What Age Is Appropriate for Bunk Beds?
Ah, the bunk bed—a childhood favourite, a space-saver, and, let’s be honest, a brilliant way to settle the age-old question of who gets the top bunk. But when it comes to safety, parents often wonder: what age is truly appropriate for bunk beds?
At Strictly Beds and Bunks, we take safety (and sleep) very seriously. Our solid pine bunk beds are crafted right here in the UK and meet the rigorous BS EN747:2015 safety standard. Let’s unpack everything you need to know to make a safe, informed choice.
Minimum Age for the Top Bunk: Six Years Old
It might be tempting to let your little one climb up to the top bunk, but official guidance says otherwise. Children under six shouldn’t sleep in the top bunk due to the risk of injury from falls. Even if your child is agile and adventurous, safety must come first.
Bottom Bunk: Toddler-Friendly (with Supervision)
The bottom bunk is a great option for younger children, even toddlers, provided the bed has the right safety features. However, babies should always sleep in a cot. Think of the bottom bunk as a “starter bed” for your growing tot.

Top Tips for Bunk Bed Safety
Set Ground Rules: Make it crystal clear—no jumping on the bed, no playing on the ladder, and absolutely no pushing siblings off the top bunk (yes, it happens!).
Light the Way: A clip-on lamp or night light helps kids navigate the ladder at night.
One Monarch per Throne: Only one child should occupy the top bunk at a time. If you need to convince them, say the top bunk is reserved for royalty.

What to Look for in a Safe Bunk Bed
Sturdy Frame: All our beds are made from heavy-duty solid pine for durability.
Guard Rails: The top bunk must have rails on all sides, at least 16cm above the mattress.
Proper Mattress Fit: A snug mattress fit is essential—no gaps! Our designs accommodate a thicker 20cm mattress while staying compliant with safety standards.
Fixed Ladder: Wide steps and a firm attachment to the bed frame are a must.
Grow With Your Bunk Bed
A good bunk bed isn’t just for kids. Ours are designed to last—from childhood sleepovers to teenage gaming dens and even adult guest rooms. Built with longevity in mind, a Strictly Beds and Bunks model is a bed for life.
Final Word: Safety First, Fun Always
Bunk beds can be a magical addition to your child’s room. Just remember, safety first. By choosing a well-crafted, BS EN747-compliant bunk bed and teaching responsible bunk behaviour, you’ll create a secure sleep space your children will love.
Ready to find your family’s next bed? Explore our full range of UK-made solid pine bunk beds here: www.strictlybedsandbunks.co.uk

Consider Room Layout and Ceiling Height
Before purchasing a bunk bed, assess the space where it will go. Ensure there’s enough clearance between the top bunk and the ceiling to allow a child to sit up comfortably. Ceiling fans and light fixtures should be positioned safely away from the top bunk.
Communicate With Your Child
Every child is different. While some six-year-olds are ready for the top bunk, others might need a little more time. Talk to your child, assess their comfort and confidence, and introduce the top bunk gradually. Encouraging open communication ensures they feel secure and respected in their sleeping space.
Increase Your Bookings with Quality Bunk Beds
As we’ve seen, bunk beds offer excellent flexibility and appeal for holiday lets. Choosing quality is important, though, and that’s where we come in. As UK manufacturers, we create heavy-duty pine bunk beds that are rigorously tested to BS EN 747 safety standards. Our designs cater confidently for both children and adults, providing the durable, safe, and versatile solutions you need for your busy holiday let.
Explore our full range of high-quality, UK-manufactured bunk beds on our website today!
Strictly Beds & Bunks provides high-quality, heavy-duty bunk beds across the UK. We offer a wide range of styles and sizes to suit your needs, with delivery available, to: London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Brighton, Oxford, Leicester, Nottingham, Cambridge, Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth, Kent, and Norwich.