ᐅ Is it possible to make IKEA Besta storage safe and childproof for a kid’s room?
Created on: 25 Nov 2023 19:37
P
pilotploHello everyone,
I am considering whether an IKEA Besta shelving system can be made both safe and childproof for use as storage in a children's room. Specifically, I am interested in how to equip the furniture so that small children cannot injure themselves by tipping it over or stumble on or accidentally swallow small parts.
Are there recommended measures for securing it to the wall, using child-friendly hinges, or lockable drawers? Would I possibly need to replace or add certain components? And what is your general opinion on the stability and suitability of Besta in an active children's room where a lot of playing takes place?
I would appreciate any experience and tips to make the room as child-safe as possible without giving up the look and flexibility of Besta.
I am considering whether an IKEA Besta shelving system can be made both safe and childproof for use as storage in a children's room. Specifically, I am interested in how to equip the furniture so that small children cannot injure themselves by tipping it over or stumble on or accidentally swallow small parts.
Are there recommended measures for securing it to the wall, using child-friendly hinges, or lockable drawers? Would I possibly need to replace or add certain components? And what is your general opinion on the stability and suitability of Besta in an active children's room where a lot of playing takes place?
I would appreciate any experience and tips to make the room as child-safe as possible without giving up the look and flexibility of Besta.
Hello pilotplo,
First of all, that’s a very good question that deserves much more attention than one might expect. IKEA Besta is an extremely versatile system, but there are a few important safety considerations when using it in a children’s room.
1. Wall mounting: The key aspect is securing the unit. Besta shelves do not have built-in anti-tip mechanisms, so I strongly recommend using the supplied brackets and firmly fixing them to the wall (preferably with anchors suitable for masonry or appropriate building materials). Without this step, the furniture can easily tip over during climbing attempts.
2. Doors and drawers: The standard hinge mechanisms and handles are not childproof – small children can pinch their fingers or fully open doors and play with small parts. Special child safety devices, available as attachments, or so-called “soft-close” dampers can help prevent pinching injuries. It’s also worthwhile installing drawer locks or lockable latches to avoid uncontrolled openings.
3. Interior organization: Since Besta often features compartments and doors, pay attention to small accessible parts. It’s best to use organizational systems with lockable boxes or bags.
4. Material and load capacity: Besta is sturdy, but the back panel is often made of thin particleboard. Make sure the assembly is done correctly so that no loose edges protrude that could cause injury.
5. Additional safety measures: You can also apply edge protectors on sharp corners and use non-slip pads between the furniture and floor to prevent slipping.
In summary, with proper installation and childproof accessories, Besta can be safely used in a children’s room, but safety requires some care and investment.
How old are the children, and how active are they around furniture? Toddlers especially need different safety measures than older children.
First of all, that’s a very good question that deserves much more attention than one might expect. IKEA Besta is an extremely versatile system, but there are a few important safety considerations when using it in a children’s room.
1. Wall mounting: The key aspect is securing the unit. Besta shelves do not have built-in anti-tip mechanisms, so I strongly recommend using the supplied brackets and firmly fixing them to the wall (preferably with anchors suitable for masonry or appropriate building materials). Without this step, the furniture can easily tip over during climbing attempts.
2. Doors and drawers: The standard hinge mechanisms and handles are not childproof – small children can pinch their fingers or fully open doors and play with small parts. Special child safety devices, available as attachments, or so-called “soft-close” dampers can help prevent pinching injuries. It’s also worthwhile installing drawer locks or lockable latches to avoid uncontrolled openings.
3. Interior organization: Since Besta often features compartments and doors, pay attention to small accessible parts. It’s best to use organizational systems with lockable boxes or bags.
4. Material and load capacity: Besta is sturdy, but the back panel is often made of thin particleboard. Make sure the assembly is done correctly so that no loose edges protrude that could cause injury.
5. Additional safety measures: You can also apply edge protectors on sharp corners and use non-slip pads between the furniture and floor to prevent slipping.
In summary, with proper installation and childproof accessories, Besta can be safely used in a children’s room, but safety requires some care and investment.
How old are the children, and how active are they around furniture? Toddlers especially need different safety measures than older children.
GOLO42 schrieb:
Wall mounting: The key is proper anchoring. That is absolutely correct and essential. I would like to add:
- The use of anti-tip devices for furniture is standard recommended practice, especially in households with children under six years old.
- Child safety locks for drawers and cabinet doors should be checked for compatibility with the IKEA Besta system, as some universal products may not fit optimally.
- When selecting locking mechanisms, make sure they are easy for adults to operate but difficult for children.
- Regular checks of the furniture anchoring are advisable, since screws can loosen over time with long-term use.
Additional tip: If you use fabric boxes or baskets inside, choose sturdy versions to avoid the risk of tearing or small parts spilling out.
In conclusion: The Besta system can be made very child-safe by focusing on secure mounting and proper closures. The appearance can be preserved, and flexibility remains intact when well-thought-out safety measures are added.
Similar topics