How to set up a bunk bed
If you're fixing a ladder to your new bunk bed, don't get it rung
Setting Up A Bunk Bed by BEVERLY SHEAFFER
A bunk bed is just what you need for your growing family. You have picked the perfect bed for your home and budget. It has just been delivered to your door and the kids can’t wait to sleep in it. But first, you have to set it up. Be sure to read all recommendations made by the manufacturer. In addition, here are few simple tips to ensure a safe set up.Clearly, you don’t place a bunk bed in the middle of the room. You want to set the bed against at least one wall. However, setting it in a corner will give wall support to two sides of the bed instead of one. Constantly make sure the bed is flush up against the wall. Never have it pushed out from the wall so someone could fall down between the bed and the wall. Hopefully, you have done some measuring before you ordered the bed. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends you have at least 2 meters from the top bunk to the ceiling. This prevents injury from heads hitting the ceiling as well as injuries from ceiling fans or light fixtures.
Mattress size is very significant in bunk beds. Do not use a second hand mattress that is roughly the right size. Use only the recommended size mattress for the bunk bed as per the manufacturer. Failure to do this could cause open space between the mattress and frame posing the possibility of falling and entrapment.
Ladders need to be bolted securely to the frame. Never use a loose or removable ladder. Always use the recommended ladder for that particular bunk bed. Discourage children from using other creative ways to get to the top bunk of the bed.
Once the bunk bed is set up, check it carefully for openings that could allow a child to fall through and become entrapped. These openings could be between the wall and bed or between the bed and the mattress. At all times, be alert to new openings or loose, wobbly parts due to normal wear and tear. Correct them promptly.
If the bed meets all safety standards, is assembled correctly, is placed in a corner, has the correct mattress size, and has a stable attached ladder, it should be ready for use Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and enjoy your new bunk bed.