How high does a bunk bed rail need to be?

When choosing a bunk bed for your home, one of the most important safety considerations is the height of the guardrails. Guardrails on both sides of the upper bunk are required to prevent falls which could lead to serious injury. But how high do bunk bed guardrails need to be in order to provide adequate protection?

Bunk Bed Rail Height Requirements

In the United States, there are no nationwide laws dictating bunk bed guardrail height requirements. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides guidelines recommending a minimum guardrail height of 5 inches above the mattress for both sides of the upper bunk.

This 5 inch height recommendation is based on the testing and standards established by the bunk bed industry trade group, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Specifically, ASTM safety standard F1427-13 sets the minimum upper bunk guardrail height at 5 inches above the mattress support in the up position.

So while a 5 inch guardrail height is not legally required, it is the standard that has been safety tested and recommended by industry experts to prevent falls and injuries. Many manufacturers and retailers follow these guidelines closely when producing and selling bunk beds.

Why 5 Inches?

The 5 inch guardrail height minimum is designed to be tall enough to retain most ordinary sized mattresses. Standard mattress thicknesses range from 6 to 12 inches. With a 5 inch guardrail, the top surface of even a 12 inch mattress would sit just below the top of the guardrail. This helps prevent mattresses from slipping out and avoids dangerous gaps between the mattress and guardrail.

The 5 inch height also provides a protective barrier high enough above the sleeping surface to prevent most children from rolling out. Bunk bed fall injuries most often occur with children under the age of 6. At this age, children’s movements during sleep are still largely uncontrolled. The 5 inch guardrail makes it very difficult for even actively rolling children to roll up and over the railing.

Which Beds Must Meet the 5 Inch Minimum?

The 5 inch bunk bed rail height minimum applies to any product marketed or intended for use as a bunk bed or loft bed for children and teens. This includes traditional bunk beds with one bed stacked over the other, as well as loft style beds with the upper bunk accessed by a ladder.

The standard applies to all upper bunks, even L-shaped bunks that only have a guardrail on one side. Both sides must have at least a 5 inch rail.

Beds that are both stackable and usable separately as twin beds also fall under the bunk bed standards when stacked. Basically, any bed frame marketed for use as a bunk bed must meet the 5 inch rail height rules.

Are Higher Guardrails Even Safer?

Guardrails taller than 5 inches may provide an even greater level of protection for kids sleeping in the upper bunk. Some bunk bed designs feature guardrails up to 15 inches high or more. However, very high guardrails come with some drawbacks.

The higher the guardrail, the more difficult it can be for children to get in and out of the upper bunk bed. Young kids may have trouble climbing over or squeezing between very high rails. Very high guardrails also limit visibility from the top bunk, which some kids won’t like.

In most cases, a guardrail height of 5 to 9 inches above the mattress provides the best balance of safety and easy accessibility for kids. But there are a few scenarios where higher rails of 10+ inches are recommended:

• For very young children under age 3 in the upper bunk
• For special needs children who are prone to rolling or uncontrolled movements
• For loft style bunk beds with an open side, for example those placed next to a wall

Parents should use their best judgment when deciding if taller guardrails would be safer based on their child’s age, abilities, and behavior.

Using Bed Rails for Added Protection

While a 5 inch bunk bed guardrail provides the minimum height recommendation, some parents worry this may not be sufficient protection for their child. In that case, add-on bed rails can provide extra security.

Bed rails attach to the side of the mattress and extend several inches above the surface. They are typically used to prevent toddlers from rolling out of their crib or bed. But the same concept can apply to the upper bunk of a bunk bed.

Attaching bed rails to the sides of the upper mattress can provide an extra 10 inches or more of height above the minimum guardrail. This essentially functions as a very high guardrail for the duration of use. Just be sure to remove bed rails before allowing other children to use the upper bunk.

Making Guardrails Safer

In addition to meeting the 5 inch height minimum, there are other precautions that can enhance bunk bed railing safety:

• Choose solid panel guardrails rather than railings with vertical bars that can act as a ladder. Kids can climb between vertical bars.
• Avoid creating handholds or footholds on rails by eliminating decorative cutouts or indentations.
• Select rails with rounded or smoothed edges to prevent abrasions or lacerations if contacted.
• Ensure guardrails are strongly secured – do not rely on friction fit.
• Check that guardrails do not move excessively if pressure is applied.

Reducing the Risk of Bunk Bed Falls

Guardrails meeting the 5 inch height standard are an essential safeguard for bunk beds. But there are other steps parents can take to reduce the risk of dangerous falls:

• Always position the upper bunk mattress against the wall and use at least one full length guardrail.
• Do not allow children under age 6 on the upper bunk.
• Never allow more than one child on the upper bunk.
• Do not allow horseplay on or around bunk beds.
• Use the recommended mattress size so gaps do not occur.
• Have children under 10 sleep low for extra safety.
• Never place bunk beds near windows, pools, or balconies.

Enforcing Bunk Bed Rail Standards

While a minimum guardrail height of 5 inches is widely recommended, not all bunk bed manufacturers meet this standard. Stores may also sell non-compliant beds unknowingly.

To help enforce bunk bed safety standards:

• Look for bunk beds with a certification seal from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
• Measure guardrail height yourself if it’s not stated – do not assume rails are 5 inches.
• Check that product manuals include the 5 inch rail height requirement.
• Report non-compliant bunks that are being marketed or sold.

State and City Bunk Bed Rail Requirements

While federal law does not mandate bunk bed guardrail height, some states and cities have imposed their own standards through local regulations:

New York City, NY

• Upper bunk railings must be at least 9 inches above the mattress
• Applies to all bunk beds used in residences, family shelters, and child care facilities

New Jersey

• Upper bunk rails must be a minimum of 10 inches above the mattress
• Also applies to summer camps in New Jersey

Other Cities and Municipalities

Some other places known to have local bunk bed rail height requirements higher than the CPSC recommended 5 inch minimum include:

• Miami-Dade County, FL – 9 inches
• Austin, TX – 12 inches for child care facilities
• Salt Lake County, UT – 10 inches

So in addition to the standard 5 inch height, check if your local area has imposed stricter bunk bed rail regulations.

How to Measure Bunk Bed Guardrail Height

Before purchasing or accepting a hand-me-down bunk bed, confirm that the guardrails meet safety standards by taking a measurement:

1. Obtain a tape measure or ruler
2. Place a mattress on the upper bunk platform – it should fit snugly without gaps
3. Measure from the top surface of the mattress up to the top edge of the guardrail
4. Measurement should be at least 5 inches (more if required locally)
5. Measure at a few points along rail – height must be consistent

This process will confirm if the upper bunk guardrails are tall enough to prevent dangerous rolls or falls from the bunk. Only use bunk beds that meet your local guardrail height requirements.

Conclusion

Bunk beds come with an inherent risk of falls and injury if safety standards are not followed. Adequate guardrail height is crucial to preventing upper bunk falls. While not legally mandated, the widely accepted standard is a minimum of 5 inches above the mattress on both sides of the top bunk. This 5 inch bunk bed rail height provides a sufficient barrier to keep most children from rolling out while not being overly restrictive.

Checking that guardrails meet the 5 inch minimum or local requirements before use can prevent many bunk bed tragedies. Additional precautions and properly fitting mattresses also reduce bunk bed hazards. Following basic safety guidelines allows kids to enjoy bunk beds safely.