Loft Bed and Bunk Bed Safety Recommendations

In 1999, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued mandatory safety standards for bunk beds. Since that time, the annual rate of bunk-bed related injuries has decreased, and parents have become more aware of the importance of safe bunk bed use. Bunk bed accidents can and do still happen, but there are many steps that parents can take to drastically reduce the chances of a child or teen being injured due to falling or entrapment. Bunk Bed Injuries: Frequency and Causes According to a 16-year study published in June 2008 in the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 36,000 bunk bed-related injuries happened annually in the U.S. to children and adolescents under age 21. Previous studies have found that most bunk bed-related injuries are caused by objects around the bed, by children playing in and around the bed, or by children jumping on and off the bed.

Bunk Bed Safety Precautions
The CPSC has made three recommendations to help prevent injuries on bunk beds or loft beds:

• Children younger than six years old should not sleep in the top bunk (they have a higher center of gravity and are more likely to incur head injuries in a fall)
• Children should be discouraged from playing on bunk beds
• Night lights should be used to prevent falls at night

An appropriately sized mattress and proper use of guardrails are essential for preventing head entrapment. All bunk beds feature a manufacturer's label with information about proper mattress size. Never use an air mattress or water bed on the top bunk. Side rails must be used on both long sides of the bed, even if it's positioned directly next to a wall. The CPSC advises parents to verify that bunk bed guardrail gaps are no larger than 3.5 inches.

Verify regularly that the bunk bed ladder and guardrails are in good condition. Don't place bunk beds near ceiling fans or light fixtures. Keep the immediate area around the bed free of hazardous objects. In case a fall does occur, we recommend placing a rug or carpet next to the bed. Studies have shown that the risk of fracture is reduced when a child falls on a carpeted surface.

The study published in Pediatrics found a correlation between bed malfunction and age, which is possibly attributable to weight. Do not exceed the weight capacity of your loft bed, and do not allow more than one child/person to be on the top bunk together.