Bunk beds can be dangerous, especially for very young children. Most bunk bed injuries happen when children fall from the top bunk quite often when playing, so we have compiled some common sense safety tips.
Tips for safe use
- Bunk Beds are not suitable for children under 9 years of age.
- Use the top bunk only for sleeping. Falls while playing on the top bunk make up most of the injuries. Discourage children from playing on the top bunk and keep an eye on this when possible.
- Check ladders and guardrails are fixed and stable.
- Check regularly for wear & tear. Always repair any damage immediately.
- At least once per year check all the bolts are tight as these can loosen over time with bed movement.
- Make sure that the mattresses are suitable for the bunk bed in question – for example if you are replacing mattresses make sure you check the effect their size will have in relation to the height of the guardrail & make sure there are no gaps down the sides.
- Pay particular attention when using bunk beds that are not familiar to you (for example in holiday accommodation).
- Keep bunk beds away from windows.
- Allow a space of at least two metres from ceiling fittings, fans or lights.
- Make sure curtain and blind cords are not accessible to children from the bunk bed.
- Bunk Beds must have guard rails on all 4 sides of the top bunk.
- Teach your children the correct way to climb up & down the ladder.
- Always note the recommended weight limit for the bunk you have purchased, where this may be 80kg per bed for example, 2, 3 or 4 teenagers sitting on the same bed can easily exceed the weight limit which could cause timber rails to break or weaken.