Sleep easier with bunk beds you can trust

10/20/2005

One of the most formidable tasks of parenthood may be buying a bed for your children. Especially a bunk bed.

Too many parents are afraid that bunk beds are unsafe. Not so if you buy with a little foresight. Here are a few tips to help:

* The bed frame should be made of strong materials.

* It should be solid. All bunk beds will wobble a bit if shaken so find the one that seems the sturdiest.

* All surfaces of the bed should be smooth with no sharp edges.

* All hardware, such as screws and bolts, should be covered or recessed and not present a danger.

* Guardrails should run the length of the bed.

* There should be so little space between the rails that a child s head could not possibly get through.

* A mattress that doesn t fit the bed well is a danger. It should not be loose. If you can fit three fingers between the mattress and the surrounding frame, it s too loose.

* The ladder should be permanently attached.

* The ladder should have steps close enough to one another to prevent the child from losing his balance.

* Mattress slats should be screwed into the surrounding frame.