Once a baby starts crawling, pulling up and climbing, the furniture in your home looks very different. Dressers become ladders, sharp corners sit at head height, and drawers become hiding places for small objects. Knowing how to childproof furniture prevents the most common injuries without turning your home into a fortress. This guide covers anchoring, corners and edges, drawers and doors, TVs, glass, and choosing safer furniture.
The Most Important Step: Anchor Furniture
Tip-overs are among the most serious furniture hazards for young children. Dressers, bookcases, TV stands and tall cabinets can fall when a child climbs them or pulls out drawers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges parents to anchor furniture and TVs to the wall.
- Anchor every dresser, bookcase, wardrobe and tall cabinet.
- Use the anti-tip kit that comes with the furniture, or buy one rated for the weight.
- Screw into wall studs where possible; use proper anchors in drywall.
- Check anchors periodically and after moving furniture.
See our step-by-step guide on how to anchor furniture to a wall.
Childproofing Checklist
| Hazard | Fix |
|---|---|
| Tall furniture tipping | Anti-tip anchors |
| TVs falling | Wall mount, or strap to the stand and wall |
| Sharp corners | Corner guards; choose rounded furniture |
| Drawers used as steps | Drawer locks; anchors |
| Pinched fingers | Soft-close hinges and drawers; door stoppers |
| Glass doors and tabletops | Tempered glass; locks on cabinet doors |
| Cords and blinds | Cord wraps; cordless window coverings |
| Heavy items up high | Move heavy items to low shelves |
Corners and Edges
Coffee tables, TV stands and dressers often sit at a toddler's head height. Add soft corner guards and edge bumpers, or choose furniture with rounded corners. Round and oval coffee tables are a good choice in family rooms.
Drawers and Cabinet Doors
- Install drawer and cabinet locks on anything with cleaning supplies, medicines, sharp objects or small items.
- Use locks on lower drawers of dressers so they can't be used as steps.
- Store heavy items in bottom drawers to lower the center of gravity.
- Soft-close drawers and hinges reduce pinched fingers.
TVs and Electronics
- Wall-mount TVs where possible.
- If the TV sits on a stand, strap it to the stand or wall and anchor the stand too.
- Never place a TV on a dresser or tall piece that isn't designed for it.
- Hide cords behind furniture or in cord covers.
Glass and Display Cabinets
Glass doors and shelves invite little hands. Choose tempered glass, lock cabinet doors, keep fragile items on higher shelves, and anchor tall display cabinets.
Choosing Safer Furniture
When buying new furniture for a home with kids, look for:
- Anti-tip hardware included.
- Rounded or softened corners.
- Low, wide profiles that are harder to tip.
- Sturdy construction and stable bases.
- Durable, wipe-clean finishes.
In the U.S., the STURDY Act set mandatory tip-over stability requirements for clothing storage units such as dressers and chests, so check that new pieces meet current standards. Several Homsee pieces list anti-tip hardware in their specifications, including the Nacre 6-Drawer Dresser, the Elwood Reeded 3-Drawer Dresser and the Arched Display Cabinet with Glass Doors and Integrated Lighting. The Orbis 3-Drawer Curved Dresser has a rounded rectangular shape and a low 31.5" height.
See our guide to kid- and pet-friendly furniture.
Room-by-Room Tips
Nursery and kids' rooms
Anchor dressers and bookcases, keep cribs away from cords and windows, and store toys low.
Living room
Anchor the TV and stand, pad corners on coffee tables, and secure bookcases.
Kitchen and dining
Lock lower cabinets, anchor freestanding pantry cabinets, and keep chairs pushed in so they can't be used to climb.
Playroom
Choose low, open shelves anchored to the wall. See our playroom ideas.
Check Regularly
Childproofing isn't a one-time job. As children grow and climb higher, reassess: check anchors, move hazards higher, and update locks.
Childproofing on a Budget
- Use the anti-tip kits that come with furniture; they're often free.
- Move heavy items to low shelves at no cost.
- Rearrange furniture so climbable pieces aren't next to windows or shelves.
- Add inexpensive adhesive drawer latches and corner guards.
- Remove tablecloths, which toddlers can pull.
Childproofing for Different Ages
| Age | Main risks | Focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Crawlers | Low cabinets, cords, small objects | Locks, cord covers, floor checks |
| Early walkers | Corners, pulling up on furniture | Anchors, corner guards |
| Toddlers | Climbing, opening drawers | Anchors, drawer locks, heavy items low |
| Preschoolers | Climbing higher, reaching shelves | Re-check anchors, move hazards higher |
Related: see our toy storage ideas.
FAQ
What furniture should be anchored to the wall?
Dressers, chests, bookcases, wardrobes, tall cabinets, TV stands and TVs.
When should I start childproofing furniture?
Before your baby starts crawling, usually around 6 months, and update as they begin pulling up and climbing.
How do I stop my toddler from climbing furniture?
Anchor furniture, lock lower drawers, remove tempting items from tops of furniture, and give them safe places to climb.
Do I need corner guards?
They help on coffee tables, TV stands and hearths at toddler height. Rounded furniture reduces the need.