Bunk Bed Safety

Bunk beds are very versatile pieces of furniture and they can help free up floor space in rooms where you need to maximize the potential of your available area. As in all things, you need to be aware of possible safety concerns when utilizing bunk beds, especially with younger children. As long as you know the positive steps you can take to ensure the safety of those occupying bunk beds, you should feel very comfortable in their use.

1. Guardrails are one of the most important components of a bunk bed. Often, bunk beds are located next to a wall on one side. Regardless of that fact, as a safety precaution, guardrails need to be placed on all four sides of the mattress, especially on the top bunk bed. Make sure the guardrails run the full length and width of the mattress and bed frame. Guardrails should extend five inches above the mattress surface for optimum safety.

2. As you assemble the bunk bed from the instructions that come with it, make sure you follow the directions precisely. Make sure all fittings are snug and any screws or other fastenings are completely tightened and in their proper alignment.

3. When assembling the bunk bed and preparing it for its first use, look for any possible gaps or openings that are more than 3 ½ inches in diameter so as to prevent any body parts from accidentally getting trapped or injured.

4. Look for extra slats, crossties, or cross-wires to be located under the mattress frame to give the mattress extra support. In some instances, a mattress will just lie on top of the frame and could be easily dislodged without proper support underneath.

5. Check that the ladder used to climb to the top bunk is stable and securely fastened, and that the ladder rungs or steps are wide enough for safe use.

6. Let your children know that the ladder is the only instrument to be used to reach the top bunk; chairs or other furniture are not appropriate to use to climb to the top bunk and could be dangerous.

7. Check the sturdiness of the structure frequently and make sure the construction stays intact.

8. Only use approved mattresses in the appropriate size for the bunk beds frame. Mattresses can be found in regular and extra length sizes. Use of an inappropriately sized mattress could lead to injuries as the fit would not be exact.