Bunk Bed Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

Bunk Bed Safety

When it comes to bunk beds, many parents worry about whether or not they are a safe sleeping solution for their children. While most bunk beds pass rigorous safety testing to pass inspection, there are still a few things parents can do to ensure a safe environment for their children. Here are the top bunk bed safety tips every parent should know.

1. No child under the age of 6 years old on the top bunk

The most important safety tip you need to know as a parent is that no child under the age of 6 years old should be on the top bunk. In fact, many of the accidents you hear about bunk beds harming children is because parents failed to follow this very important and basic rule of bunk bed sleeping.

2. Always use the guardrail

While bunk beds typically come with guardrails for the top bunk as part of the safety measures to pass inspection, that doesn’t mean all parents stick with them. The guard rails should never be removed from the top bunk because they help prevent falls and injuries.

3. Teach children proper bunk bed use

It is important to teach your little ones the right way to use the ladder or stairs leading up to the top bunk. This will teach them how to navigate this aspect of the bed to avoid injuries or issues. You should also make it clear that they shouldn’t climb on the bed without using the stairs or ladder which is something a lot of older children try to do, and it can lead to injuries.

4. Place the bed in the corner of the room

While guardrails are great, bunk beds should still be placed in a corner. This will eliminate the possibility of falling off the bed on the one side and also helps to add stability to the bed.

5. Add night lights near the ladder or stairs

When your child gets up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and get a drink of water, there needs to be some form of light by the ladder or stairs such as a night light. Even older children need a light for this area near the bed to avoid any slips and falls during the night.

6. Teach children not to roughhouse on the bed

Finally, teach your children that the bunk bed is not a toy or a place for play. While bunk beds are a fun sleep solution, you don’t want your children pretending the top bunk is a pirate ship or something of that nature during play. Roughhousing on a bunk bed can lead to injuries and it is best to teach children right away that the bunk bed is for sleeping or reading.