Bunk beds save space and allow two children to share a bedroom and still have plenty of floor space for playing! They are available in a wide range of shapes, colours and designs. You can get pink bunk beds to suit light and airy bedroom or metal frames for a more urban feel.

They have been around for centuries, but some parents are still reluctant to purchase them because they are worried about accidents. Whilst a small number of children do get injured each year in bunk beds, modern designs and safety features make sure that families can successfully use bunk beds for kids with no mishaps. Nearly all bunk bed accidents are completely preventable.

Children's bunk beds in the UK have to comply with stringent safety standards but these are viewed as a minimum. When you buy children's bunk beds in the UK you can check on the safety features to make sure that they will protect your children.

The safest beds have guardrails that are at least 10 cm high on both sides. Safety is also assured by purchasing mattresses that are designed especially for bunk beds. There are minimum requirements for gaps between slats and for mattress rungs.

Safely using bunk beds for kids

You can significantly reduce the risks by making sure that only older children use the bunk beds. It is recommended that the upper bunk is used by children over six years of age but every child is different. Ultimately it is up to the judgement of the parents. The bottom bunk can be used by younger children.

The way in which you talk to your children about the bunk beds is also important. They should not view the beds as a toy or a climbing frame. Games, such as jumping from the top bunk or playing on the ladder, should be strongly discouraged. Bunk beds for kids are designed for one child only to sleep on the top bunk.

There will be a weight limit and it is important that this is not exceeded. Also, if there are lots of children on the top bunk, someone is much more likely to fall out!

Access to the top bunk must be via the ladder only, it is not safe to use a chair or to climb up the frame. It is not a good idea to bounce on either of the beds.

A child could fall off the top bunk if they are bouncing or if they are on the bottom bunk they could hit their head.

In general, the area around bunk beds should be kept clear and the bed itself should be reserved for resting and sleeping - not playing. Of course, this is not applicable if the bunk has a built-in playing area.