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Ensuring the Safety of Your Kids on Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are an excellent alternative to a conventional bed, especially if you have more than one or two kids and want to accommodate them. It is also a great way to maximise on space. However, when buying a bunk bed for your kids, you need to consider the safety of the beds. This is because bunk beds, while being convenient, can pose serious risks of injuries. For instance, kids can fall from the top bunk or get their limbs and heads trapped in gaps around the bed. Therefore, to ensure safety of your kids on their bunk bed, ensure the bed you buy meets the mandatory standards required. Here are few of these standards and tips you will want to consider.

Location of the Bed

You need to pick the right spot for the bed. First, put it in a corner to provide two walls of support for it. In addition, avoid putting the bed near ceiling fans. If you do however, make sure there is enough space between the top bunk and your ceiling fans and lights. A space of about two or three metres may be preferable. You also need to position the bunk bed away from the curtain and blind cords because loosely hanging cords can pose strangulation hazards.

Gaps

Gaps around the bunk beds such as those between the mattress and the rails are an avenue for hazards for your children. Their arms, heads, or legs can become trapped in these gaps, leading to injuries. Therefore, when buying a bunk bed for your kids, ensure it has permanent guardrails around all the four sides of the top bunk. Also, ensure that there are no gaps between these guardrails.

No Protrusions

Protrusions on the bunk bed can create hanging points that may in turn pose risks of strangulation. In addition, check to ensure that all the fastenings including nuts, bolts, screws, and nails among other things, are smooth to prevent clothing of the kids from being snagged on such protruding points.

Safety of the Climb

Falls are among the most fatal accidents that can occur with bunk beds. The climb is a major cause of the falls. Children are likely to fall off while trying to climb down or up the ladder. If the bunk bed has detachable ladders, consider removing them when the bed is not in use, such as during the day to prevent small children from trying to climb to the top bunk.

If you're looking to purchase a bed, visit a local store like http://www.furniturenmore.com.au.


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