Bunk beds are often associated with kids and are considered to be an easy and convenient way to decorate a child’s room, particularly if siblings have to share a room or if the room is smaller in size. But as a parent or relative furnishing a room for “the kids” when they visit, there are some things you should know about bunk beds and bunk bed safety that will keep all bunk bed users, adults and children alike, safe and secure when sleeping.

Bunk Bed Safety Standards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that any bunk bed sold in the United States must meet the following requirements:

• a label on the bunk bed stating the manufacturer’s name, model number and mattress size information
• includes a warning label advising against placing children under six years of age in the upper bunk
• must have a continuous guardrail on the wall side of bed if the bunk bed is taller than 30 inches
• openings on the unit, either as part of the upper or lower bunk, must be small enough that a child’s head, torso, or limbs cannot pass through

To prevent the possibility of strangulation, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the organization in charge of bunk bed safety standards, made recent amendments to their safety guidelines. Any vertical protrusion above 3/16 of an inch is now considered to be unsafe and largely affects the use of decorative finials.

A Word about Second-hand Bunk Beds

While flea markets, garage sales and consignment stores are great resources for families on a budget, there are some things to keep in mind before buying a used or second-hand bunk bed.

• The information label required for new bunks with the manufacturer’s names, model number, etc. should also be on any second-hand bunk bed you decide to purchase.
• The new safety standard regarding how high vertical protrusions can be was only introduced at the beginning of 2009. Any second-hand bunk bed you buy should not have finials or if it does, they should be able to be removed easily without compromising the structure or design of the bed.
• Since safety standards are constantly being upgraded, know the current bunk bed safety standards and make that the second-hand bunk bed you choose meets all of them.
• Make sure that the assembly instructions are included; check the bunk bed pieces again the parts list on the instruction sheet to see if there is anything missing.

Suggested Ways to Make Bunk Beds Safer

Bunk beds should not be purchased for children under six. If you are buying a bunk bed for a child’s room that will be shared by one under the age of six and one who is older, the older child should get the top bunk. Encourage the younger child not to use the ladder to the upper bunk unless they are supervised.

For first time bunk bed users, consider installing a nightlight to make it easier to use the ladder safely if they have to get out of bed during the night. No matter what the age of the bunk bed user, adding a night light to a guest room furnished with bunk beds will make the journey to the bathroom or kitchen in a “strange” house a little safer.

Limit the number of children on the top bunk to one or the weight capacity of the top bunk.

Do not allow any bouncing or roughhousing on the top bunk.

Discourage your children from tying ropes or cords anywhere on the top bunk to eliminate any potential strangulation hazards.

Inspect the bunk bed on a regular basis; tighten any bolts or screws that may have loosened with use. If anything is broken, repair or replace it as soon as possible.