Bunk Bed Safety

[Tuanis]

I've been searching around briefly, but didn't find much on the topic:

How do you keep small children from falling out of the bunks? Does anyone have pictures of moderations they've done? I am looking for something to keep kids from rolling off (especially the top bunk, but both really), while still having the ability to fold the beds back to a couch during the day. I have an 86 Uhaul if that matters.

If there have already been threads on this topic, please post the link to them

Thanks!

[Thomas G.]

Google is your friend.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/m...nk+rails&sa=Go

[David Tilston]

Here is one:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ing-54650.html

[Francesca Knowles]

I like train travel, and the top bunks in the pullmans have nets.

I took my gaucho out of my Trillium, but if I ever reinstalled it I'd make use of the barholders as shown in the Trillium brochure pic below, to which I'd add netting. It could secure to the bunk itself, and when not in use the bar with netting still threaded on would easily stow under the mattress.



Francesca

[Carol H]

Once had a tossing 11 year old take a header off of the upper bunk at 3 in the morning. :-(

Some of the folks here have been very creative using PCV piping but if your not so included Walmart sells a lot of children bed rails that are easy to put up and take down - hide behind the back cushion when the upper bunk is in the down position.

[mary and bob]

Keep in mind the safety of whatever restraining device is used, as in current crib safety regulations. Rails have to be so a child can't slide their body through but get their head caught resulting in choking or suffocating. Or the opposite, get their head through and caught in some manner. I know those old time cribs we used 40 years ago with our kids are no longer allowed.

[Tuanis]

Thanks everyone. I'm for sure going to use one of those ideas...

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

Google is your friend.

Not so much on the app thanks for the link!

[Mike Magee]

Just duct tape the kids into bed...

But seriously, that PVC is really easy to work with. Easy to cut, easy to glue together, good variety of angle and elbow pieces available, and lightweight.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

Just duct tape the kids into bed...

Once the duct tape line is crossed (usually by the second child), there's no further NEED for a "bed".




Francesca

[ericw]

Here is an example of our PVC bed rail. I used smaller pipe that extends down into the pipes that hold the bed up. It lets it easily pull up and out.

I second the caution on not making the opening too big for safety.

Note there are fancier versions meant for smaller kids. I was just trying to keep an older child from rolling out.

[Sharry B]

Originally Posted by ericw

Here is an example of our PVC bed rail. I used smaller pipe that extends down into the pipes that hold the bed up. It lets it easily pull up and out.

I second the caution on not making the opening too big for safety.

Note there are fancier versions meant for smaller kids. I was just trying to keep an older child from rolling out.

Glad to see other people doing the same thing we did. My husband also put a wood dowel rod inside the pvc rail to make it stronger. It works very well for our 10 year old daughter.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by ericw

Here is an example of our PVC bed rail. I used smaller pipe that extends down into the pipes that hold the bed up. It lets it easily pull up and out..

Boy now thats is a simple easy way to do it!

[Tuanis]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Once the duct tape line is crossed (usually by the second child), there's no further NEED for a "bed".

Francesca

Perfect.. Problem solved!

I like the simple PVC idea, but I don't think it'll work in our Uhaul since the bunk posts are a little different

[Cyndi B.]

Yeah. I slept on the top bunk in the Amtrak on the way home from ABQ, NM. More like straps then a net and the bed is made so tight you can hardly get in let alone fall out once you managed to get in.

[Kurt G]

If you want I can snap a pic tomorrow, I built a railing for the lower bunk for my 4 year old out of two pieces of wood and some L brackets. I cut one piece to fit under the seat cushion with a cut out for each top bunk legs, then I made a solid railing/lip and attached it with L brackets so it sticks up about 5 inches above the cushion.

[Tuanis]

Cool. I think I can picture it based on your description.. But pictures never hurt if you feel so inclined