I was put in the top bunk from about 4 (a last desperate measure by my poor parents - I just wouldn't stay in my room at night!) and I don't think I have ever suffered as a result from it. No falls or broken limbs, although I do have a bit of a fear about heights....
I bought bunk beds for my kids who were 4 and 18 months. The oldest went at the top and he has been fine ever since. I did have to take the ladder off for a while to stop my youngest climbing up but other than that no problems.
i put my three year old in the top, for a peice of mind and for more fun, i bought a bed tent. From Ikea, it fits over the bed and although not designed for this purpose, he never fell out!!!
I put my daughter in a high cabin bed when she was four I kept having visions of her getting up in the night forgeting where she was but she was absolutely fine.
Cheers everybody for the input and thanks for the tip about the bed tent, hol5. Our girls are four and not prone to night wandering so we should be ok.
I have five children 2 sets of twins, so we had to use bunk beds due to lack of space, they were about 3 when they used them, we had one who decided he could fly and jumped off, but no broken bones or lasting damage, (there is always one dare devil) . they are all teenagers now and are still using the same beds. Think the manufactors have to state an age due to people maybe suing them.
Hi I had bunk bed from 9 I fell off a few times but was never hurt luckily, however one tip - don't have any spot light near the bed. I had one clipped on just above my pillow for reading and it set my pillow on fire!!! luckily I smelt it before any damage was done except for the pillow.
Thanks everyone.
Ward, glad no harm was done.Scary how easily these things can happen.
Liza, you have my utmost respect! One set of twins is enough for me.