By Dr. John Harrington, General Academic Pediatrics

As the weather gets warmer, the grass gets higher. For many families, that means a lot of time spent outdoors tending to yard work. Mowing the lawn is one of the most common chores this time of year, but remember: It can also be dangerous.

Lawnmower injures send thousands of children 18 and younger to the emergency department each year. Thousands more are hurt by outdoor power tools like weed trimmers, edgers, chippers, shredders and log splitters.

CHKD patient Landyn Gutierrez and his family know how serious lawnmower injuries can be. At 3 years old he almost lost his foot in a lawnmower accident. Read his story here.

Keep kids safe with these tips:

• Keep kids out of any work area when using power equipment or a lawnmower.
• Never allow children on riding lawn mowers or tow trailers.
• Turn off your lawn mower or power equipment if you see a child enter the work area.
• Do not allow children to play with or operate outdoor power equipment.
• Clear your yard of any debris, like loose sticks, stones, twigs or toys that could be thrown by lawnmower blades or other equipment during yard work.
• Always look for children before and while backing up and when you go around corners, trees, shrubs or any other obstacles.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children should be at least 12 years old before operating a push lawn mower and at least 16 before using a riding lawn mower.

With the proper supervision, most lawn mower injuries can be prevented.

Like this post?

Sign up to receive our once monthly email with more kids' health tips from the region's most trusted name in pediatric health care.

About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.