Treadmills can pose serious risks for toddlers

As reported in the February issue of Consumer Reports, home exercise equipment can save you a trip to the gym. But if you’re not careful, it could send you or your child to the emergency room. Trips and falls may be an obvious risk, especially to the over-eager runner who tries to ramp up to high speeds too soon. That’s why it’s important to start slow and always wear the safety clip that shuts off the machine automatically in the event of a fall.

Parents may be surprised to learn that exercise machines such as treadmills pose special risks to toddlers and young children, who account for the greatest percentage of serious injuries. Emergency rooms around the country are reporting a growing number of severe burns on the hands and fingers of young children who reach down or under and touch the treadmill belt when it’s running. Though some incidents occur when unsupervised children are playing with unlocked equipment, many occur when children approach from behind as a parent is using the equipment. Curious hands that reach out and touch the moving belt or reach under the machine can suffer excruciating burns that can require multiple skin grafts and cause permanent disability.

Treadmills aren’t the only problem. Other types of exercise equipment with moving parts can be dangerous for little ones and adults alike. Keep kids away from equipment when it's in use. When it's not, unplug the machine and, if possible, lock it up. Not all equipment comes with locks—if you're in the market for a machine and have small children at home, you should consider this safety feature.

For more information, read "How to choose a treadmill," which includes a video buying guide. And if you would like to share a story about your own treadmill travails or other safety issues related to home exercise equipment, please comment below.