Bunk Bed Safety
Bunk beds are a great piece of furniture to have in a bedroom because they free up so much space.
You are only occupying the space of one bed plus you can get a bunk bed that has drawers saving even more space, but it is important to consider many safety concerns before making your purchase.
Make sure the bunk bed you choose has guardrails.
This cannot be overstated.
It is a necessary safety feature among bunk beds.
Guardrails need to be placed on all four sides of the mattress, especially on the top bunk bed.
Make sure the guardrails run the full length and width of the mattress and bed frame.
Guardrails should extend five inches above the mattress surface for optimum safety.
You don't want the guardrails to be too high because it could cause a choking hazard if a child gets their head stuck between it and the mattress.
As you assemble the bunk bed from the instructions that come with it, make sure you follow the directions precisely.
Make sure all fittings are snug and any screws or other fastenings are completely tightened and in their proper alignment.
You do not want to have left over parts or pieces misaligned.
You may not have a problem immediately but over time a problem could arise.
This was discussed earlier in regards to guardrails but it applies to other parts of the bunk bed as well.
When assembling the bunk bed and preparing it for its first use, look for any possible gaps or openings that are more than 3 ½ inches in diameter so as to prevent any body parts from accidentally getting trapped or injured.
Make sure the ladder used to climb to the top bunk is stable and securely fastened, and that the ladder rungs or steps are wide enough for safe use.
Let your children know that the ladder is the only instrument to be used to reach the top bunk; chairs or other furniture are not appropriate to use to climb to the top bunk and could be dangerous.
Have them climb the ladder in your presence so you can monitor and train them on the proper ways to climb.
Following these steps and being aware of safety can ensure you have a safe bunk bed.
If at any time you feel unsure of your bunk beds, recheck the assembly.
It is better to be extra safe!
You are only occupying the space of one bed plus you can get a bunk bed that has drawers saving even more space, but it is important to consider many safety concerns before making your purchase.
Make sure the bunk bed you choose has guardrails.
This cannot be overstated.
It is a necessary safety feature among bunk beds.
Guardrails need to be placed on all four sides of the mattress, especially on the top bunk bed.
Make sure the guardrails run the full length and width of the mattress and bed frame.
Guardrails should extend five inches above the mattress surface for optimum safety.
You don't want the guardrails to be too high because it could cause a choking hazard if a child gets their head stuck between it and the mattress.
As you assemble the bunk bed from the instructions that come with it, make sure you follow the directions precisely.
Make sure all fittings are snug and any screws or other fastenings are completely tightened and in their proper alignment.
You do not want to have left over parts or pieces misaligned.
You may not have a problem immediately but over time a problem could arise.
This was discussed earlier in regards to guardrails but it applies to other parts of the bunk bed as well.
When assembling the bunk bed and preparing it for its first use, look for any possible gaps or openings that are more than 3 ½ inches in diameter so as to prevent any body parts from accidentally getting trapped or injured.
Make sure the ladder used to climb to the top bunk is stable and securely fastened, and that the ladder rungs or steps are wide enough for safe use.
Let your children know that the ladder is the only instrument to be used to reach the top bunk; chairs or other furniture are not appropriate to use to climb to the top bunk and could be dangerous.
Have them climb the ladder in your presence so you can monitor and train them on the proper ways to climb.
Following these steps and being aware of safety can ensure you have a safe bunk bed.
If at any time you feel unsure of your bunk beds, recheck the assembly.
It is better to be extra safe!
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