Make Furniture Safe for Babies and Children

Baby-friendly Furnishings Protect Young Kids from Household Dangers

Oct 18, 2008

With young children in the house, parents should add safety devices on their furniture to prevent furniture-related injuries.

Babies and young children have the natural tendencies to crawl and run around the house, making them susceptible to all kinds of injury. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home yearly.

Many of these incidents can be prevented if parents use child-friendly furniture certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), install child safety devices on existing furniture or rearrange furniture with the kids’ safety in mind. The following suggestions may help.

Baby Crib

The Infant Furniture Safety Guide by the American Academy of Pediatrics says parents should make sure the crib comes with all parts that fit tightly and is smooth and free of splinters or exposed screws that may scratch the baby. Check that the mattress fits snugly against the sides of the crib. The space between the bars in the crib should not be more than two to three inches apart. When raised, the top rail of the adjustable side of the crib should be 26 inches from the bottom of the crib’s mattress to prevent falls. When lowered, the height should be at least nine inches from the crib’s mattress support. As an additional safety measure, keep the crib away from windows.

Tables and Shelves

Corner guards and edge bumpers can soften blows against sharp and rough edges. So fit these safety devices to help prevent injuries from falls against pointed and sharp edges of tables, shelves and fireplaces. Also, avoid furniture with glass if possible. Parents who wish to continue using glass furniture should cover the surface with safety film to prevent the glass from shattering into pieces if it breaks.

Cupboards and Cabinets

Fit safety latches and locks on cupboards and cabinets to prevent children from reaching harmful substances such as medicines and household cleaners as well as knives and other sharp objects. They also prevent children from hiding and getting trapped inside. Look for safety latches and locks that can be installed and used easily for adults but that are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children.

Drawers

Use guards to prevent jammed fingers. Also, fill drawers from bottom to up. This helps make the furniture more stable and sturdier, preventing it from toppling over if pulled by young children and crushing them below.

Toy Storage

Keep toys in low cupboards or shelves so that toddlers and young children can reach them without climbing. Again, use corner guards if there are sharp edges. Ensure that the furniture is sturdy and secure.

Furniture safety for children is something to be taken seriously. Parents who use products certified by the relevant authorities and install safety devices such as corner guards and edge bumpers; safety latches and locks as well as placing furniture appropriately will have the peace of mind knowing they have done their best to protect their children from furniture hazards.

Malaysian Pediatric Association. Make it Safe for Kids: Child Injury Prevention Guidelines. Kuala Lumpur: VersaTrend, 2004.

The copyright of the article Make Furniture Safe for Babies and Children in Child-Proofing Homes is owned by Wei Yin Wong. Permission to republish Make Furniture Safe for Babies and Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.