If you have younger children sharing the same bedroom, you've likely considered purchasing bunk beds for them to share.
After all, bunk beds offer many benefits, especially in terms of space. They can open up a small bedroom, creating additional space for children to play or for parents to add storage furniture.
However, there are certain bunk bed safety rules and considerations, including the safe age for bunk beds, how old children can use the top bunk, and more.
Continue reading our helpful guide to discover more about how safe bunk beds are and how old children must be to use them.
Are bunk beds safe?
Yes, bunk beds are incredibly safe. If they were not, children simply would not be allowed to use them.
Most bunk beds made in the 21st century are made from reliable, durable materials and adhere to strict safety rules and regulations. These rules are designed to ensure the bunk bed frame can withstand constant use for several years and provide an exceptional level of safety for children of all ages.
Any injuries or accidents that are linked to bunk beds are generally because of the user's actions. For example, a child isn't being careful when climbing the ladder or is jumping on the top bunk, leading to a tumble.
Bunk beds are made from metal or wood, so can last for several years, taking your child from a young age up to their teenage years.
Plus, the top bunk on bunk beds has safety rails to ensure the child can sleep on the top without the risk of rolling off in the night.
What is a suitable age for bunk beds?
In terms of suitable ages to sleep on the top bunk, a child must be at least six years of age.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) believes no child under the age of six should be allowed to sleep on the top bunk of a bunk bed. They state that parents should also "very carefully" consider allowing a child younger than six to sleep on the bottom bunk, too. However, for many, the recommended age for sleeping on the bottom bunk is four.
The reason behind this top-bunk age limit is that children under six years of age may not be able to navigate the ladder easily, increasing the risk of injury.
A child's age is also important in terms of bunk beds as they must be able to understand the risks associated with playing on a bunk bed, especially if they're on the upper bunk.
If you have bunk beds, you should remind your children not to jump off the bunk bed, not to sit on the safety rails, and not to swing from the bunk bed frame.
How to ensure the top bunk is safe
Follow these simple safety rules so you can make sure your child is as safe as possible while sleeping in the top bunk.
- Remind your children that while bunk beds look fun, they shouldn't be played on – especially the top bunk.
- Tell your children to only use the ladder when trying to reach the top bunk or get down; don't use chairs or toy boxes, etc.
- Ensure there is a distance of at least two feet between the top bunk and the ceiling.
- Only one child sleeps on the top bunk and one on the bottom bunk at all times.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines about weight limits for the top bunk (many bunk beds have limits of between 75kg and 100kg).
- Regularly check all fittings to ensure the bunk bed frame is still in full working order.
- The top bunk mattress should be 6-7 inches in depth so your child is not sleeping above the level of the safety rails.
Find your perfect bunk bed at an affordable price
So, are your children the recommended age for bunk beds? Are you ready to find the perfect bunk bed for your children's bedroom? Well, you're in the best place!
At Bunk Beds, we sell – you guessed it – bunk beds! We have an enormous stock of high-quality, durable, and reliable bunk beds in a wide variety of styles, shapes, designs, and colours.
Whether it's a triple bunk bed or an L-shaped bunk bed you need or your little ones would like a particular themed bunk bed – you can find everything here.
If you need any assistance deciding between our bunk beds or require any information about our mattresses, pillows, and more, don't hesitate to get in touch.
