When you have kids, childproofing your home is a big step. But one thing you shouldn't miss on your childproof list is making sure your furniture is safe from naturally curious hands (or heads)!
And since it's National Safety Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some tips and tricks for keeping your home safe and looking great (sometimes your furniture needs protection, too)! Let's take a look!
1. Anchor Heavy Furniture
The first thing you need to secure is anchoring heavy furniture! If your little ones are prone to climbing or being extra curious, it’s imperative that you follow these steps!
- Use wall anchors, brackets, or furniture straps to secure tall items like bookshelves and dressers to the wall.
- Make sure anchors and straps are firmly attached to wall studs for extra stability.
- Tighten screws and attachments regularly to ensure the anchors stay secure over time.
- Avoid placing tempting items like toys or remote controls on top of high furniture to keep kids from climbing to reach them.
2. Choose Child-Friendly Materials
You might not think it, but what your furniture is made of can impact your children's safety! Make sure your furniture consists of these materials to create a safer environment for your kids (and your furniture itself!).
- Non-Toxic Finishes: Ensure your furniture is coated in non-toxic finishes to protect your kids from harmful chemicals. Look for water-based paints, natural wood oils, or formaldehyde-free varnishes.
- Durable Upholstery: Go for furniture with sturdy, stain-resistant fabrics like microfiber, leather, or machine-washable slipcovers. These materials can handle everyday spills and playtime while maintaining their integrity.
- Scratch-Resistant Surfaces: Opt for laminated or sealed wood surfaces that resist scratches and scuffs, reducing the chance of splinters or other hazards for your children.
3. Secure Potentially Dangerous Items
Kids are known for their curiosity, so securing dangerous items in your living spaces is crucial to keeping them safe:
- Secure Heavy Electronics: Mount TVs and other electronics on walls or firmly secure them to sturdy furniture to prevent accidental tipping, which could lead to serious injury.
- Install Childproof Drawer Locks: Use childproof locks on drawers that contain potentially dangerous items like batteries or small, sharp objects. This helps protect kids from reaching harmful items that might cause injury.
- Cover Electrical Outlets: Add outlet covers or safety plugs to protect children from inserting fingers or objects into exposed electrical sockets.
4. Upgrade to Curved or Rounded Furniture
Furniture with rounded shapes can be a lifesaver for families with kids, reducing the risk of injury when little ones take a tumble. Here's what to consider:
- Rounded Occasional Tables: Choose occasional tables like coffee tables, side tables, and dining tables with rounded corners to minimize injuries from bumps and falls.
- Curved Sofas: Look for sofas and sectionals with curved designs instead of sharp, angular shapes to reduce the chance of injury.
- Padded Upholstery: Opt for cushioned ottomans, stools, and poufs instead of solid pieces. Upholstered seating options add comfort and protection.
5. Add Padding in Key Areas
Even with rounded or curved furniture, adding extra padding in strategic spots can be a game-changer for child safety:
- Corners and Edges: Apply edge bumpers or corner guards to sharp edges on tables, shelves, and other furniture to prevent cuts and bruises when kids run into them. Soft corner guards made of silicone or foam are easy to install and blend with your decor.
- Low Furniture: Add padding to low furniture like bed frames, storage units, or low bookshelves that children will likely bump into. Foam strips or rubber bumpers can cushion those hard edges and provide extra protection for your little ones.
Extra Childproofing Measures
In addition to the primary safety strategies, consider these extra tips for added childproofing:
- Secure Furniture Doors: Install childproof latches on cabinet and closet doors to keep children away from breakable or hazardous items. Latches are easy to attach and can stop even the most curious little ones.
- Anti-Slip Rugs and Mats: Place non-slip pads under rugs and mats to prevent them from sliding, especially near heavy furniture. These pads help keep rugs in place and reduce slips and falls.
- Limit Access to Fragile Furniture: Move breakable or valuable furniture to rooms where children have limited access. Alternatively, place them out of reach to prevent accidental damage or injury.
- Cord Management: Opt for furniture like entertainment centers or home office desks with built-in cord management to keep cables neatly tucked away. Or bundle and hide loose power cords using cable organizers or cord covers to prevent tripping hazards or accidental pulls.
Kid-Proof, Style Certified
As you can see, childproofing your home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style. While you might have to make adjustments, there’s plenty of furniture that fulfills your safety needs at Pieratt's! Visit us to explore our range of curated pieces and see how easy it can be to create a beautiful home that’s both kid-friendly and safe!