Risk Factors for Newborn Falls or Drops During the Birth Hospitalization: Analysis of 88 Reports

To determine factors that increase the risk of newborn falls or drops during the birth hospitalization.

Using evidence from a review of the literature and newborn falls and drops at our hospital, a data collection instrument was developed and a retrospective, cross-sectional, exploratory review of a convenience sample from hospitals that had experienced at least one newborn fall was conducted. Data were collected from September 2016-June 2025.

Information on 88 newborn falls or drops was collected from 15 hospitals. Eleven potential risk factors were identified: nighttime, cesarean birth, second and third night after birth, maternal anemia/excessive blood loss, use of prescribed opioids within 4 hours of fall, comorbidities, maternal attachments, high-risk fall behaviors, breastfeeding, in-hospital use of prescribed sedating medications, and history of illegal substance use within the last 2 years.

All newborns are at risk of falling or being dropped by a parent or support person, and some are at higher risk than others. Knowing the risk factors can help nurses and other members of the maternity care team to identify those at greater risk of falling or being dropped and implement preventative measures.