Tipping furniture is a major cause for concern among parents. A heavy dresser, bookcase, TV or bed could seriously injure a child if tipped over. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently launched the "Anchor it!" educational program to inform parents about the dangers of falling furniture.
When buying kids furniture, parents should understand what kinds of pieces present the most risk as well as how to properly secure furniture to prevent accidents.
Climbing on drawers is a main point of concern
Furniture accidents are often caused by children opening drawers and using them to climb on top of the dresser. ABC News reported top heavy dressers pose a significant risk to young children. Even if a dresser is heavy, a drawer can act as a lever to reduce the amount of effort needed to cause a fall.
Safe Kids Worldwide noted that about $8.3 million are spent each year in medical costs to treat children injured by tipping TVs. Considering that modern televisions weigh significantly less than dressers and bookcases, this statistic illustrates the importance of buying quality furniture and securing it against accidents.
Finding a storage solution with a larger base may decrease the likelihood of tipping. Even if a piece of kids furniture seems heavy and stable, it's still a good idea to anchor it to the wall.
Bunk bed safety tips
Bunk beds are a great solution for children who share a room. When making a purchasing decision, consider these child safety tips:
- Two guard rails: Bunk beds with two guardrails on the top bunk are the safest option. This prevents the sleeper from rolling out of bed during the night.
- Age restrictions: VeryWell.com suggested waiting to purchase a bunk bed until at least one of the children is over the age of six. Similarly, children younger than six should only sleep on the bottom bunk.
- Avoid ceiling fans: Bunk beds should never be placed under or near a ceiling fan.
- No posts: According to The Spruce, bunk beds manufactured after 2008 aren't allowed to have exposed posts that rise above the top rails. This prevents clothing from getting caught and reduces the risk of strangulation.
Shopping for kids furniture can be a fun experience – just remember these safety tips and only purchase quality pieces that have been designed with kids in mind.
Arwood's Furniture & Mattress has the largest selection of Missouri furniture you can try for a new look this season. Visit our store to get started!
