Parents urged to 'put safety first with bunk beds'

Although new design requirements have improved the safety of bunk beds it is still up to the parents to ensure that their children are not injured from clambering around on their bed.

As a result, mums and dads have been offered some tips on how they can ensure that bunk beds they purchase for their children are safe and enjoyable to sleep in.

The American Home Furnishing Alliance suggests that children under the age of six should not sleep in bunk beds, the Kansas City Star reports.

There should also be sturdy guard rails in place which extend above the mattress so that children are safe when they move about in their sleep.

Mattresses should be the proper size as recommended by the manufacturer and a sturdy ladder will allow youngsters to climb into their bed easily and safely.

According to CBS 12 Action News, it is a good idea to get into a regular routine with children when putting them to bed as it helps them to get to sleep.