|
What to look for when buying a bunk bed...
The following is not a
complete list, but it gives you an outline of some of the important
things to look for when buying a bunk bed.
Visit the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) web site for a
complete list of bunk bed requirements. Find a reputable dealer, one you
can trust and who sells a good quality bunk bed, and who will guarantee
the product.
Ask the dealer for
information about the weight limits and maximum thickness of the
mattress. The requirement is a minimum of 5" from the top of the
mattress to the top of the guardrails. Look for the attached safety
sticker (required by law) and bunk bed instructions outlining safe
usage. The bed should be made of sturdy resilient materials with smooth
rounded edges.
Shake the bed forcefully to test it for its firmness and stability.
Make sure the beds are made of solid woods. Beds made of veneers over
particle board are not as structurally well-built; they are cheaper to
build and are not as satisfying to own. The width of the ladder should
be adequate and attached securely so that it cannot be removed by a
child. The guardrails should be full length on one side, and not less
than 15" shorter on the opposite side. The guardrails must be attached
so that they cannot be removed without releasing a secured device or
applying forces sequentially in opposite directions. The structure
surrounding the upper bunk should have openings which are 3-1/2" or less
(spaces between bed rail and guardrails and on the end units).
Find a bed that has adequate room on the bottom so that both you and
your kids can sit on it comfortably. This may lessen the desire for kids
to want to play on the upper bunk. Note that shorter beds will allow
younger kids to stand on the upper bunk.
|
