5.4.5.5: Bunk Beds

Children younger than six years of age should not use the upper levels of double-deck beds (or “bunk beds”). Bunk beds must conform to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Facts Document #071, Bunk Beds and the ASTM F1427-07 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bunk Beds (1).

RATIONALE

Falls and entrapment between mattress and guardrails, bed structure and wall, or between slats from bunk beds are a well-documented cause of injury in young children (1).

COMMENTS

Consult the CPSC, the manufacturer’s label, or the consumer safety information provided by the American Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (AFMA) for advice. Check the ASTM Website, http://www.astm.org, for up to date Standards.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

REFERENCES

1. ASTM International. ASTM F1427-07: Standard consumer safety specification for bunk beds. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.