How Old Should a Child Be to Sleep in a Bunk Bed?

Six Years Old

Children should not sleep on the top bunk of a bunk bed until they are at least 6 years old. Children under the age of 6 years accounted for half of the bunk bed-related injuries documented in a study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Child's Maturity

Some children who are at least 6 years of age still may not be mature enough to sleep on the top bunk. Children need to understand that the top bunk is not for playing. In addition, children need to be physically capable of safely climbing up and down the bed's ladder, even in the dark.

Bottom Line

Children should never be allowed to sleep on the top bunk until they are 6 years of age or older. Parents should discuss bunk bed safety with children of all ages to help avoid preventable injuries from falls.

References

• Science Daily: Bunk Beds Pose Dangers to Kids and Adults, U.S. Study Finds; June 3, 2008