Furniture and TV tip-overs can cause serious injury or even death to children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child is injured by a TV or furniture tip-over every 24 minutes in the United States. To keep your children safe, it’s important to take steps to prevent tip-overs from occurring in your home.
Here are some tips to help you prevent furniture and TV tip-overs:
Anchor Furniture and TVs
Tall cabinets and dressers are great for organizing clothes and items for our families, but the threat of these heavy furniture always looms. Luckily, there are many companies that make furniture straps or brackets to secure tall furniture, such as dressers and bookcases, to the wall. This will help prevent them from tipping over if a child climbs on them or pulls on them. You should also anchor your TV to the wall or use a sturdy TV stand to keep it from falling over.
Also, consider bracketing not only the furniture in your kids rooms, but any tall furniture in other rooms that could be considered a concern if your kid decides to “climb ALL the mountains”.
Place Heavy Items on Bottom Shelves
What is one of the main reasons kids climb on furniture? To reach something they want. An easy solution to this is to keep heavier items, such as books and toys, on lower shelves where they are less likely to cause the furniture or TV to tip over. Even work with your kids to choose the items they would want easy access to. A parenting win-win!
Keep Walkways Clear
Make sure that walkways are clear of clutter and that furniture and TVs are not blocking doorways or exits. This will help prevent tip-overs and also make it easier for you to get out of the house in case of an emergency.
Help Your Kids Know Why It Is Important
Keep an eye on your children when they are playing near furniture and TVs. Teach them not to climb on furniture or pull on televisions.
Educate Others
Share this information with friends, family and caregivers to ensure that all who care for your children are aware of the risks of furniture and TV tip-overs and how to prevent them.
By following these tips, you can help prevent furniture and TV tip-overs in your home and keep your children safe. Remember that safety is an ongoing process and it is important to regularly check and update the anchorings of your furniture and TVs.
Way To Go Parents 