How Safe Is a Toddler Loft Bed?

Kids adore bunk beds; they add a touch of adventure to bedtime. They can't get enough, whether it's the excitement of sleeping in bunk beds during a vacation or the thrill of a weekend in a playful loft bed. Models equipped with slides, stairs, or whimsical tents turn slumber into a delightful escapade for youngsters. But are loft beds safe for toddlers and young children? For the safety of toddlers aged between 1 and 3, it might be best to delay introducing them to bunk or loft beds.

And we don't blame you.

Loft beds, while exciting, can be dangerous, come with potential dangers, especially for younger children. These elevated beds can increase the likelihood of falls, making it crucial for parents to weigh the risks against the fun. If you're considering a bunk or loft bed for your toddler’s room or if you're booking a vacation home equipped with a loft bed, always prioritize safety to ensure peace of mind.

We're here to explain what you need to know about toddler loft beds, so you can decide if they're a good fit for your home or next vacation.

Let's dive in:

How safe is a toddler loft bed?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that loft beds are unsafe for children under six. Companies design bunk beds specifically for teenagers aged 12 years or older, which don't fit younger children's needs. Around ten children die from bunk bed-related incidents yearly, and thousands suffer injuries. Consider these statistics if you consider getting bunk beds or loft beds for your toddler or younger children.

While bunk and high loft beds might not be the safest for young kids, you may be wondering if low loft beds are safe for toddlers. Low loft beds or a loft bed with a sturdy rail may be more suitable if your child is over 6. If your child is between 3 and 6, the bottom bunk may also be a safer choice.

Bunk Bed Safety Guidelines From the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The CPSC has several safety guidelines for bunk or loft beds, known as the Bunk Bed Rule. These guidelines address safety requirements for bunk bed guardrails and end boards (the foot and headboard on the bunk bed). Here are a few examples of what you must do to have a safe bunk bed for toddlers.

Guardrails

Bunk beds must have at least two upper bunk guardrails, with at least one rail on each side. Lower bunks with mattress foundations 30 inches or less from the floor do not have to have guardrails.
The guardrail on the side of the bed next to a wall or on the side opposite a ladder must run continuously from one end to the other. If the guardrail does not attach to an end of the bed, the gap between the end of the guardrail and the nearest end of the bunk bed cannot be greater than 0.22 inches.

Safe Bunk Beds for Toddlers: How Do You Make a Bunk Bed Safer?

If your child is old enough and you want to start exploring loft beds for toddlers or kids, there are a few things you'll want to consider to ensure you find the safest option for your child and minimize the risk of injury.

5" or Higher Rails

Rails provide peace of mind by protecting your children from falling off the bed after tucking them in at night. It's best to look for rails that are 5" higher than the mattress.

High-Quality, Sturdy Mattress

A high-quality, sturdy mattress will make all the difference for your child's safety and comfort. Always invest in a mattress that perfectly fits your loft bed for toddlers and kids and feels firm when you press down with your hand. This will ensure the mattress doesn't move around too much, and your child won’t lose their balance or fall off the bed.

Bed Placement

Be mindful of where you place the twin loft beds for kids in the room. Always ensure the loft bed is a comfortable distance from your ceiling fan, closet, and windows.

Age Limit

The CPSC advises against bunk and loft beds for children under 6, especially on the top bunk. However, if the bottom bunk is close to the floor, it could be a safe option for children 3 and older, as long as they can get in and out of bed safely on their own.

No Playing on the Bed

Most bunk-bed-related injuries are caused by falls while playing¹, so it’s essential to teach your children that their beds are for sleeping, not playing. If you have a loft bed for a toddler with a dedicated play area underneath, encourage them to play safely in this space, not on the mattress or ladder.

Use a Night Light

When considering how safe a toddler loft bed is, you can make your own safety accommodations, like placing a night light near the ladder. This way, your child can easily see in the dark and navigate their way up and down when they need to get out of bed at night.

Create Safety Rules and Guidelines

In addition to teaching your children not to play on or around the bunk or loft bed, create other safety rules, like going up and down the ladder slowly or keeping toys out of the bed and away from the ladder. Doing this is a smart step for children of all ages and is a great way to make sure you have a safe bunk bed for toddlers.

Don’t Hang Items From the Top Bunk

Make sure your kids don’t hang any items from the top bunk, like scarves, jump ropes, or clothes, as it can be dangerous and present a strangulation risk. This includes not hanging items from underneath the bed or from the guardrails, headboards, or footboards.

Only One Person on the Top Bunk

Remind your children that only one person can be on the top bunk at a time. If they want to do activities together, they need to be on the bottom bunk or on the floor.

Where to Place Your Child’s Bunk Bed for Safety

Do you know where to put a bunk bed to be the most safe for your kids? We’re here to help! First, make sure your child can get in and out of bed easily based on where you place it. Next, keep the bed against two walls — bedroom corners are ideal for bunk or loft beds.

Here are a few additional safety rules to keep in mind when deciding how safe a toddler loft bed is.

Keep the bed away from ceiling fans or light fixtures
Don’t put the bed near window blinds or corded curtains
Make sure your child can sit on the top bunk without their head hitting the ceiling

Elevate Your Toddler's Bedroom With Beddy's

If you decide against getting a loft bed for your toddler, that's okay! These beds can pose a risk for your child and aren't the safest option for the little ones in your life. If you're looking for a different way to elevate your toddler's bedroom — we're here to help.

Our bedding makes bed-making easy, so you don't need to worry about messy bedrooms or frustrated toddlers in the morning. Keep in mind that Beddy’s products should only be used for children 3 and up. Additionally, you should leave at least one side of the zipper bedding unzipped until your child turns 6, allowing them to sleep safely and comfortably.

Once you switch to Beddy’s, every morning will be a breeze, and their bedroom will always look clean and put together.

Explore our selection of bedding today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we know the answer to “How safe is a toddler loft bed,” here are some other questions we’re frequently asked regarding safe bunk beds for toddlers.

Should I worry about a bunk bed collapsing?

As long as the bunk bed is put together correctly following the manufacturer's instructions, you won’t need to worry about the bed collapsing. You can also periodically check the bed for loose screws or worn-out parts to fix them and enjoy greater peace of mind.

Can adults safely use bunk beds?

Yes, as long as the bunk bed is designed to support adult weight. Check the weight limits of both the bed and the mattress before sleeping on them.

Should I “cushion” the ladder?

You can. Cushioning the ladder can enhance safety and comfort, especially for children. Adding padding or soft grips can prevent slips and reduce the risk of injuries from hard surfaces.

How old should a child be for a loft or bunk bed?

Children should be at least 6 years old before using a loft bed or sleeping on a top bunk. They are typically more coordinated and less likely to fall at this age. Make sure the loft or bunk bed has guardrails and your child understands safe climbing practices.

¹https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/research/areas-of-research/center-for-injury-research-and-policy/injury-topics/home-safety/bunk-bed-safety#:~:text=Bunk%20Bed%20Safety%20Tips&text=Guardrails%20need%20to%20extend%20at,sleep%20in%20the%20top%20bunk