With the recent recall I decided to rethink my daughters bunk bed.  We originally purchased it to help with storage in her room as it’s more of a loft bed with a pull out bed on the bottom.  So I did my homework and have a few safety tips for bunk beds. Read More Below...

First and foremost make SURE that the bed is assembled properly.  Often people will build them themselves either from a kit or from scratch.  Both methods are fine if the following guidelines are followed.

• Make sure the frame is stable.  Keep the bed level, against a wall and if possible fasten the bed to the wall.
• Keep the top of the mattress is less than eight inches deep and at LEAST 5 inches shorter than the top of the side rail.
• The side rail should not allow a body to pass through any gap  with or without a mattress.  If you can slid through without a mattress a child may slide through and potentially get stuck.
• Tighten all fastener with the appropriate tool and method.  Check from time to time to make sure that they have NOT come loose.
• Watch how close the ceiling is too low and you will bang heads.
• Make sure the ladder or stairs are stable.

Now for tips on keeping safe while using the bed.

• It’s not a jungle gym.  Climbing up or on anything part of the bed besides the ladder or stairs could tip or break the bed.
• Keep hanging items such as mobiles away from the bed.  They can become a strangulation hazard.
• Keep occupants to a minimum.  While it may be fun to have a TON of people on the bed, it could collapse or tip.
• Additional padding, excessive pillows and over stuffing the bed with animals could provide a ‘ramp’ for a child to roll out of the bed.

Personally I love my daughters bunk.  It adds a bunch of storage and an additional bed for guests.  But keeping some simple common sense tips in mind make the bed a safe piece of furniture.