Triple Bunk Bed Safety Guide
Triple Bunk Beds bring triple the fun for kids… and triple the worry for safety-conscious parents! But, with stringent testing, helpful guidelines, protective features, secure structures and child-friendly finishes – it’s nothing to lose sleep over. If your kid’s safety is keeping you up at night, Cuckooland’s Triple Bunk Bed Safety Guide will have you (and your kids) sleeping easy!
Answering those all-important safety question marks and giving tips on what to look out for when choosing the perfect triple sleeper, we’re here to put your triple bunk bed troubles to rest!
Triple Bunk Bed Regulations
To keep kids safe, all beds must meet strict safety standards and testing – and that includes Triple Sleepers! When searching for a triple bunk bed, look out for BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 and BS EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015 – as set out by the British Standards Institution (BSI group). Beds with these marks certify they conform to strict safety, durability and strength requirements and have passed all testing. If you’re unsure if a bed meets these criteria, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before purchase!
Along with safety standards, these are the other regulations to look out for:
- There should be no gaps that are less than 6cm or more than 7.5cm
- Guard rails should be fitted on each side of the top bunk (and the middle bunk – depending on the design)
- An entrance/exit gap should be a minimum of 30cm wide
- Ladder rungs should be at least 3cm wide and 20cm apart
- The top bunk (and the middle bunk – depending on the design) mattresses should be at least 16cm below the top of the bed’s guard rails (although measurements can vary between designs, so always make sure to check the product specifications)
- Top bunk (and the middle bunk – depending on the design) mattresses should not exceed 16cm in thickness (although this can vary depending on the design, so always make sure to check the individual product specifications) – this includes mattress toppers and bedding that might increase the overall thickness
- Gaps between the bed slats (below the mattress) should be no less than 7.5cm apart
Bunk beds in all shapes and sizes should follow these rules and regulations to prevent accidents and keep children safe. If you can’t find the information you need and want to check if a design meets regulations, let our customer service team know and they’d be happy to find the answers you’re looking for!
Triple Bunk Bed Safety Features
Along with meeting strict regulations and standards, triple bunk beds also include a number of extra features designed to keep kiddies safe – whether they’re sleeping, relaxing in bed or playing in their room.
Guard Rails
As mentioned above, it’s essential for triple bunk beds to have guard rails on all sides of the top and middle levels, but what about the bottom bunk? Many of our kid’s beds come with the option to add extra protective guard rails to the bottom bunk too! So, no matter which bunk kids sleep in, they’ll be safe and secure.
Ladders and Steps
With a third level to consider, getting to the summit of a triple bunk bed needs to be safe and easy for kids to do independently – especially in the middle of the night! Ladders must be secured to Triple Bunk Beds and steps must be at least 3cm wide and at least 20cm apart, but there are additional features that make climbing up to bed accident-free! Look for handles for added stability, non-slip surfaces for better grip, slanted ladders for an easier ascent, or even swapping out ladders for staircases with handrails – to eliminate climbing entirely! There are also options to add lighting to provide kids with better visibility in the dark. If your youngsters are prone to getting up during the night, we’d recommend lighting the way so they can see where they’re stepping!
Solid Structures
This might seem obvious, but it’s always best to check the strength and durability of a triple bunk bed before committing to a purchase. Triple bunk beds need to hold three times the weight of an average single bed, so are typically crafted from wood or metal. Check the materials used – including the hardware and fixings – and ensure you’re investing in a solid and well-crafted triple bunk bed. When it comes to assembly, double-check you’re not missing any parts, that there are no damages and follow the instructions to the letter. If every part of the assembly gets two thumbs up, there is no reason to doubt the strength and safety of a triple bunk bed!
Non-toxic Finishes
It might not be something you’ve considered, but have you thought about the bed’s finish? Kids sleep anywhere between 9 and 14 hours a day, so they’re going to see a lot of their bed! To keep kids safe from harmful chemicals, make sure to check their furniture has been finished with a non-toxic and child-friendly stain/paint/varnish.
Triple Bunk Bed Guidance and Safety Rules
According to the RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), it’s recommended children under the age of six not sleep on the top bunk (and with some triple sleeper designs, that also includes the middle bunk); and although the bottom bunk is suitable for younger children, it’s also advised that toddlers and infants sleep in their own separate cot to keep them safe.
