Tragic bunk bed death of boy, 4, highlights safety for all parents
Experts warn of the dangers of bunk beds after schoolchild dies in his sleep
Parents have been warned to check bunk beds are fitted together properly after the tragic death of 4-year-old Daniel McGarry. The little boy was found dead, hanging between the bed and the wall it was pushed up against, after rolling off the mattress in his sleep.
The bunk bed in question was designed to have barriers on both sides of the mattress, but when relatives put the bed together, they omitted the barrier on the side closest to the wall.
"If there is a wider message it would be to check that bunk beds are properly constructed," said coroner David Roberts. "Parents should also ensure that barriers are placed on both sides. They can't rely on the wall alone being adequate protection to stop a child slipping down and falling from the bed."
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) also advises a child shouldn't sleep on the top bunk until they're 6.
Daniel's devastated mum said, "Daniel was my first son who I love dearly. He was a gorgeous little boy with his cheeky smile who everyone loved."
Read more...
Authors
Create the perfect wishlist for your baby with MyCrib
Are you expecting and don't know where to start? Discover how MyCrib can help you build your dream wishlist. You can add products from any site with just one click and even use MyCrib's buying assistant to help get you started.