My oldest, time for the upper bunk?

lendaddy · 03:16 PM

I know what Tim Hancock is going to say

My oldest (turned four in December) thinks it's time to move up to the top bunk. His younger brother (two last October) is moving into the bottom bunk from a toddler bed.

My four year old is very advanced and I have no doubts that he understands the rules and we just spent the last 15 minutes practicing the ladder and explaining "one firm handhold at all times" rule. He navigates the ladder with ease and is deliberate. He understands no climbing in socks and he has never fallen out of his lower bed.

The top bunk has a rail except for the ladder area at his feet and a similar gap near his bed that we have blockaded.

Bed mfgs claim 5-6 years old is the line but liability certainly plays a big role there. One mfg says as soon as they can traverse the ladder safely they are good to go.

His comment just now of "Daddy, I'm so proud of myself for being ready for the top bunk." doesn't make the decision any easier.

What are your thoughts?

71T Targa · 01-31-2008, 02:58 PM

Does he still get up at night? Any sleepwalking?

If yes, I'd wait.

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

All my kid's buddies who've slept over have dent marks on their heads from the ceiling fan.
"Remember to watch out for the-" KLUNK
Jim

lendaddy · 01-31-2008, 03:07 PM

He doesn't get up often and has never sleep walked. He might get up once every couple weeks for a late night potty trip.

Moses · 01-31-2008, 03:10 PM

Think about bolting the side of the top bunk to the wall. The bed won't tip over. Also there have been nasty accidents when little ones slip into the space between the bed and the wall.

lendaddy · 01-31-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moses

Think about bolting the side of the top bunk to the wall. The bed won't tip over. Also there have been nasty accidents when little ones slip into the space between the bed and the wall.

Good point I'll check that right now.

lendaddy · 01-31-2008, 03:13 PM

OK, that's not a problem. This is very heavy solid wood unit and I can't move it. I can see those metal framed deals being an issue though.

71T Targa · 01-31-2008, 03:17 PM

Just after I moved my daughter to the top bunk I was awaken in the middle of the night to her screaming. She was coming down the ladder 1/2 asleep and had somehow gotten her leg through the bars and was hanging there upside down. Her leg was over the top rung, and her foot was in front of the second from the top rung, with her butt at her foot. Not sure if you get the picture, but it was like she was hanging from the monkey bars upside down.

I know this was a once in a life time thing, but it happened...

lendaddy · 01-31-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phred68

Just after I moved my daughter to the top bunk I was awaken in the middle of the night to her screaming. She was coming down the ladder 1/2 asleep and had somehow gotten her leg through the bars and was hanging there upside down. Her leg was over the top rung, and her foot was in front of the second from the top rung, with her butt at her foot. Not sure if you get the picture, but it was like she was hanging from the monkey bars upside down.

I know this was a once in a life time thing, but it happened...

Nope I see what you're saying and the reading I did suggests ladder accidents are the most common. How old was your daughter at the time?

Sapporo Guy · 01-31-2008, 03:24 PM

How high is the rail?

I rolled over it on night. had a real nasty bruise for 2 weeks from hitting the chest of drawers on the way down. I was about 8-9 ??? at the time though. I roll, move and end up sometimes with my head at the bottom of the bed ... so I'm not the prime candidate for a bunk.

I do remember a temporary 1.5' high rail in the beginning and then went down to a small 6'' type. That is the one that got me

Oh yeah! Keep the teddy bear amount down from the wall side. lolo, that is what probably got me

Wayyyyyy toooo many!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I was about nine and sleeping in the top bunk when I turned the light on to go potty. There was a scorpion on the ceiling right above my nose. So I slowly crawled down to get a glass to catch him in. Came back and couldn't find him!!!!!! Never did find him.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Maybe some no-slip tape on ladder rungs, in case he does climb asleep or in socks.

Otherwise, seems fine - one of those steps that mean a lot to a little kid and make being a parent fun.

Tim Hancock · 03:44 PM

For god's sake Lendaddy, he should be doing double jumps by now on a dirt bike. If he can get up there, let him. What kind p@$sy are you trying to raise anyhow?

lendaddy · 01-31-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

For god's sake Lendaddy, he should be doing double jumps by now on a dirt bike. If he can get up there, let him. What kind p@$sy are you trying to raise anyhow?

I knew I could count on you for some country logic

FWIW the rail is 14" tall or so.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-31-2008, 03:43 PM

Weren't the 70s great? I can't even imagine my parents considering this, but then we grew up in woods and were falling out of trees by 4.

My older brother and I used to fight to get the top bunk practically every night, still have a scar under my chin when he pulled me down the ladder.

Get him some Dora the Explorer sheets and he's good to go.

j/k Joel, sounds like a great moment in dadhood and any kid that can drive a 4-wheeler gets the top bunk in my book, besides, your 2-year-old needs someone to look up to, no pun intended.

Tim Hancock · 01-31-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lendaddy

I knew I could count on you for some country logic

Funny how you knew I would be all over this thread from the git-go

Hell, I got a big grin on my face before I even clicked on it.

livi · 01-31-2008, 03:49 PM

Here is my professional medical opinion:

Why not.

That will be $150 please.

Tim Hancock · 01-31-2008, 03:51 PM

I suggest you get him a bean bag chair and let him practice his high dive skills from the top bunk. On second thought, I remember doing that as a kid and the d@mn thing made a mess when it finally blew a hole out the side.

lendaddy · 01-31-2008, 03:57 PM

FWIW, he's no longer on the four wheeler but has a Honda Z50 now

MRM · 01-31-2008, 04:00 PM

I went to the top bunk when I was 5 or 6 and was in no way considered advanced. I never once fell out of bed or had a close call. I wondered if I would, because I was a little cautious about the move, but I quickly realized that instinct would take over and keep me safe, even when I was asleep. I'd let him go and not worry about it. But do impress upon him what a big boy he is and how advanced he is to do something so special. It will do wonders for his confidence.