Loft/bunk beds: Safety

A loft bed or bunk bed is the best bet for space conscious customers and those looking to elevate the sleeping area. The bed is elevated on a platform with space left underneath for living, working, or playing. In case of the bunk bed, there is another bed underneath the top bunk. These beds are undoubtedly popular with children and teens; however, many parents worry about their safety.

There have been cases when hurt themselves after falling from the top bunk of their bunk beds or loft beds. Some of them receive serious injuries that are not seen by a medical professional. According to a recent survey, loft beds are one of the most accident prone beds. Hence, parents should reflect on the maturity of their children before they purchase a bunk or a loft. If they do decide to utilize these types of bed, parents should make sure that the bunk bed meets manufacturing standards and follow additional safety guidelines.

Though there are some standard requirements that the manufacturer of Bunk beds need to adhere to, there are a few suggestions that can be followed by parents to be on the safer side.

• Placement of bunk beds should be avoided near ceiling fans or tall furniture.
• It is advisable to have night lights assist children in using the ladder.
• You should periodically check the beds and the ladders for sturdiness and tighten bolts regularly.
• Always use the proper sized mattress for the top bunk.
• Make sure the bunk bed does not have any decorative finials that might catch clothing.
• Advise your children that the bunk beds are a place to sleep, not a place to play.
When you finally begin searching for an appropriate bunk bed or loft bed for your child, choose a bed that adheres to all the safety standards. A bunk bed should also have guard rails that have no more than three and one-half inches of space between the rail and the mattress which will prevent children from falling through the space and potentially injuring themselves. The guard rail needs to extend no less than five inches above mattress so that your child will be unable to roll off the top bunk.

If the mattress sits on a wooden platform, consider reinforcing the mattress with wooden slats or metal straps. This will prevent the top bunk from collapsing.

A quality, well constructed bunk bed or loft bed that meets all safety guidelines ensures that your child is safe and the bed is completely durable and useable.

Thomas Mathews

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