Your Guide to Safe Bunk Beds

When it comes to a childhood bedroom, nothing says fun quite like bunk beds. They’re where bedtime stories come to life and families come together! Not to mention they clear space and their fort-building capabilities are superb.

But before fun can begin and sleep can be had, it’s important to factor in safety. Here’s our list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to bunk beds and your child’s room.

Check for “head spaces”. Children are naturally curious and tend to get themselves into all kinds of shenanigans. So, check to make sure there are no spots where your kid’s head might accidentally get stuck — think safety railing, headboard, ladder, etc. No gap should be larger than 3.5 inches.

Examine the equipment. Before you can clear the bunk bed for your kids to use, thoroughly check it out. Ensure that there are no loose screws, weak points or sharp edges, and secure the ladder and safety railing tightly to the frame.

Use the right mattress. Avoid creating any gaps between the bunk bed frame and the mattress by getting the right size or purchasing the exact one that’s meant for your set.

Light up the ladder. Plug in a night light near the ladder. It’ll make climbing up and down at night much safer and put your child at ease.

Be smart about placement. Strategically position your bunk bed to make it even safer. Go for corner placement for added support and steer clear of ceiling fans.

Consider their age. It’s best to wait until your child is at least six before you allow them on the top bunk. But that doesn’t mean little ones can’t get in on the fun! Set them up on the bottom bunk and make them feel happy and cozy.

Clear the floor. Do your best to keep the area around the bunk bed clear of any sharp or hard objects, including toys or large furniture, just in case of any accidental falls.

Don’t use it as a coat rack. Teach your kids not to hang things like scarves, ropes or belts on the bunk bed railing. It’s safest to keep it clear at all times.

Teach safety. To kids, a new bunk bed looks like playground equipment. And although they can be fun, they’re not meant to be used as a jungle gym. So teach them how to properly climb the ladder and set some guidelines on what it’s not to be used for.

Once you’ve checked these savvy safety tips off your list, you can rest easy knowing you’ve made the right choice for your little ones. And they’ll rest easy in their new sleeping environment! Win-win.