bunkbed child restraint?

[bradk]

Paging those in the know or those with a creative idea.

We've got a 19' CCD Bambi with the overhead bunk. With our new baby, Cadence, we are looking for some options, builds, kits, creative solutions to keeping her in the bunk. We would like to avoid her rolling off in the middle of the night .

Ideal criteria would be this:

- removeable and easily stored
- complimentary to the interior
- easy to fabricate

Measurements - fridge wall to vertical support (43.5")
- vertical support to end wall (33")
- angle at vertical post approx 15 degrees

Thanks for any ideas anyone has!
brad.

[Auretrvr]

When my kids were small there were side guards you could buy at Kmart. There were "legs" that slid under the mattress and a panel that kept the child from rolling off (Think of an "L" shape.) They were a tubular metal frame with a mesh screen. I know I saw one recently at a resale store. Perhaps something like that would help.

[kneal]

I saw a newer 30 Bunk House that had the same set up but it had Black Mesh Netting that went from the support pole to the partition..not sure if it was factory or not but the netting was about 10-12 inches high. Maybe worth checking into...

[LI Pets]

in sailboats we use "Lee cloth" you take some canvas or vinyl attach it under the mattress.

Say 15-18" high by how long you like. Make 2-3 attachment ponts along the top. You pull it out and hook it to the ceiling or sides.

[InsideOut]

velcro jammies

[bradk]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

velcro jammies

LOL!

That's a GREAT consideration, even for her crib at home.

b.

[RedSHED]

Mrs RedSHED baby safety nut here. You don't say how old your baby is but honestly, I would not let her sleep up there until she is about 2 years. I've not inspected closely the bunk in a model like yours, but judging from the pictures she could easily get an arm or her neck in any opening bigger than a soda-pop can (the width of your crib's vertical bars). Remember the window, curtain and curtain rod are all right there. If she is still very, very young then you need to consider the softness of that bed and the suffocation risk. Crib mattresses are very firm to help prevent suffocation when the baby first learns to rollover (and cannot roll back).

We used a portable crib for our babies in the camper until they were old enough for a bed at home. It is possible to find a smaller than normal version of the portable crib. You can just fold them up during the day and would be able to store it on the bunk easily. Then when they can use a normal bed and bed rail at home (this is what Auretrvr is referring to) just grab an extra for the Airstream, they are relatively inexpensive.

I think even if you created 4-sided, completely enclosed mesh "room" for the baby up there it is certain that she will be standing up in it and leaning/pushing OUT, causing a fall.

I'll admit it is a pain to get around a porta-crib, expecially during the day and naptime, but it is definitely worth it and I would do it that way again, in a heartbeat.

My 2 cents....from experience.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by Auretrvr

When my kids were small there were side guards you could buy at Kmart. There were "legs" that slid under the mattress and a panel that kept the child from rolling off (Think of an "L" shape.) They were a tubular metal frame with a mesh screen. I know I saw one recently at a resale store. Perhaps something like that would help.

Yeah-we used one of those when our Son was small. Still have it actually...just saw it the recently stuffed away in a spare room. I believe my Wife bought it at Target.

Bill

[tin sista]

Hi,
I gotta agree with Mrs. Redshed, I saw the bunk and the word baby and shuddered...I doubt mom could get much sleep with baby up there...its possible to camp with a baby, we used a portable bassinette and camped with our son from age 2 mos up. When he got older we used a safety first bed rail, but not on a bunk just on the regular jacknife sofa. Pack and plays are nice too and don't take up too much room.
Don't worry the baby time passes so quickly, before you know it your sweetie will be telling you the bunk is not private enough and he/she needs more space

[bradk]

Good point on the bunk softness Redshed, I hadn't considered that.

The concern of her falling out is a big one, and there are lots of variations of that foresure. Right now we are going to use a portable playpen but I think there is still something that can be done for up top that takes into consideration all those factors?

cheers,
b.

[BigAl]

We had a stroller with a car bed. That's what I think it is called. It doesn't use up much floor space and it's only about one foot off the floor.
To my mind the only way to go.
Al