports Conditioning Strategies

Preventing Sports Injuries

Car Seat Safety

Lawn Mower Safety

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ATV Safety

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About OSF

Resources

Sites

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Lawn Mower Safety

ATV Safety

About OSF

Resources

Sites