How safe are water beds for children to sleep in?

Some experts believe that water beds are not recommended for children under about age two, because:

* Young children are at a higher risk for head injury during sleep. With a conventional bed, a child's head will hit a softer pillow if the child rolls off. With a water bed, the child's head may bounce into the harder side of the bed or a nearby piece of furniture, which can increase risk.

* Children at this age are top-heavy -- they have large heads proportional to their bodies. That means they're more likely to topple out of a waterbed that isn't surrounded by a protective frame.

* Toddlers are known for their climbing and falling abilities, and falling into a full-sized waterbed is harder than falling into a crib or twin-sized bed.

* Young children are drawn to the sensation of lying on a waterbed and could be enticed to walk to the edge of the bed and climb in, increasing the likelihood of a fall that could result in head injury.

However, there is no research that shows that children are inherently at greater risk of accidents with a waterbed. The AAP does say that there are some things you can do to make a waterbed safer for children, including choosing a smaller bed (around queen size), and making sure the bed is at least 24 inches off the ground.

* Use a waterbed mattress cover specifically designed for children;

* Fill the waterbed mattress with no more than 1/4 inch of water;

* Supervise your child while they are in the waterbed;

* Check the waterbed mattress regularly for leaks;

* Use a bed with sturdy side rails to prevent your child from falling out of bed;

* Place the waterbed in a room that is well-lit and free of hazards.