Bunkbeds and little boys - accidents waiting to happen?

[Lorax]

Have always assumed that DSs (now 5 and 3) would go into bunk beds but have recently heard a string of horror stories of bad falls from top bunks etc - all to do with boys larking around in the way girls don't seem to . Any experiences/recommendations? They share a room, so bunks would free up huge amount of space.

Mine wanted a bunk bed but didn't get one. She loves her bed now.

Never heard any stories of disasters TBH. Don't they have those wooden guards around the top?

yes, they do - but apparently not enough to stop aspiring 'Supermen' from flying off! think I'm just being over-anxious tbh

See what you mean. I was worried that it would get too hot sleeping on the top bunk.

Seem to remember that Ikea does sturdy looking beds you can screw together to make a bunk bed or leave seperate as partner beds. So if it doesn't work out,you dismantle them. Just checked, they're called Hemnes and the top one has a guard, page 196 on the latest Ikea brochure I have.

Think at 5 they should be ok. Not sure what the recommended age is.

ah very good idea to keep option open of 2 separate beds again! guess as long as we make lower bed really enticing so 3yr old doesn't spend every evening mountaineering up to join his big brother, then crashing to the ground we should be fine!!

lol at 3 yo mountaineering up the bed

My eldest two have been in a bunk bed for just over a year aged 4 and 6. No accidents but I did have to lay down a few ryules. When they have friends to play the top bunk is totally out of bounds (also ds 3 is not allowed up there.)

Ds1 has been in a bunk bed since he was about 4yrs old. It has a guard all around it so no chance of him falling out in the night. He's never tried to jump off it and there have been no accidents (touchwood!). He is now 6yrs old.

my age gap is bigger but we have bunk beds. DS2 had a high bed but we changed it for bunks and DS3 is in the bottom bunk he is 3. DS4 often tries to get up there too he is nearly 2.

good one Megalegs - am hoping also that as 3yr old is in converted cotbed the thrill of having 'grown up' bed will guarantee compliance.... Along with perfect manners at all times, timeliness, and the herd of pink pigs soaring over our house

also just thought - do you need to have a night light up on high for loo trips in the middle of the night?

Does he still go to the loo in the night?

yes, occasionally. 3yr old still in pullups at night so doesn't affect him

ds1 & 2 have had bunks since age 4 and 3. No accidents yet, but some rules - no standing up, no jumping or bouncing(!), one at at time on the ladder. No-one was allowed on the top until they could climb up & down safely by themselves. Bottom bunk makes a great den with spare sheet festooned around it.

forgot to say, they each have their own ikea wall light too.

ds had had a few accidents, still does on ocassion, but then he does haver co-ordination problems. I binned our old one a year ago after after he ended up looking like he had been in a car accident, he was literally black and blue and all puffy faced. They are now 6 and 4 and I had to buy a new one but they are pretty safe. dd has always been fine, and has been using them since she was 4.

This probably doesn't apply but when I was about 5 I was in a bunk bed, but I insisted on having all my dolls in with me - result being, I use to fall out of bed regularly!! I was certain my dolls were pushing me out but falling out after 3 nights in a row my parents decided either I go in the bottom bunk or no toys!! I gave up the toys to stay in the top - something you might want to be aware of!