Based on the results for Pediatrics Rate of Injury, the number of children admitted due to fall from bed doubled for almost twenty years already. "Most of the cases of fall is due to parents who shared bed with their kids, hence giving them limited space which limits mobility", Dr. Carolina Hawk of Pediatric Department, St. Lukes Hospital New York.
The said concern for the rise of Pediatric injury was even publish in JAMA Pediatrics journal, which emphasize the danger of bed sharing that may lead to Infant Sudden Death Syndrome (ISDS). The said medical condition involves suffocation of infant due to blocking materials that impedes breathing.
Like for example the case of Baby X (identity confidential), which died due to suffocation, as the infant's face was covered by a pillow due to bed sharing. The father did not actually notice that the baby's face was being covered with pillow already.
According to the latest survey, a rise of almost 7% of bed sharing in 1993 that rises up to 14% last 2010. "This finding is alarming, as the percentage of bed sharing doubles for the past years", Dr. Hawk said. She added that health education is one of the key that can lessen the current situation, as this helps in spreading health awareness, hence prevent injury.
Dr. Hawk along with other Pediatricians are determined to educate the public about the importance of having enough space while at sleep for safety purposes. Their team finds help as National Institute of Health funded their research, which involves 20, 000 caregivers who have a bed sharing habit where interviewed. It shows that almost 34% of them listened to the Doctor's advice to not share with one bed. The said percentage can be considered as low, which needs aggressive health education.
