Bunk Bed Safety Tips
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Federal guidelines state that children should be at least six years of age to use the top bunk bed.
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Only one person should use the top bunk bed at a time.
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Bunk beds are not designed to support jumping or rough play. An adult should supervise kids using the bunk bed.
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Only use the ladder or stairs to enter or exit the bunk.
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The upper bunk should have guard rails along both side of the top bunk.
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The mattress should be thin enough that at least 5" of guard rail is exposed above the top of the mattress. Usually this means using a mattress that is 8" thick or less.
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The guard rail that runs the entire length of the bed should be placed against the wall (if the bed will go against a wall). That prevents entrapment between the wall and the bed.
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Use the proper size mattress to fit the bed, i.e. twin, full, etc.
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Read the instructions that come with the bed and follow all safety recommendations. Do not remove the warning label from the bed.
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Never use any items with the bed that are not specifically designed for use with your bunk bed, i.e hanging ropes from the bed, modifying the bed's design, using replacement parts that are not from the manufacturer. Contact the manufacturer for any replacement parts needed.
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Ensure that the guard rail, ladder and connectors remain sturdy and secure with continued use.
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Make sure the ladder is wide enough and permanently attached to the bed frame.
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No openings should be wide enough for a child's head or torso to pass through.
Safety Standards
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires all bunk beds sold in the United States to comply with safety standards. All bunk beds must:
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Have a warning label that advises against placing children younger than six in the upper bunk.
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Have guard rails on both sides.
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Have a continuous guardrail on the wall side of bed if the bed is taller than 30 inches.
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Any openings on the upper or lower bunk must be small enough that a child's head, torso, or limb cannot pass through them.
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