A bunk bed is made-up of two bed frames, with one frame placed on top of the other. Bunk beds are commonly used in places with limited space such as hostels, prison cells, residence halls, children’s room, and dormitories. Some bunk beds offer the option to detach the bed frames and set them up as individual beds.
Though records of child accidents are associated with these kinds of beds, it is still a popular bed option for children. However, accidents can be prevented by being cautious and critical when using or buying a bunk bed.
Choosing Bunk Beds
Guardrails
Most bunk beds accidents occur due to falling, yet another and more fatal is strangulation caused by rails and barriers on the bed. It is important to consider the distance between the mattress and guardrails. Sometimes, the space is big enough that children can fit into it and be trapped.
·Detachable rails can easily break its hold and let a child fall. It is best to choose rails that are fixed and screwed on the bed permanently.
·Close up rail gaps more than 89 mm. Gaps that are this wide can cause strangulation and entrapment.
·Bunk beds with one sided rail are ordinarily placed beside the wall. This is to secure the other side of the bunk bed without rail. However, this setting offers higher risk and less safety. A child can actually get caught between the wall and the bed mattress and be suffocated. It is best to get a bed bunk with rails on both sides.
Mattress
Mattress support dependent on a limited ledge space of the bed frame is prone to detach easily. This may cause the child to fall. It is important to consider bunk beds that offer additional braces underneath the mattress to prevent mattress dislodgement.
Using a mattress smaller than the bunk bed’s frame can cause casualty. A child tends to move around while sleeping and might slip into the space between the mattress and bed frame. It is best to use the appropriate mattress for your bed frame size. Bunk beds and mattresses have two sizes to choose from: 122 mm/regular and 127 mm/extra long. Check which size is most suitable for you.
Safety Tips on Using Bunk Beds
·It is not advisable for children younger than 6 years old to take the upper deck as their bed.
·Stress the importance of using a ladder when going up and down the upper deck.
·Use a dim light or lamp to light the bunk bed’s ladder at night.
·Repair or replace broken ladder.
·Check guardrails regularly. See if the screws and bolts are still intact and in place.
·Make sure that the guardrails are in place.
·Explain the danger of horse playing on the bed and designate a more conducive place for playing.
