April 20, 2012. Samuel Valero
One of the major concerns parents have when it comes to bunk beds is that their children will be unsafe while sleeping on them. Safety with bunk beds for kids is a big issue with many parents. The fact is that while bunk beds can be unsafe when used incorrectly, they can be just as safe as normal beds when proper safety measures are used. As a parent, you can ensure that your child will be safe on the top bunk by following some basic bunk bed safety rules. One of the precautions you can take to make sure your kids are safe on the top bunk is anchoring the bed to the wall.
Beds that are unanchored are more likely to shift away from the wall while kids are rough housing. The gap between the bed and the wall is potentially dangerous. Not only that, but when kids move around a lot on bunk beds that aren’t anchored, there is more of a chance of the bed becoming wobbly and eventually becoming unstable. The first step you need to take to anchor your bunk bed for kids is to mark the spot where the bed and an anchor spot match up. Your anchor spot should be a sturdy two by four right behind the dry wall. You can find an anchor spot by tapping on the wall until you reach a spot where your knuckles produce a dull thud rather than a hollow sound.
Remember when you are looking for an anchor spot, that you shouldn’t ever place the bunk bed near a ductless air conditioning unit. Kids on the top bunk near an AC unit can catch colds quickly from the cold air. What you need to do after you find a good anchoring position is buy a bracket the size of the bunk bed component that you are going to use to anchor the bed. If you are going to use the leg of the bed, the bracket should comfortably reach around it. Next, screw the bracket on the wall and fasten it onto the bed. This will keep the bed from moving away from the wall. It will also keep it from moving while your kids are playing on it which will provide a safer and more stable atmosphere.
Updated April 20, 2012. Published May 17, 2011. Samuel Valero
