We recently had a CPR Kids follower reach out about an incident that she experienced with her toddler – in hopes, she could remind parents of the importance of always securing furniture, and prevent others from experiencing what she did.
When we think of securing furniture many of us think of TV straps and bookcase safety – without thinking that something as seemingly ‘safe’ as a chest of drawers could pose a risk! This is an important reminder as tragically, at least 14 children under nine years old died in Australia during 2000-2015 after domestic furniture fell on them. This is around one death per year.
“I wanted to share this vomit-inducing photo of our chest of drawers toppled over … I was feeding my newborn when I heard an almighty crash out where my 2-year-old was. I came out to see this. And I thought my 2-year-old was under it. If he had been I hate to think what the consequences would have been. By some miracle, he managed to get clear of it before it fell.
I suspect he opened all the drawers which shifted the weight.
My point is… we’re very safety conscious but we moved into a temporary rental and didn’t want to damage the walls by securing the chest of drawers. In hindsight… how stupid was that.
We were so lucky and so I wanted to share our close shave to perhaps help others think twice.”
For the record – we are so glad this little one is okay – and we don’t think this is stupid at all! It isn’t uncommon for even the most safety-conscious parents to consider only the more obvious safety risks in the home.
Also worth noting – toddlers can often surprise us with what they are capable of, particularly when we are caring for and feeding their younger siblings making it that much harder to keep a close eye on them!
Here are some great tips from Product Safety Australia on preventing furniture accidents in the home,
- Attach, mount, bolt, or otherwise secure furniture and televisions to walls and floors.
- Put locking devices on all drawers to prevent children from opening them and using them as steps.
- Do not put heavy items on top shelves of bookcases.
- Discourage small children from climbing on the furniture.
- Do not put tempting items such as favourite toys on top of furniture that encourages children to climb up and reach.
- Do not place unstable furniture near where children play.
Check out this Red Nose Australia article on furniture safety, for more.
