Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Toddlers in bunk beds?

56 replies

Summerpeachblossom · 09/07/2023 06:48

To put my just turned 4-year old in the top bunk? Other child, 2, would be in the bottom. Most beds say not recommended for under 6 years, which seems quite old? If the bed had hugh sides, proper stairs and kids are pretty sensible, is it safe? What am I missing? This is the kind of thing I'm thinking of - https://www.bedkingdom.co.uk/flair-furnishings-slick-staircase-bunk-bed-white.html?fo_c=3456&fo_k=95b5d01109732c27e50efb6366bac41a&fo_s=gplauk&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=16738490762&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkqSlBhDaARIsAFJANkjJtfRYbydX4cCpWh8xagcmS7qIIatL-63iGFoZBOH_66abLwcWj2EaAi1vEALw_wcB

Flair Slick Staircase Bunk Bed White

Introduced in 2020 and a consistent top seller, the Flair Furnishings’ Slick Staircase Bunk in White is innovative, modern, and hugely practical. This is the bunk for you if storage space is needed, alongside a bright and fun bed for your children. Wi...

https://www.bedkingdom.co.uk/flair-furnishings-slick-staircase-bunk-bed-white.html?cq_cmp=16738490762&cq_net=x&cq_plac=&cq_plt=gp&cq_src=google_ads&cq_term=&fo_c=3456&fo_k=95b5d01109732c27e50efb6366bac41a&fo_s=gplauk&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkqSlBhDaARIsAFJANkjJtfRYbydX4cCpWh8xagcmS7qIIatL-63iGFoZBOH_66abLwcWj2EaAi1vEALw_wcB

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Original poster
Summerpeachblossom · 09/07/2023 18:51

Finchgold · 09/07/2023 09:46

I considered bunk beds when my son was 2 thinking he could sleep on the bottom and grow in to the top. Did a quick Google and discovered the danger of strangulation from falling down the wall side. Safe to say he’s still in a single at 6.

I've heard of this happening to one little boy - absolutely horrific. But I couldn't work out how it had actually happened- if the sides are high enough and it's pushed up against the wall, surely it's impossible??

OP posts:
mrsfeatherbottom · 09/07/2023 18:46

Sorry @EmeraldFox , I don't. It was something I heard or read when my kids were younger and we were considering bunk beds so that must have been about 10 years ago at least so I don't remember.

EmeraldFox · 09/07/2023 17:39

mrsfeatherbottom · 09/07/2023 09:11

I read that the reason for 6 years+ rule was because up to the age of 6, their head is heavier than their body so if they fall, they will land headfirst and more likely to seriously hurt themselves.

Do you have a link? I've tried Google and can't find it. It's the only reason for an age that makes sense to me as children vary so much by ability and maturity.

MaryShelley1818 · 09/07/2023 13:55

I wouldn't put a child that young in a bunk bed, it's very dangerous and many many children are injured (and worse) each year on them.
Minimum recommended age is 6.

Wenfy · 09/07/2023 13:23

Summerpeachblossom · 09/07/2023 06:48

To put my just turned 4-year old in the top bunk? Other child, 2, would be in the bottom. Most beds say not recommended for under 6 years, which seems quite old? If the bed had hugh sides, proper stairs and kids are pretty sensible, is it safe? What am I missing? This is the kind of thing I'm thinking of - https://www.bedkingdom.co.uk/flair-furnishings-slick-staircase-bunk-bed-white.html?fo_c=3456&fo_k=95b5d01109732c27e50efb6366bac41a&fo_s=gplauk&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=16738490762&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkqSlBhDaARIsAFJANkjJtfRYbydX4cCpWh8xagcmS7qIIatL-63iGFoZBOH_66abLwcWj2EaAi1vEALw_wcB

I’m buying a similar one for my 3.5 yo

Grapewrath · 09/07/2023 13:22

My eldest kids were 4 and 2 when they went into a traditional bunk bed. I didn’t give it a second thought and NR er had a problem

Caspianberg · 09/07/2023 12:37

I would try and just use two singles.

Is it a box room?
Either two singles in L shape save a fair amount of space, or just side by side

Yarnorama · 09/07/2023 12:31

Also, making the bed on the top bunk until your child is old enough is a right PITA.

And when they puke in the night...

Marblessolveeverything · 09/07/2023 12:29

A sleepy 4 year old could have a very nasty fall not to mention how on earth will you prevent the 2 year old clambering up and having a nasty fall? You can't block the access down and they will be unsupervised - not a great situ.

