A lot of families consider bunk beds for their children to make maximize smaller spaces or because their children have requested them. Even though they save space and look fun, research shows that 85% of accidents in the bedroom occur from the presence of bunk beds.



The most visible danger of bunk beds is how easy it is to fall from the top bunk. A child cannot be monitored throughout the night or for every minute that they are playing in their room so there is always a risk of a child falling from the top bunk height and seriously hurting themselves. Other risks are getting trapped in guard rails, slipping off the ladder, the bunk bed collapsing and minor knocks on sharp edges and especially the underside of the top bunk.

While a fall from a bunk bed can be dangerous in and of itself, any furniture in the nearby vicinity raises the chance of injury. Blind cords can become dangerous since they can affect a child's neck during a fall and cause death. Such cases are very rare but they do raise the question of how safe our children are in bunk beds.

Making your child aware of possible risks is the first safety measure you should take. It is important for all children--even those not sleeping in the bed--to know the rules and dangers associated with bunk beds. Although kids less than six years of age should not sleep in the top bunk, it sometimes does happen that it may happen that they sleep there. You might want to buy a bunk bed that converts into single bed, so that you can keep them both on the floor until your children are ready for bunk beds.

Regardless of the regulations and strict guidelines that European bunk bed producers must adhere to, you should perform a few basic safety checks yourself. Fixtures and attachments such as guard-rails and bunk-bed ladders must be firmly attached. Somes designs allow for the ladder and side rails to be reconfigured, however once the configuration is decided make sure they are secure so that a child cannot lift them off.

Your wooden bunk bed will most likely have pine slats that you will need to lay across the frame and screw down tightly in order for the frame to support the mattresses well. Kids love to play on their beds. With metal bunk beds, an important tip is to check the welded joints on a regular basis since the mattress is supported by this wire mesh. It only takes one faulty weld to injure your child even though regulations will tell you that the bed has been examined.

When looking for a ladder that is easier to ascent and descent, try a gradient ladder instead of the vertical type. Another reason it is a good idea to purchase a night light is so that the ladder is visible to your child during the night.

Certainly always look for beds designed safely and without sharp edges. Your bunk can be customized by using some sticky backed rubber - it is even better for ladder steps and those points where a child is likely to get hurt from. Take care to ensure the screws are secured properly. After you've finally finished building a bunk bed, take the time to give it a good once-over to make sure all is as it should be.

The final, yet most important concern when purchasing a bunk bed is teaching your child how to remain unharmed when using it. They need to realized the consequences of not acting in a cautious manner.