Kids Furniture Safety Information from Consumer Product Safety Commission

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is aware of deaths to children under age 6 that involved head entrapment under bunk bed guard rails. To reduce the risk of your child slipping feet first into the space between the lower edge of a guardrail and the top surface of the mattress, CPSC advises:

1. Never allow children under 6 years-old on the upper bunk.

2. Close the space between the lower edge of the guardrail and upper edge of the bedframe to 3-1/2 inches or less.

In addition, CPSC received reports that children, primarily age 1 and under, died when they became entrapped between the bed and the wall. A guardrail placed next to the wall, on the lower bunk as well as the upper bunk, will help reduce this risk of entrapment.

CPSC is also aware of young children who died when their bunk bed mattress and mattress foundation collapsed while they were playing on or under the beds. 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.

Basic Safety Rules for Bunk Beds

1. Don't let children younger than 6 sleep in the top bunk.

2. Make sure there are guardrails on both sides of the upper bunk, even if one side is against a wall.

3. Make sure that gaps in the guardrails are no bigger than 3.5 inches to prevent entrapment and strangulation.

4. Use the proper size mattress in the bunk bed.

5. Don't place the bunk too close to ceiling fans or furniture such as dressers.

6. Make sure bunk beds and ladders are sturdy and secure.

7. Don't let kids play on the bunk beds.

8. Make sure bunk bedposts don't have knobs or finials that can catch clothing and other objects.

9. Use night lights to help children find ladders in the dark.

10. Discuss safety concerns and the proper usage of bunk beds with your children.

Source: Consumer Products Safety Commission