Is An Ottoman Bed Safe for Children?

Hello World! Welcome Friends! Ottoman beds have grown in popularity recently due to their space-saving storage design being perfect for small bedrooms. However, there are valid concerns about children getting trapped under the lifting mechanism.

The good news is that with proper precautions and supervision, ottoman beds can be safe options for families – even in children’s bedrooms.

Built With Safety in Mind

The first thing you should know about modern ottoman beds is they are designed with safety as a priority, with hydraulic pistons that require significant strength to lift the bed frame up and down. The average child would find it difficult, if not impossible, to operate the ottoman lift mechanism unsupervised.

Some ottoman beds also have a lock when open, requiring a slight lift to release it, making it nigh on impossible for the bed to slam shut.

Trapped Fingers

A significant danger with ottoman beds is trapped fingers between the bed frame and platform and between the piston opening mechanism.

You can mitigate this risk by being mindful of any children in the bedroom at the time and ensuring they are well clear of the bed.

Supervision is Always Essential

Ottoman beds should always be used with caution around children. When raised, the storage area underneath can seem like an inviting play space to kids, but there is a risk of injury if the bed slams shut unexpectedly.

You should teach your children never to climb inside an ottoman bed when open, as a lowered bed frame could trap limbs or cause other harm.

You can significantly reduce ottoman risks with attentive parental supervision and open communication about safe practices.

However, children should never be left unattended around an open ottoman bed, as their safety depends on an adult monitoring their actions.

Keep It Lowered When Not in Use

Another precaution is keeping the ottoman bed shut when you don’t need to access the storage space. This will minimize the window for potential accidents and remove access to the enticing cavity underneath. Teach children not to play around the bed when raised and that they should never open it themselves.

Store Safely

Be mindful of what you store under the ottoman bed when lowered. Avoid keeping items that could attract or harm your child, like cleaning supplies or sharp objects. Use childproof latches on the storage cavity if necessary.

Keeping toys and other goodies inside the ottoman might also tempt your child to try and open it without your supervision. Be mindful of this.

Prioritize Open Communication

Talk with your kids about ottoman bed safety from an early age. Explain why climbing on it can be dangerous and that the space underneath is not for play.

Maintain an open dialogue so they know to come to you immediately if any issues arise or when they want to get inside the ottoman for toys and stuff.

If In Doubt, Get a Divan With Drawers!

If you have concerns about the safety of an ottoman bed around your children, there are alternatives to consider. Traditional divan beds often have drawers built into their base, providing discreet storage space.

Pictured: Giltedge Beds Four Way Split Divan Base. Available from Bedstar.

While not as cavernous as an ottoman, divan drawers can still hold extra linens, clothes, or other bedroom items, and they don’t require lifting a mattress or exposing an enticing cavity for kids to climb into. Divan beds come in many sizes and styles to fit your needs, and you don’t have to sacrifice the modern look, as divans come in stylish contemporary designs as well.

Summing up

With proper precautions, supervision, and communication, an ottoman bed can be a safe addition to anyone’s bedroom. Take the time to teach young ones about appropriate use and safe behaviours around these unique beds.

Do your research to find quality brands with integrated safety features. And make sensible choices when it comes to placement, storage, and allowing access. A small amount of pre-planning helps ensure your ottoman bed provides style and safety.

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