They are now calling for an information campaign to make parents more aware of the dangers of bunk beds. Dr Diana Macgregor carried out the research after noticing increasing numbers of children coming in with injuries caused by falling out of bed. Twenty-seven suffered head injuries, with seven so severe that the child vomited or lost consciousness. Ten children fell out of a lower bunk or bed while they were playing and two injured themselves jumping off a top bunk. Injury pattern Children also injured themselves falling out of low beds if there was furniture nearby.
Families get bigger, and if there is a shortage of space, bunk beds are ideal.
Children also suffered head injuries, lacerations or soft tissue injuries. Most companies selling bunk beds recommend children under six should not sleep in the top bunk. But researchers said, in spite of industry recommendations parents are either unaware of the advice or ignored it. Dr Macgregor told BBC News Online bunk beds were a natural solution for growing families. Families get bigger, and if there is a shortage of space, bunk beds are ideal.