Are mid sleeper beds safe? Mid-sleepers are a great way for your child to have some extra space in their bedroom, but it is important that these beds are installed safely not to cause any accidents or injuries when your child uses them.
Mid sleeper beds are a popular choice for families with children, but they may not be the best idea.
The majority of these beds have a height of around 22 inches from the floor, which is low enough to be difficult to escape from in case of an emergency.
Additionally, these beds sit about 10 inches higher than standard twin-sized mattresses and bed frames. This creates a potential trip hazard when transitioning between rooms.
Lastly, because most mid sleeper beds lack guard rails or other safety features such as side rails or corner posts to prevent falls on either side of the bed frame, parents should think twice before using them for their children’s bedroom furniture needs.
Are Mid Sleeper Beds Safe?
The answer is no. Mid sleeper beds do not meet current safety standards and shouldn’t be used as permanent beds for children or young adults.
Mid sleeper beds are a popular choice among parents who want to allow their children to have more space in their room.
However, they can be dangerous if not set up correctly. This blog post will look at the dangers of mid sleepers and how you can avoid them.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a mid-sleeper bed for your child’s bedroom, keep reading! We’ll go over what makes a safe bed and then provide some alternatives.
Mid sleeper beds are not safe Mid-sleepers pose many potential hazards, including:
Falling off the bed or getting stuck in the gap between the mattress and mid-sleeper frame Dangers of entrapment when getting out of bed Difficulty breathing if your child sleeps face down due to low positioning Risks associated with climbing up to the top bunk, including falls and strangulation.
A mid-sleeper bed may seem like a good idea for providing extra storage space or more room in your child’s bedroom, but they have many dangers.
It would be best if you didn’t use a mid-sleeper bed as a permanent fixture in your child’s bedroom.
What Age Are Mid Sleepers Suitable For?
It is not recommended that mid-sleepers be used for children under the age of six. This is because most mid-sleepers do not meet current safety standards and may lack side rails or other important safety features such as corner posts to prevent falls.
Additionally, some studies show that children who use a mid-sleeper bed may be more likely to get out of bed at night and wander around. This can increase the risk of accidents such as falls, particularly for toddlers who may get up in the middle of the night and climb down from their mid-sleeper bed.
Also Read: How High Is A Mid Sleeper Bed & Top 5 Benefit Of It
What Age Should You Be For A Mid-Sleeper Bed?
Age of six years or older is recommended for children who will use a mid-sleeper bed.
However, parents must supervise their children while using this type of bed, even if the child is over the age of six. For example, you should still check on your child several times throughout the night when they use a mid-sleeper bed.
Benefits Of A Mid-Sleeper Bed
Mid-sleepers have the benefits of providing extra storage space or giving children more room in their bedrooms.
Here are some examples:
Extra Storage Space
The upper level of a mid-sleeper bed can be used as a shelf to store books, toys, and even suitcases for guests. Creating an area above the main sleeping area of a child’s bedroom can provide a quiet area to study or relax.
Extra Room In A Bedroom
Mid-sleepers allow children to have more room in their bedroom, particularly with lofts that have multiple levels. Some people use this extra space for hobbies or playrooms.
Some parents also use mid-sleepers to bunk beds, which are often banned in fire safety regulations.
How To Set Up A Mid-Sleeper Bed Safely?
Now that you have an idea about the potential dangers of using a mid sleeper bed let’s look at how you can set one up safely.
Step 1: Place the bottom of the bed flush against an internal wall or in the corner of the room. This will prevent your child from rolling out of bed and hitting any furniture in their way.
Step 2: Provide sturdy, firmly fixed guardrails on both sides along the full length of the bed
Step 3: Make sure there is enough space between the mattress and coatings to create a gap of at least 10cm. This will prevent your child from becoming trapped or suffocating in the gap between the mattress and mid-sleeper frame.
Step 4: Use a safety gate to prevent children from climbing out of their beds while sleeping.
Alternatives to Mid-Sleeper Beds
Now that you understand the potential dangers of using a mid-sleeper bed, you may be thinking about alternatives to this type of bed. Here are some ideas:
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds or loft beds with guardrails on the upper bunk are often seen as a safer alternative for children over six years old.
Loft Beds
Loft beds create extra sleeping space underneath the main bed, but they are often more expensive. Plus, you may need to purchase a ladder or steps to give your child easy access to the lower bunk.
Regular Single Bed
Most children will be happy sleeping in a regular single bed as long as they have adequate space in their bedroom. This option is often cheaper than buying a bunk bed or a loft bed with a mid-sleeper.
Safety Gates
If you have multiple children sharing one room, safety gates can be used on the top and bottom of a single bed to prevent falls. However, be aware that safety gates may not prevent your child from climbing out of their bedroom window if they are determined enough.
Remember, while mid-sleepers may provide additional storage space and extra room in a bedroom, they can also pose some risks. Using safety gates or other alternatives to mid-sleepers will keep your children safe while sleeping in their bedroom.
If you have any concerns about the safety of your child’s bed, it is best to discuss this with your family doctor or another healthcare professional.
Important Tips About Mid Sleeper Beds
While Mid sleeper beds may seem like a great idea, there are some safety concerns that you should note.
Here are some important tips to always keep in mind when using mid-sleeper beds:
- Do NOT use the upper level as a seating area – Climbing on top of the bed can put your child at risk of dragging the whole bed down with them.
If your child is using a mid-sleeper bed, they should NOT use the upper level as a seating area or climbing frame.
- Do NOT allow your child to jump on their bed – If you are thinking about buying a mid-sleeper for your young children, don’t let them jump on the upper level.
- Make sure your child can climb into their bed WITHOUT assistance – If you are thinking about buying a mid-sleeper, make sure that your child can get into it without any help. Purchasing a small ladder or steps is fine for older children who need extra assistance, but if they cannot get in and out of their bed by themselves, don’t purchase a mid-sleeper.
- Do NOT allow your child to sleep in the upper level when there is no protective railing – If you have a young child who still sleeps in a cot or bassinet, they should not be allowed on the upper bunk without protective railings.
Are Mid Sleepers Suitable For Adults?
If you are considering buying a mid-sleeper bed for yourself, they may not be suitable. This is because adults can fall out of their mid-sleeper bed and seriously injure themselves
Bottom Line
If you are thinking about buying a mid-sleeper bed, be aware that there are potential dangers involved. Ensure that you have space between the mattress and the mid-sleeper so your child’s head cannot become trapped.
And do NOT use the upper level as a seating area or allow your child to jump on their bed. If you are still considering purchasing a mid-sleeper, make sure you use safety gates or other safety precautions so your child cannot climb out of their bed.
