Bunk bed safety: Expertise in Canada, Australia and Greece

Is a bunk bed safe in a nursery? Often this is the embodiment of a child's dream and the embodiment of the nightmares of a mother, father or grandmother. Many parents do not know that in terms of safety, such furniture is suitable for children over 6 years old. They also don’t know that the right model can be easily determined literally “by eye.” Researchers from different countries have long established strict technical parameters for children's bunk beds. If you want to buy such a bed for your child, but are afraid that he will “fly” from it, then this information is for you.

At what age is a bunk bed safe?

Safety standards for bunk beds are developed based on the average neurophysiology of children 6-7 years old. That is, they are not initially adapted for preschoolers [1].

At the same time, experienced parents say that it is better to look individually: it all depends on the development of gross motor skills, coordination of movements, dexterity and temperament of the child. That is, even 7 years old may be early. The most stable age is 8 years old; it is by this year of development that almost all children are quite dexterous and can keep their balance.

Quality and safety requirements

Aesthetic appearance, environmental friendliness, convenience and safety of use, reliability. All these qualities of furniture are determined by the materials from which a two-story bed for children is created:

• furniture metal profile with protective coating, metal connecting elements;
• natural wood;
• chipboards.

A distinctive feature of metal beds (forged) is stability and reliability. Painted surfaces and forged elements can become the main decoration of the interior. Such products fit perfectly into teenagers' rooms. Bunk beds for boys are chosen in laconic shapes and neutral shades. For girls, you can choose forged furniture with decorative patterned elements, painted in light pastel shades (white, pink, beige).

The main advantages of furniture made from chipboard and MDF are its elegant appearance and affordable cost. Such a bunk bed will add bright color accents to the children's interior.

Wood is the most popular environmentally friendly material. The products fit perfectly into rooms of any style. The furniture is distinguished by good quality, reliability, and elegant appearance. Models can be painted or coated with clear varnish, highlighting the natural texture of the wood.

If you are still worried: how to protect yourself?

Still, there is always a risk that children will be afraid of heights, jump out of bed and start fights without rules on the top floor. With a couple of simple tricks you can secure the second tier:

1. Buy a bed with high sides on the second floor. Usually they are about 30 cm and higher - it is difficult to fall over such an obstacle, and it is extremely difficult to jump. Eliminates domestic hooliganism. But for children over 12 years old, solid sides are no longer so relevant.
2. If you have small children from 1 to 5 years old, then curiosity will make them climb to heights. Therefore, it is better to remove or close the stairs during the day. Some people simply unscrew the screws and remove the bottom steps to keep kids out of the way.

The younger the children, the better the ladder should be and the wider the steps. For example, for preschool children they make bunk beds and loft beds with steps from boxes or shelves - they are stable.

Popular models for 2022

Designs that have the best combination of functions, are comfortable, and from reputable manufacturers will be presented here.

Legend

Furniture for children at an affordable price of good quality is manufactured by the Legend company. It is located in St. Petersburg. The two-tier model for children has dimensions of 180x80 cm. The main advantage is the height of the product, equal to 130 cm. It is not so often found in such products. Children of the same age can sleep on such furniture. The design has a ladder with good stability and width. There are no sharp corners, and there are no decorative elements that children could tear off. On three sides the model is equipped with a special side that ensures safe sleep for the child.

Bunk bed Legend

Advantages:

• the design is only 1.35 m in height, which makes it possible for an adult to fill it, and for this there is no need to climb onto the tier;
• the location does not require a large space; in small-sized dwellings this is a good solution;
• the side on top is equipped with a small shelf on which you can put various small items;
• equipped with additional sides and soft edging, which makes the child’s sleep safe;
• perfect for families with two children in terms of cost and quality;
• the design of the product has light windows that can be used in the game, and with their help parents can monitor the child; there are two such windows in this model;
• there are no sharp corners, which makes the product attractive and makes it safe to use;
• the pine staircase, equipped with four comfortable steps, has good stability and a safe slope;
• the ability to rearrange the sleeping rails;
• Under the lower tier the design provides a convenient drawer. You can store toys and things in it.

Flaws:

• not found.

Sonya

The product has two tiers, the bed material is pine. Dimensions of sleeping places: 190 cm in length and 80 cm in width correspond to adult sleeping places. The product has a modular principle. It can be disassembled into two separate beds. Customer reviews indicate that injuries during the operation of such furniture are almost impossible. This result is achieved thanks to the sides, the shape of the product without sharp corners and the presence of partitions.

Forge two-tier Sonya

Advantages:

• ascent to the second tier is provided by a ladder with comfortable handrails and steps of decent width; it can be installed on either side: right or left;
• the design solution makes it possible to assemble two beds with one tier;
• the product provides two sleeping places where children will be comfortable and does not take up much space in the bedroom;
• on the second tier there is a high side for the child’s safe sleep, and the distance between the tiers is large, the child on the lower bed will not experience inconvenience.

Flaws:

• not found.

KarIVi Junior-1

The model is equipped with two tiers, the staircase has rounded shapes and drawers for storing things. The sleeping places have a perpendicular arrangement and standard dimensions: 1.9 m in length and 0.8 m in width. The height of the side reaches 30 cm, which ensures safe sleep for the child. Feedback from parents also testifies to this. Two spacious drawers can store toys and sleeping accessories. The space between the tiers is equipped with a shelf on which it is convenient to store books, various small items, and toys.

bunk bed KarIVi Junior-1

Advantages:

• the staircase has rounded shapes;
• additional shelves.

