Furniture tip-overs are one of the most serious hidden dangers in the home for young children. A toddler who climbs a dresser, pulls on a bookshelf or opens every drawer can bring heavy furniture down on themselves. Anchoring furniture to the wall is simple, inexpensive and one of the most important babyproofing jobs you can do.
Why tip-overs happen
- Toddlers climb furniture to reach something on top.
- Opening several drawers at once shifts the weight forward.
- Heavy items like TVs sit high on top of furniture.
- Carpet or uneven floors make furniture less stable.
What to anchor first
- Dressers and chests of drawers
- Bookshelves and toy shelves, even low ones
- TV stands, and the TV itself
- Wardrobes and tall cabinets
In the US, new dressers and clothing storage units must now meet a federal stability standard, but anchoring is still recommended for all furniture that could tip.
Use the anti-tip kit that comes with it
Many pieces of kids furniture include anti-tip hardware. All of our taller shelves do, and we ask that it's installed before the shelf is used:
- The Elm bookshelf stands 36.8 inches tall and comes with an anti-tip wall device. Fix it to the wall before loading it.
- The Juniper toy shelf includes metal anti-tip anchors. Fit them before adding toys.
- The Maple toy storage comes with anti-tip hardware.
- The Birch and Hazel reading nook bookshelves include an anti-tip wall anchor kit. Anchor them before your child uses the nook.
How to anchor furniture, step by step
- Find a stud. Use a stud finder. Screwing into a wall stud gives the strongest hold.
- No stud where you need one? Use drywall anchors rated for the weight, following the kit's instructions.
- Attach the bracket or strap to the back of the furniture near the top, as the instructions show.
- Fix it to the wall, keeping the strap snug so the furniture can't lean forward.
- Test it. Gently pull the top of the furniture. It shouldn't tilt.
If you're unsure about your walls, a handyman can help. Renters can ask their landlord. Many are happy to allow anchors for child safety.
Habits that help
- Put heavy items in low drawers and on low shelves.
- Don't put tempting toys or treats on top of furniture.
- Don't place TVs on top of dressers. Mount them or use a low, anchored stand.
- Teach kids not to climb furniture, and use drawer stops if they like to open every drawer.
- Check anchors every few months, and after moving furniture.
Questions parents ask
Do I need to anchor a low bookshelf?
Yes, if it could tip. Low shelves can still fall when a child pulls on them or climbs.
Can I anchor furniture without drilling?
Most reliable anchors need screws. If you can't drill, ask your landlord or choose low, wide furniture that's hard to tip.
When should I anchor furniture?
Before your baby starts pulling up to stand, and ideally as soon as the furniture goes into the room.
See the full list in our babyproofing checklist.
