Children are natural explorers, always eager to climb, touch and discover new things. While their curiosity is a wonderful quality, it can also lead to dangerous situations around the house.
One of the biggest risks is furniture tipping accidents. According to Tracey Fejt, RN, trauma outreach and injury prevention coordinator with Banner Children’s, thousands of children are injured or worse each year because of falling furniture.
“Children 8 years of age and under are generally the ones we see climbing furniture,” Fejt said. “They are curious and like to climb, especially if they want something on top of the furniture. They can be determined to get it.”
Furniture of all shapes and sizes can be prone to tipping. Even sturdy items, like dressers or bookshelves, can tip over if a child climbs on them.
“Shelves and drawers give children step-like features,” Fejt said. “When children climb them, they make the furniture top heavy and it’s more likely to fall over.”
TVs can also cause serious harm. With their tall, thin structure, flat-panel TVs can easily tip over.
Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to prevent furniture from tipping over at home.
Tips to prevent furniture tipping
1. Secure furniture to the wall
“Anchoring furniture is one of the most valuable things caregivers can do to avoid serious injuries and deaths,” Fejt said.
Attach furniture to a stud in the wall using sturdy brackets or anti-tip straps. Some furniture comes with anchors, but you can also find these safety items at your local hardware store or big box stores. Ensure the brackets and straps are secure and can support the weight of the furniture.
2. Use the right TV stand
Always place your TV on a stand that’s the correct size for the TV. Look for a stand at least two to three inches wider than the TV on each side, with plenty of space in front of and behind the TV. The stand should be low and wide, with a sturdy base.
To make your TV even safer, use a wall mount. This secures the TV to the wall, out of reach of little hands. If a wall mount isn't possible, consider strapping the TV to the stand. This keeps it from tipping if it’s bumped or pulled.
3. Keep toys at a safe level
Kids are naturally drawn to bright, colorful or interesting objects. They may spot a favorite toy or a shiny object high on a shelf and decide to climb up to get it, which can lead to dangerous situations.
“Place your child’s favorite toys and items on lower shelves or baskets on the floor so they can easily access them,” Fejt said.
4. Remove tempting items
Keep items like remote controls, keys, decorative objects, knives or cleaning supplies out of sight and out of reach. If your child can’t see them, they’re less likely to want them.
5. Lock drawers and doors
Drawers and cabinet doors can be a big temptation for kids. They love to open them, pull them out and even climb inside. But if the furniture becomes unbalanced, this can lead to tipping.
Use child-proof locks on all drawers and doors. This keeps children from pulling them open and reduces the risk of tipping.
6. Teach kids about furniture safety
“Teach your children about the dangers of furniture tipping,” Fejt said. “Explain why they should never climb, stand inside or hang onto furniture.”
7. Keep heavy objects low:
Store heavy items on the bottom shelves of bookcases and dressers. This will help to keep the furniture stable.
8. Check furniture regularly
Safety isn’t a one-time task. As your children grow and your home changes, new hazards can arise. Regularly check your home for anything that could tip over or cause harm.
Look for any loose or wobbly furniture. Make sure all anchors, straps and locks are still secure. If you notice anything out of place, fix it right away.
9. Install safety gates
If you have young children, consider installing gates to prevent them from entering areas where furniture may be dangerous.
10. Avoid placing furniture near windows
Furniture placed near windows can be a tipping hazard, especially if it is pushed against the window or if a child climbs on it.
What to do if your child tips furniture over and falls
Even with all the precautions in place, accidents can still happen. If your child tips over furniture and falls, acting quickly and calmly is important. Here’s what you should do:
1. Check for injuries
Look for cuts, bruises or swelling. If your child is crying, that’s usually a good sign that they’re conscious and aware. However, crying can also make it hard to spot other symptoms. Be thorough with your check.
Watch for signs of more serious injuries, such as:
- Loss of consciousness (passed out), even briefly
- Vomiting (throwing up) after the fall
- A large bump or bruise on the head
- Problems breathing or unusual drowsiness
- Bleeding that will not stop
- An arm or a leg that looks twisted, broken or out of place
If your child shows any of these signs, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department for help immediately. If you are unsure about the severity of the injury, it is always better to err on the side of caution and visit the nearest urgent care or a health care provider.
2. Keep your child calm
They may be scared and in pain if hurt. Speak to them in a calm and soothing voice. Let them know you’re there and that help is coming, if needed. This will help reduce their anxiety.
3. Move the furniture and clean up
Once your child is safe and calm, move the fallen furniture out of the way. If anything breaks during the fall, clean up sharp objects or debris to prevent further accidents.
4. Check your safety measures
After an accident, review your home’s safety and consider whether there’s anything else you can do to prevent future accidents. This might mean adding more anchors, moving heavy items to lower shelves or rethinking how you organize your child’s play area.
5. Follow up with your child
In the days following the fall, monitor your child for any changes in behavior or physical symptoms. Sometimes, the effects of a fall take time to appear. If you notice anything unusual, contact your child's provider.
Takeaway
Preventing furniture tipping is important for keeping your child and family safe at home. Anchoring furniture, securing TVs and keeping tempting items either within your child’s easy reach or out of sight can reduce the risk of accidents.
Remember, your child’s curiosity and energy are natural and wonderful. By creating a safe environment, you allow them to explore and play while minimizing the risks associated with this.
For more information on how to properly anchor furniture, check out anchorit.gov. Their tagline says it best: The threat is serious, but the solution is simple.
