Bunk Beds Pose Danger to Kids & Adults

Even if you don’t have one at home, chances are you’ve probably slept in or climbed on a bunk bed at some point - either at a sleepover, a summer camp, or in a college dorm room. If you’ve ever been hurt on one, you’re certainly not alone. A new national study shows bunk beds can be risky, and not just to children.

The most comprehensive study on bunk beds to date finds that kids are most at risk for injury, especially those under 6. The rate at which they wind up in the emergency room with serious injuries surprised even the experts.

“About 36,000 children are injured each year and treated in hospital emergency departments in this country for injuries associated with bunk beds,” says Gary Smith, MD, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

That’s an average of 100 kids per day who are treated for broken bones, cuts or bruises.* It happened to Beth Slinger’s son, Reed. Years ago, he had a bunk bed in his room. But after he jumped on the top bunk and cut his head on the ceiling fan, that all changed.

“At the time I was so upset that we could have let this happen, I took it down and got rid of it the very next day,” says Slinger.

Just because Reed is older now, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s in the clear. Lara McKenzie of Nationwide Children’s Hospital conducted the study. She says while most injuries happen to younger children, they’re certainly not alone.

“There is actually a spike in injuries in the 18-21 year old age group,” says McKenzie.

That’s because of bunk beds in places like college dorms and military barracks. No matter where they’re used, experts say the same rules for safety apply. Don’t let children under 6 sleep on the top bunk. Keep beds away from ceiling fans. Keep the area around them clear, and make sure there are guard rails.

“The gaps in the guard rails should be no more than 3 and a half inches and the rails should be 5 inches or more above the mattress,” says McKenzie.

Another dangerous aspect of bunk beds - the ladder. Researchers say more people are hurt climbing into and out of bed than falling out of it. If you have a bunk bed, make sure the ladder is sturdy and secure.

* “Bunk Bed-related Injuries Among Children and Adolescents Treated in Emergency Departments in the United States, 1990-2005”, Pediatrics, Vol. 121, No. 6, June 2008