by Sharon Brook

Created on: June 15, 2009

Bunk beds are made with a brilliant idea of saving space and yet providing a good sleep for kids. This is really very useful especially if you have two or more kids in a room. Different from the usual beds, bunk beds are supported with four poles in each corner and a ladder is attached to it for a kid to use the top bunk. The top bunk must have at least two upper bunk guardrails to prevent the kid from falling from bed while asleep.

The purpose of bunk beds should really be clearly explained to kids. This is to prevent them from accidents that can happen from being ignorant. Though most of the kids will really enjoy going up and down of the bunk bed. In reality, there are hundreds of thousands of cases where kids suffer minor injuries from falling from the top bunk. These are cases when kids fall while playing or fighting with each other.

The accidents with the top bunk can be eliminated if the kids can fully understand the danger in playing on the top bunk. The purpose of the bunk beds should be fully absorbed by the kids. Here are some of the safety measures you can use:

1.Children below six years old should not sleep on the top bunk. You may also try thinking about other resources for the kid not to have an access to the top bunk. This way, you will be able to minimize any accidents that might happen.

2.Top bunk should always use the two side guardrails. Since guardrails purpose is to secure the sleeping kid from falling then the logic is to always have the guardrails up. Kids are known to move freely while asleep and guardrails prevent them from falling out of bed.

3.Children should be educated with the purpose of the ladder. They should be told how to use it and when to use it. They should be warned not to make any other ways in going up to the top bunk or they might fall and get injured.

4.Children should be reminded that bunk beds are used for sleeping. Explain carefully that bunk beds are not toys. You may also present the consequences or injuries they may suffer from playing in bunk beds just for them to have an idea of the possibilities just in case they plan to play on the bunk bed.

5.It is also important that the bunk bed you will buy for your kids have passed the quality test of the Safety Commission in your country.

Keeping in mind this safety measure will probably give peace of mind to parents and guardians. Applying all of these will eliminate accidents to your kids. All you need is the ability to make your kids understand the purpose of bunk beds.

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