The RoSPA also state the main cause of bunk bed accidents is when children play on them! To ensure your kids are kept safe while they’re asleep and awake, here are a few things we’d recommend doing to maintain a risk-free area:
- Only one person should ever use the top bunk (and with some designs, the middle bunk) at any one time. Every triple bunk bed will have a maximum weight limit, which should always be adhered to.
- To access the bed, always use the included ladder or steps that arrive with your chosen triple bunk bed. Do not use an alternative, other furniture (such as a chair) or even the frame of the bed itself.
- Do not jump on the bed or use it as a climbing frame – with the only exception being bunk beds with built-in play areas or slides.
- Never tie or hang anything from the bed frame – this includes decorations, clothing or toys. They could pose a hazard, cause the bed frame to become unstable or become a suffocation or strangulation risk.
- Position their triple bunk bed away from light fittings, plug sockets, windows and ceiling fans. Anything that looks like it could become a potential hazard – avoid!
- Keeps toys and clothes stored away safely and the area around the bed clear of obstacles. They could become hazards and increase the risk of trips and falls.
- Make sure each child can sit up safely on each bunk. They should have a safe clearance to sit comfortably without hitting their head.
- If your kids are prone to getting up during the night, consider installing a portable light to illuminate the steps and exit points, for a safer climb.
- Position the bunk bed on a carpet or rug. If you’re concerned about falls – carpeting will soften any tumbles and help prevent injury.
Highlight this list of rules with your youngsters, stick to the do’s and don’ts and there will be nothing to fear!
Triple Bunk Bed Assembly
Almost all furniture arrives flat-packed and will need to be fitted. When assembling any bunk bed, it’s essential it’s done correctly to avoid accidents. Every design will arrive with comprehensive instructions, including a parts list, maintenance guidance and important information. And it’s essential you familiarise yourself with it all before you even think about picking up a screwdriver.
Before you get started, check there are no components missing and there are no damaged parts. If you think something looks awry, contact the Cuckooland team for more help! Otherwise, you’re ready to assemble safely. And if you’ve been dreading any form of DIY, you can always entrust the task to our professional assembly team instead – for that added peace of mind.
Once the build is complete, check all of the fixtures are secure and tightened and the bed is completely level. Try pushing the bed from every side to ensure the frame is sturdy and ready to be used. And don’t forget the mattresses! As mentioned above, the mattress for the top and middle bunks should not exceed 16cm in thickness (unless otherwise specified) and should fit the bed measurements perfectly – without large gaps or excess bumps or distortion. We’ll always recommend the best mattress on our product details page, but if you’re muddled when it comes to mattresses, the team are ready to advise you!
You should also continue to regularly check over the bed, looking for obvious wear and tear, re-tightening screws etc. to maintain a safe sleep space. Follow each of these steps correctly, and your kids can enjoy their safe and secure triple sleeper bunk bed for many years to come.
Triple Bunk Bed FAQs
Can Adults Sleep in a Triple Bunk Bed?
Yes, however only if the bed’s specifications and maximum weight limit allow it! Every bunk bed – from standard designs to L-shaped bunk beds and triple bunk beds – will have a weight limit. This should outline the capacity for all parts of the bed – including each bunk, the ladder and any extra trundle drawers or storage. Consult the assembly instructions for restrictions and if you’re ever unsure if your chosen bed meets your needs, our customer service team are always on hand to answer any questions you might have!
Can Bunk Beds Fall Over or Break?
Like with any furniture, general wear and tear are inevitable, however, if you’ve assembled your furniture correctly and continue to follow the maintenance guidance and care instructions, your triple bunk bed will remain safe and secure. Avoid misuse of the furniture and check the triple bunk bed is secured, level and that all fixtures are maintained and tightened regularly.
Is a Triple Bunk Bed Right for My Children?
Unfortunately, you’re unable to try before you buy, which makes it harder to know if triple bunk beds are right for your family! Talk to your kids if they’re considering bedroom sharing and see what they think of the idea. If they’re unsure about the top bunk or have any concerns, go through our guide together and ease any worries they might have. And if you’re concerned they might change their mind about bunking up, look for a combination design that can split out into separate single beds to give you other options!