No I wouldn't take a chance, it's not worth it in my opinion. A regular bed with a pull out trundle would be a safer choice.

Yarnorama · 09/07/2023 12:24

As well as all the other risks mentioned, steps with integral cupboards/drawers are another layer of risk, especially coming down if one is left open or a latch uncatches (there's a FB group called 'death stairs' which regularly features stairs with added risks like these!).

Cheesewiz · 09/07/2023 12:17

Summerpeachblossom · 09/07/2023 08:27

Which slats did you use for the bottom bunk?

Show quote history

First year, nothing, just made sure I was airing the mattress by putting it on its side once a week, then I think I bought a cheap futon base on fb market place but I know ikea do have a basic slatted base available if you wanted to add onto order

MimiSunshine · 09/07/2023 11:52

CattingAbout · 09/07/2023 09:49

We've got a Kura - haven't bothered putting slats underneath, just a mattress on the floor littlest gets in with us most of the time anyway

my youngest still creeps into bed with us too. But if the kura system is in theory a long term solution then I would consider getting slats for the bottom mattress as otherwise there’s no air flow around the mattress and it could lead to damp underneath plus dust from the floor etc.

WimbyAce · 09/07/2023 11:04

I think it depends on the child tbh. My eldest has been in a ladder bed from just after she turned 3 and has been absolutely fine, it does have shallow sides. I'm not sure I would do the same for my youngest who is now 3 as she is a bit more dangerous!

mightymam · 09/07/2023 10:05

Also, how once the novelty wore off, they'd want to sleep next to me and the bunk beds would be used an an 'open' wardrobe.

mightymam · 09/07/2023 10:04

I very briefly considered a bunk bed for my two- it would've given them so much floor space- but slapped myself out of that thought when I considered their personalities and how they'd think nothing of pushing each other over the top/how I'd make the bed every morning/manage any sickness or vomiting bugs. They're both in singles now and play elsewhere in the house.

CC4712 · 09/07/2023 09:57

How large is the room OP/floor plan? We might be able to suggest other options.
Would the image work with smaller, toddler beds?

Toddlers in bunk beds?
CattingAbout · 09/07/2023 09:49

We've got a Kura - haven't bothered putting slats underneath, just a mattress on the floor littlest gets in with us most of the time anyway

Finchgold · 09/07/2023 09:46

I considered bunk beds when my son was 2 thinking he could sleep on the bottom and grow in to the top. Did a quick Google and discovered the danger of strangulation from falling down the wall side. Safe to say he’s still in a single at 6.

LadyJ2023 · 09/07/2023 09:23

Ours are in bunk beds, the twins share the bottom bunk they will be 2 in October. 3 year old top and he has never fallen out

Titfortat78 · 09/07/2023 09:13

It's if they get out in the middle of the night as well they can easily forget. My ex as an adult and his mate slept in bunk beds as working in the area. Got up in the night to use the toilet and forgot. And as I've replied to someone further up my son at two used to climb up on his older sisters mid sleeper. Maybe a trundle bed can be rolled back under the bed during the day.

mrsfeatherbottom · 09/07/2023 09:11

I read that the reason for 6 years+ rule was because up to the age of 6, their head is heavier than their body so if they fall, they will land headfirst and more likely to seriously hurt themselves.

lanthanum · 09/07/2023 09:09

Definitely factor in the younger one climbing up. A friend found her younger one had climbed up to the top bunk - in her grobag!

Titfortat78 · 09/07/2023 09:08

Exactly this my daughter was 5 when we put her in one. Son was 18 month but wasn't brave enough to climb up until two. When he did though he was up there as soon as I left the room keeping her awake. Ended up having to put him in with me and they're dad my ex.

dottiedodah · 09/07/2023 09:03

I would wait I think. If DC was ill,scared ,or just woke up half asleep,they could quite easily slip and fall.Its not worth the risk! What about a "Trundle " type bed ,where one mattress pulls out and slides back into main bed frame? Google Trundle .and a whole lot of options there for you .

MimiSunshine · 09/07/2023 08:58

My friend has the Kura bed for her 5 & 3 year olds. She just bought these slats for underneath and put a mattress on top. Seems fine and never been any issues with the bottom bed. Just use thinner mattresses for both.
Slats

LURÖY, Slatted bed base, Standard Single - IKEA

LURÖY, Slatted bed base, Standard Single. 16 layer-glued slats adjust to your body weight and increase the suppleness of the mattress. 25 year guarantee. Read about the terms in the guarantee brochure.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/luroey-slatted-bed-base-70278725/