Health Watch: Crib Danger Report

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An alarming number of children are rushed to emergency rooms everyday after being injured in a crib, according to a new report. Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl is On Your Side with more.

Crib accidents are too frequent and parents need to take action, according to this new research. It was released in time for a congressional hearing today on consumer product safety issues, expected to include crib injuries.

They're suppose to be safe and cozy, but the new research on cribs says that's not always the case.

"Each year in this country approx 9,500 children are rushed to hospital emergency rooms with crib related injuries. That's 26 children a day," said Dr. Gary Smith, who led the new study published in the journal Pediatrics. It looked at accidents related to cribs, playpens, and bassinets. It found children falling out of their cribs make up about two-thirds of those injuries, especially for older babies who are just starting to stand.

"If they lean out over the top of the crib, they'll topple forward, head first. And one of the common injuries we saw were injuries to the head, face and neck," said Dr. Smith.

The study also found over 2,000 crib related deaths. Experts say, with the recent ban of drop side cribs, they hope these deaths and injuries will steadily decline.

Doctors say if your child is big enough to stand, lower the mattress. And children 35 inches tall are ready for a toddler bed. They say even though accidents happen, a good, sturdy crib is still the safest place for infants to sleep. And they should be on their backs, and without soft bedding like pillows and bumpers.

Watch the video...

RELATED LINKS:

A Parents Guide to Safe Sleep
Choosing A Crib

Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3