Advertisement
Opinion

Video sheds scary light on the dangers of unanchored furniture

This video serves as an important reminder to parents to anchor all heavy furniture in your home.

By Today's Parent
Video sheds scary light on the dangers of unanchored furniture

Last week, a third child died after an unanchored IKEA dresser fell on him. This video by The Consumer Product Safety Commission simulates just how easily—and quickly—a kid's natural curiosity can turn deadly. Subbing a child for a dummy, the video shows that it doesn't take a lot of weight to tip over a hulking piece of furniture. It's incredibly difficult to watch.

The best way to prevent an accident is to take safety measures, these include anchoring tall or heavy furniture like dressers, entertainment units or bookcases securely to the wall. IKEA is offering free kits to anyone who buys a chest of drawers or who bought an IKEA Malm chest, which was recalled last year. Be sure to keep televisions far back on an anchored piece of furniture or securely fasten your flatscreen onto the wall.

Read more: Why you need to protect your child from TVs (It's not the reason you think!)
How to keep kids safe at wading pools and splash pads Doctors warn against sliding with toddlers

This article was originally published on Apr 25, 2016

Weekly Newsletter

Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners

I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement