In the us there are thousands of bunk bed related injuries every year.
Safe age bunk beds.
Follow the manufacturer s instructions for assembly to be sure it is put together correctly.
Mckenzie who works with the website make safe happen notes that while bunk beds can be convenient space saving sleeping arrangements there are an estimated 36 000 nonfatal bunk bed related.
Most such injuries are from falls while sleeping or playing which means they probably could have been prevented if safety precautions had been followed.
When assembling the bunk bed ensure the guardrails are securely installed on all four sides of the raised bed or top bunk with correct spacing for access openings.
Because of the height associated with the loft levels these injuries are often more serious than if the same type of injury occurred on a regular furniture item lower to the ground.
Some bunk beds also are used separately as twin beds for older children and even adults.
Use guardrails on both sides of the top bunk.
Ask the retailer if you re not sure.
Do not keep dangerous items near and around the bed.
Only buy a bunk bed that complies with the australian standard as nzs 4220.
Do not allow children below six years of age to use the upper bunk.
Bunk beds are convenient for kids who share a bedroom.
Use a safe model.
The gaps in the guardrails should be 3 5 inches or smaller to prevent strangulation.
Also make sure that the bed you own or are thinking of buying meets current safety standards.
Guardrails need to extend at least 5 inches above the mattress top which includes any added mattress pad s to prevent kids from rolling off.
On average there are 36 000 per year and the sad thing is that they re completely preventable.
Although bunk beds are a safety risk for any age only children over the age of 9 years should use the top bunk.
You can place a night lamp beside the bed so.
To make sure your children enjoy their bunk safely be clear with them about the rules of use.
Bunk bed safety tips.
Despite the convenience two beds for the space of one the american academy of pediatrics and the consumer product safety commission say that children under six years old should never be.
By law all new bunk beds sold in australia must meet this standard.
Bunk beds are frequently used as a child s first regular or big kid bed after he she outgrows a crib either at about age 2 or 35 inches 890 mm in height.
Check connections and fasteners regularly to ensure they are strong and secure so that the bunk bed can hold the weight of the child or adult and won t collapse.
While it s common sense that bunk beds should be safe before use approximately 36 000 bunk related injuries happen to children every year in the united states according to nationwide children s hospital.
Assemble the bunk beds in the corner of the bedroom so that it has two walls.