Bunk-Bed Safety Tips

You already know the critical importance of using health-friendly, chemical-free bedding for your children, as you don’t want to expose them to anything that may harm them or contribute to problems later on in life.  However, creating a safe bed space isn’t only about what bedding you use.  There's also a couple simple, quick things you can do to assure safe setup and use of some of the safe bed space now available that will help every parent sleep better at night.  

Bunks are typically incredibly safe, but you’ll want to take some extra precautions just in case.  One way to help ensure the safety of your child on the bottom bunk is to arrange the bunk beds so they meet at perpendicular, not parallel, lines.  The top bunk should be placed as normal, but place the bottom bunk at a 90 degree angle heading in the other direction.  If you make sure your child sleeps with his head on the part of the bed that’s out in the open and not under the top bunk, even in the event of a bed collapse, your child should be safe (especially if their feet don’t reach very far just yet).  Even though the collapse scenario is highly unlikely, this is also a great way to provide you as parents with greater peace of mind, and alot easier access to your kids!

Even if you decide to build the bunks in a traditional setup, don’t worry too much.  Just be sure that the entire bunk structure is stable and built on a sturdy foundation.  Also check regularly to make sure all bolts and fasteners are tightened and undamaged, so that no unexpected loosening has occurred since you originally set up the bunks.  Also, be sure you only allow a certain weight load on the bunks at any one time.  For instance, don’t put your 6-foot-7, football quarterback uncle on the top bunk when he comes to visit.  So long as you use common sense, and keep your eye open for any structural or fastening problems, you should be able to rely on a safe and sturdy bunk bed setup.

Also in SH Blog