05.Bunk beds

Each year about 4,000 Australian children need medical care because of bunk bed related injuries. About 400 of them require hospital treatment, mostly for broken bones and concussion. Tragically, about one child dies every three or four years.

Before you buy, make sure the bunk bed has been tested to and complies with AS/NZS 4220:2003. Bunk beds supplied since November 2002 must comply with the mandatory safety standards based on the Australian Standard for bunk beds AS/NZ4220. If you're buying second hand, you won't have this assurance.

What to look for

• Never allow a child under 6 years on the top bunk.
• The bunk bed design shouldn't allow hanging points and there shouldn't be holes or gaps that can trap heads, legs and arms. In particular, there should be no gaps more than 95 mm but less than 230 mm - such gaps could allow a child's body to fall through, but trap the child's head.
• Do not let children use bunk beds as a play area. Many injuries occur when children fall from the top bunk while playing.
• Never place a bunk near a window, and keep the bunk beds at least two metres away from a ceiling fan.
• Check ladders and guard rails are permanent and stable and regularly check that nuts and bolts are tight.
• Make sure ladders are easy to use even when sleepily getting out of bed in the dark.
• Check regularly for wear and tear; always undertake repairs immediately.