Guest post by Cuckooland for BedKingdom
Flair Callisto Shorty Bunk Bed Frame
Of all the subjects we could cover, why focus on something as contentious as this? ‘Are kids' beds made in China safe’? Well, because we’re frustrated and tired of hearing all the negative press around products made in China.
We believe that if you follow the correct steps in product procurement and sourcing, and conduct the proper quality control checks (as with any supplier), the quality of products produced in China can be some of the best in the world.
If they are not of acceptable quality, it’s not the fault of the country, but rather the fault of the sourcing house or the retailer for not being thorough enough and doing a proper due diligence!
There we said it, rant over. We do our checks, we visit our factories regularly, and we are extremely fussy about who we deal with, not just in China but across the globe. And the result is that we can deliver a quality themed kids bed (like the Apache Tipi Bed) to a customer during a cost of living crisis for under £200.
Besides (ok, maybe our rant isn’t quite over yet!), why else would so many iconic brands produce either all or some of their products in China? To name just a few:
Tesla, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz Group, Volkswagen Group, Chevrolet, GE, Caterpillar, Apple, Sony, LG, Dell, Samsung Electronics, Siemens, Gillette, Nike, Addidas, Prada, Chanel, Ray Ban, Nestle, … that’s 20, but the list is endless!
So, if you’re looking for a new kid’s bed and considering one made in China, read on to see why it might just be the bed of your dreams!
Quality Control in China
Flair White Wooden Scout Tree Single Bed with Rails
With a whopping 28.4% of global manufacturing output, China is the largest manufacturing economy in the world, and many of the products we use every day come from this East Asian country.
Given the scale of the output, some issues are inevitable, and the stereotypical idea of ‘cheap knock-offs’ has led to some opposition to buying products made in China. However, we believe this attitude is outdated! Thanks to increased consumer demand for quality, China has had to up its game.
In their book Strategic Costs of Quality Management Systems in Chinese Business Enterprises, Professors Zhijun Lin and Shizhong Yang note that, in recent years, ‘business enterprises in China have been exposed to increasing market competition pressures’, which has meant ‘the quality of products/services has been emphasised’, and China has launched government initiatives to promote quality management.
It is also up to retailers to ensure the products they source internationally are up to scratch. Both Cuckooland and BedKingdom have stringent processes that include in-depth research of manufacturers, factory audits and quality control checks via 3rd party quality assurance companies, and testing - so you can rest assured your bed will meet the high-quality standards you expect.
British Safety Regulations
To offer you further peace of mind, all manufactured products imported to Great Britain must meet regulations to be sold legally on the market here. Kids’ beds are covered by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, the legislation that ensures consumer products are safe to use.
There are also individual standards for products. For example, bunk beds and high sleeper beds must comply with both the EN 747:2012+A1:2015 standards, which cover the safety, strength and durability of beds with a height of 60 cm or more, and testing methods. You can find more information about standards applicable to kid’s furniture in the U.K. from the Furniture Industry Research Association.
As you can see, we have a lot of rules to abide by to ensure your new kid’s bed is safe – and we’re sticklers for the rules!
How to Ensure Your Kid’s Bed is Safe
When choosing a safe new kid’s bed for your child, there are certain things you can keep an eye out for. Make sure the bed:
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1. Meets British Standards
The bed should comply with all the necessary British Standards for that product. If you’re unsure of this, confirm with the retailer or manufacturer of the bed. -
2. Has Safety Features
Check whether your kid’s bed has built-in safety features, such as bed guards to help prevent your child from falling out during the night, handles on the ladder, or slip-proof steps. -
3. Is Age-Appropriate
Choosing an age-appropriate bed will help ensure it’s safe for your child. For example, mid-sleeper, loft and bunk beds are recommended for children aged 6 years and over. -
4. Is Correctly Installed
Ensure your kid’s bed is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re not DIY-minded (like a lot of us!), you might want to hire a professional to help.
Example of a Kid’s Bed Made in China
Nora Toddler Teepee Floor Bed
Cuckooland’s Nora Toddler Teepee Floor Bed is made in China, which helps to make it one of our most affordable kid’s beds – in fact, the price is pretty unbeatable! There’s no compromise on quality either: this simple yet stylish floor bed is made from solid wood and is a customer favourite.
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FAQs
What are the advantages of kid’s beds made in China?
The main advantage of a kid’s bed made in China is the price. When products are manufactured in bulk, there are economies of scale at play, resulting in cheaper unit prices. We can then pass these savings on to our customers, so you get a great, high-quality kid’s bed for less.
For example, check out the Flair Callisto Shorty Bunk Bed Frame – a quality bunk bed for this price is nothing short of incredible!
Are all your kids’ beds made in China?
No - to offer you competitive prices and a wider choice of products, both Cuckooland and BedKingdom source some of their beds from China and Malaysia. However, we also stock many kid’s beds made in Europe, including those by Kids Avenue.
How can I make my kid’s bed safer?
There are ways you can make your child’s bed safer, even if it already comes with safety features. For example, you could add glow-in-the-dark strips to the steps of a cabin or bunk bed, or install a clip-on bedside light so your child can see better when they get up at night. You could also add foam safety strips or corner guards to cover any sharp edges.
Consider the surrounding environment too - ensure any furniture in your child’s room is fixed to the walls, that rugs have a non-slip backing, and that you’re using non-toxic paint when decorating.
Do I need a kid’s bed safety rail?
According to British Standards, bunk beds and high-sleepers should already have a safety rail around the top bunk. Safety rails are also a good idea for toddler beds and single beds when children are under 6 (to help prevent a bump in the night!) If you have a low or floor-level kid’s bed, the risk of injury is lower, and a bed guard may not be necessary.
What are the safest bunk beds for kids?
For maximum safety, we recommend a bunk bed with deep, flat steps and hand-holds in the ladder for a safe climb. The ladder should be fixed to the bed, with rungs at least 20 cm apart and an access point of at least 30 cm. There should be bed guards on both sides of the top bunk.
Check out our Aviary Kids Bunk Bed for a great example of a safe kid’s bunk bed (this is an example of a kids bed made in Malaysia).
Feeling Reassured?
We hope so! Ultimately, if you’re looking for a new bed for your little one and wondering, ‘Are kids’ beds made in China safe?’, the short answer to your question is, most likely, ‘Yes'. Just make sure you choose a reputable supplier (like us!) who has conducted the proper quality control checks and ensured that the bed meets the necessary standards.
If you have any questions about Cuckooland kid’s furniture, contact [email protected].
For BedKingdom, call 01924 950 108 or email [email protected].
