subject: What to Look For In a Bunk Bed [print this page] What to Look For In a Bunk Bed What to Look For In a Bunk Bed
Almost every child dreams of having a bunk bed in his or her room. Of course, this excitement can also turn to tragedy as a rowdy child engaged in horseplay tumbles off the top bunk or falls from the ladder. While bunk beds are generally safe for most children, there are thousands of minor accidents every year with these style of beds. In rare cases, there are more serious and life threatening injuries.
While I am certainly not trying to scare you away from buying bunk beds for your children, I do want to make you aware of the dangers they can present to any child, and some simple tips for keeping them safe.
When shopping for a bunk bed you will want to ensure that the one you are buying has guardrails on all four sides. Be sure that the guardrails are of proper height and that your child can't easily slip underneath them. A general rule is that the gap between the bed frame and the guard rails shouldn't exceed 3-4 inches. The rails should also extend at least 5 inches above the mattress itself.
Be sure to check the ladder itself, as this is where many accidents and falls can happen. Are the rungs too far apart for your child? Is the ladder at an angle or straight up? Always have your child climb and test the ladder and tell you if it is comfortable for them. Be sure to keep a proper eye on your child as they test the ladder to help you make a final determination.
You will also want to inspect the planks under the top bunk to be sure they are sturdy and durable. While these bunk beds must pass stringent safety inspections, it is still a good idea to add a few more support planks under the top mattress. Again, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Next, you will want to make sure the top mattress fits tightly into the bed frame. A loose fitting mattress could cause your child to slip as they are attempting to dismount from the ladder.
The safety tips above are essential for any parent looking to purchase a new bunk bed for their child. Remember to be as through as possible when inspecting a new bunk bed, and don't be afraid to bring up any concerns you might have with the sales person.
