Bunk beds are a blessing for many families that have limited bedroom space. Having to double and sometimes triple the number of children in one room makes for very little extra room. Bunk Beds are the perfect solution to multiple sleeping arrangements; however, they are not without serious risks. I implore all my customers to read the guidelines and instructions for proper set up of their bunk beds.
• Bunk beds should contain a label with the name of the manufacturer. Instructions giving the proper size and thickness of the mattress and containing specific warnings for safe use must also accompany each bunk bed set.
• Bunk beds must have at least two upper bunk guardrails, with at least one rail on each side. Lower bunks with mattress foundations that are 30 inches or less from the floor do not have to have guardrails.
• The guardrail on the side of the bed opposite the ladder must run continuously from one end of the bed to the other. If the guardrail does not attach to an end of the bed, the gap between the end of the guardrail and the nearest end of the bunk bed cannot be greater than 0.22 inches.
• A guardrail on the side of the bed with the ladder does not have to run continuously from end to end, but the distance between either end of the guardrail and the end of the bed nearest to it cannot be greater than 15 inches.
• Guardrails must be attached to the bunk bed with fasteners that you have to release to take the rails off.
• The space between the lower edge of the guardrail and upper edge of the bed frame must be 3 1/2 inches or less.
• The tops of the guardrails must be no less than 5 inches above the top of the mattress.
• Bunk beds should not have sharp points or edges and should never be painted with lead containing paint.
• Mattresses and/or foundations resting only on ledges need fastened cross wires, or other means of support to help prevent dislodgement, even when beds are used as twin beds.
• Children 6 or under should not be permitted to sleep on upper bunk.
I am so thrilled to be able to bring these safety guidelines to my customers. The more prepared we are as parents and the more precautions we take, the safer our children will be.
And remember...Happy Child...Better World...
