Tips on How to Keep Your Kids Safe When Using Bunk Beds

There are different variations of bunk beds. Traditionally, bunk beds are two twin-sized beds that are built so one is stacked over the other. They're handy to use when you have more kids than bedrooms in your house. However, even though bunk beds are helpful space-savers, they're also responsible for approximately 36,000 emergency room visits annually. Read this informative article and learn some valuable tips on how to keep your kids safe when using bunk beds!

Tip #1- Remember That Bunk Beds Aren't Suitable for All Kids
According to the the Health Canada website, kids under the age of 6 shouldn't be allowed to sleep on the top bunk. Put them on the bottom bunk instead. And if your child sleepwalks, has night terrors or other sleeping disorders, s/he shouldn't sleep on the top bunk either.

Tip #2- Choose a Sturdy Bunk Bed That Conforms to Safety Guidelines
To help keep your kids safe when using bunk beds, choose one that conforms to the current U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission requirements. You can find out what they are here.

Tip 3- Avoid Buying a Bunk Bed You Can't See Up Close, Test or Inspect
You can buy new bunk beds at furniture stores, used ones at garage sales, and new and used online. The problem with buying a new or used bunk bed that's not set-up is, you can't see it, shake it, and inspect it for safety. Additionally, buy a used bunk bed and you can risk buying a product that's been recalled. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 1994 to 1997, there were 514,500 wooden and metal bunk beds recalled. Ashley Furniture recalled 22,000 bunk beds in 2004, according to Rent to Own Online. More recently, Hooker Furniture recalled 1,300 bunk beds in 2007, and the Land of Nod recalled about 750 Cottage Bunk Beds in 2009.

To check for recalls and find out other safety information about bunk beds, log onto the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website here

Tip #4- Read and Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions for Bunk Bed Set-Up
One of the main reasons why so many children are injured every year from bunk beds is they weren't set-up properly. That's why it's so important to follow the instructions. Be sure to put the instructions in a safe place so you can refer to them anytime you take the bunk beds down.

Tip #5- Teach Your Kids About the Proper Use of Bunk Beds
Besides bed bunks that weren't properly set up, one of the other primary reasons why kids get hurt from bunk beds is horseplay. To help to keep your kids safe when using bunk beds, set-up and enforce rules. Teach your kids how to properly use them, and what not to do (i.e., jumping on/off the top bunk, jumping off the ladder or stairs, pushing the top mattress up with feet, etc.) on them.

Tip #6- Check the Bunk Beds on a Regular Basis for Stability and Damage
And finally, check your kids' bunk beds on a regular basis to make sure all the screws and other fasteners are tight. Make sure the beds are stable and secure. Look for damage that can compromise the durability and safety of the bunk beds such as cracked or splintered wood, et cetera.

Resources
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=38798
http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/are-bunk-beds-safe-sleep
http://www.rtoonline.com/content/article/Apr04/AshleyRecallsBunkbeds042204.asp
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/aw-am/sleep-sommeil-eng.php