Special Report: Bed Rail Safety

Since 1990, 17 children have died from strangulation or entrapment from bed rails like this one - prompting the Consumer Product Safety Commission to call for a new design.

Patty Davis, Consumer Product Safety Commission
"Our goal here is to make sure they're the safest possible product out there."

Now, a number of safer rails have hit the market.

This one uses spring-loaded clamps to hold on to the mattress, and nearly eliminates gaps between mattress and rail.

It's very difficult to break free. It sells for around $30.00.

Kate, Boston mother
"I think every improvement they make is great, and is well worth looking into."

Another design has two rails, one on each side of the mattress for a tight fit. It retails for $50.00.

Patty Davis, Consumer Product Safety Commission
"That's a parental choice - you have to decide whether a single rail works for your situation or whether a double rail works."

Another concern - a bed pushed up against a wall. Over a ten-year period, the CPSC found a shocking number of children - 271 - died on this side of the bed- where no bed rail was used.

Patty Davis, Consumer Product Safety Commission
"The majority were infants that were suffocating against the wall, against the mattress and the wall. Our cardinal rule here is when you have an infant, put them in a crib and not in a bed.

Here's what you can do to keep your kids safe:

• When they can get in and out of an adult bed by themselves, around 2 years of age, kids are ready for their own bed with a bed rail
• Before you buy, look for this certified seal
• Use a bed rail only with a mattress and box spring
• Make sure there's plenty of space between the bedrail and the headboard and foot board

The CPSC says, so far, the safer-style bed rails have a good track record. but they're still reviewing the design standard.

For more information:

Juvenile Product Manufacturers Seal:
http://www.jpma.org/consumer/certificationprogram/certification_program.htm

Another good resource for consumer product safety:
http://www.cpsc.gov