injury prevention

Man securing a smiling child in a car seat, adjusting straps inside a vehicle with sunlight streaming through the door.

what is injury prevention?

Injury prevention focuses on reducing the risk of serious harm from everyday activities—like driving, biking, playing or even sleeping. Because injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children across the U.S., prevention plays a vital role in protecting kids’ health and wellbeing.

Through education, outreach and community partnerships, injury prevention programs teach families how to make safe choices, use protective gear correctly and create safer environments for kids to grow and explore.

the Dayton Children’s difference

At Dayton Children’s, injury prevention is an essential part of our Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Program—the region’s only trauma center verified by the American College of Surgeons. Our team doesn’t just care for injured children; we work every day to keep them safe in the first place.

We lead Safe Kids Greater Dayton, part of the global Safe Kids Worldwide network, to provide safety education and resources across multiple counties, including Butler, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Warren county. Through these partnerships, community events and evidence-based programs, we’re helping families build lifelong safety habits that reduce preventable injuries and save lives.

Smiling mother walking with her children to school, holding one child and another carrying a red backpack.

safety programs

Helping families keep kids safe at every age, from car seats and cribs to bikes and beyond.

Smiling toddler sitting safely in a car seat inside a vehicle, looking happy and comfortable.

car seat safety program

Certified technicians help families choose, install and use car seats correctly to keep every ride safe.

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Smiling teenage girl in the driver’s seat receiving car keys from her parent, excited to start driving.

navigating teen driving together

Support and resources to help parents guide their teens toward safe, confident driving.

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Woman in a coral dress smiling and holding a black motorcycle helmet in a brightly lit hallway.

helmet safety: bikes, scooters and more

Tips and training for safe fun on bikes, scooters and other wheeled toys—helmets included!

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safe sleep resources

At Dayton Children’s, we want every baby to sleep safely, both in the hospital and at home. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidance on creating a safe sleep environment. Explore these trusted resources to learn how to create a safe sleep space for your baby and reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents.

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learn more, stay safe

Find more tips and resources designed to help keep your kids safe wherever they play, ride or sleep. Even book a free car seat safety check to ensure your seat is installed properly.

Smiling toddler sitting safely in a car seat inside a vehicle, looking happy and comfortable.