Flaws:

• not found.

Nemo

Many parents prefer to buy a model that has drawers. They are used to store toys. This product is equipped with spacious drawers that have wheels. Installation of the ladder is possible from any side. It is made of metal and has wooden steps. The package does not include a special limiter, but you can purchase one yourself. It is equipped with comfortable curtains that turn it into a playhouse for children, as well as an impressive height side that reaches 36 cm.

Nemo bunk bed

Advantages:

• the upper tier is made in the style of a loft bed, and the lower one is a sofa and can be pulled apart like a book;
• a successful color scheme will allow you to combine the product with any bedroom interior;
• furniture design will delight the child and his parents.

Flaws:

• not found.

Fairy tale

For a family with two children, this model will be the best solution. The furniture is equipped with two tiers, between which there is a convenient shelf with two sections. The shelf is suitable for placing books, a glass of water, necessary things and objects, toys. The space under the lower tier is equipped with drawers with convenient wheels. A huge advantage is the presence of a staircase that resembles a rack of 4 steps. The interior is equipped with shelves with doors. The furniture is assembled to the left or to the right, depending on the corner in which it needs to be placed. The placement of the stairs is also possible from different sides.

bunk bed Fairy Tale

Advantages:

• practical, long lasting;
• Every detail in the design is thought out;
• the material from which the furniture is made has no toxic properties and retains its color for a long time.

Flaws:

• not found.

Delta

The model has two tiers, a wardrobe and sleeping places. The design of the children's bed is comfortable, equipped with two drawers. Install this model for children up to adolescence. The color range of furniture is wide; it is possible to choose a bed for a boy, a girl and for a brother and sister. Sleeping sizes vary, which is something to think about when choosing a mattress. The upper tier is equipped with a sleeping place, the dimensions of which are 2 m in length and 0.8 m in width. The dimensions of the lower tier are 2 m long and 0.9 m wide. The material from which this model is made is good quality chipboard. It is certified and has the necessary documents. Permissible load on one bed is 80 kg.

Delta bunk bed

Advantages:

• the bed has the necessary safety to prevent injury;
• Handrail material: chrome-plated steel. They create a good contrast with the main material of the product and add special dynamics to the bedroom.

Flaws:

• not found.

Canadian research: what actually causes injuries

In Canada in 2000, they investigated the problem of bunk beds and found out what caused the majority of injuries [1]:

1. Children fall not from the bed itself, but from the stairs while climbing. This does not apply to teenagers, but to young children under 12 years old - they get injured in the game. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize slipping if the stairs are iron. Choose the most stable ladder with wide steps.
2. Children are injured by sides and fences that are attached to hooks. At some point, such a board may fall or the child may get his hand pinched. There are practically no models with such sides now. Manufacturers offer bed options where the sides are a solid built-in frame or, if the bunk bed is iron, in the form of handrails, a “lattice” made of a combination of chipboard and metal. In any case, the sides do not move at all.

It is worth turning on a small night light in the room at night so that the child does not have to get out of the crib in the dark. And it is important to explain to children that the stairs and the second floor are not a place for pampering.

Additional functionality of loft beds for babies

When choosing a loft bed, you need to pay attention to the additional practical features of the furniture. Thus, on the furniture market there are models that have drawers under the lower sleeping surface that pull out to store toys or bed linen; ideally, these pull-out systems are equipped with wheels. A good additional option is built-in lighting, which can be used as a night light.

Loft beds make it possible to properly arrange the space of a not very large room for children, successfully using every square meter. A good and thoughtful selection of sleeping furniture will ensure good sleep and fun time for your children while they are awake!

Australian scientists and bunk beds: they don’t fall in their sleep

In Australia, Queensland also conducted research into the use of bunk beds in 2013 [2].

It was found that most injuries occur in children aged 5 to 9 years. Research has confirmed that 76% of injuries occur from falls while climbing and playing, not while sleeping. The frequency of injuries increases during the holidays: children are excited, inattentive, and play around, while parents think they have been asleep for a long time.

As a result, the Australian standard prohibits children under 9 from sleeping in such beds. For non-compliance, a fine has even been introduced - for individuals up to 200 thousand Australian dollars and for organizations (for example, if it is a bunk bed for a kindergarten) - 1.1 million US dollars.

A study in Greece showed that 50% of injuries could be avoided if the second tier had sides [3].

How many kg can a playpen hold?

How many kg can it hold?

playpen

?
_ Most mesh playpens are designed for children under 3-4 years old and can withstand loads of up to 15-20 kg
.

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The standard of Kazakhstan and Russia coincides with the European one

According to GOST 19917-2014, bunk beds must comply with the following standards [4]:

1. The second tier bed must have sides on all 4 sides.
2. The sides must be tightly screwed so that they can be removed only with a tool.
3. There may not be a fence at the feet if a stationary staircase is installed there along the entire width of the opening.
4. The distance between the edge of the fence and the base of the bed is at least 26 cm, and from the mattress to the edge of the fence is at least 16 cm.
5. There should be a maximum level mark on the guard for the height of the mattress.
6. The distance between steps is at least 20 cm, the length of the step is at least 30 cm.
7. There should not be a large gap between the base of the bed and the fence - a maximum of 2.5 cm.

Furniture that complies with GOST usually has a guarantee and certificates of conformity.