Hello everyone,
I am currently planning to modify our IKEA Malm chest of drawers to make it more child-friendly, as my children often play with the drawers and, in my opinion, the standard design is not completely safe for young children.
My main concerns are:
- The drawers can be pulled out quite easily, which could lead to accidents with small children.
- Fingers might get caught when closing the drawers.
- The operation should be simplified for small children without affecting the functionality for us adults.
Does anyone have experience with this or ideas on how to modify or equip the MALM drawers to make them both safer and easier to use for children?
Thank you very much for any tips or personal experiences!
I am currently planning to modify our IKEA Malm chest of drawers to make it more child-friendly, as my children often play with the drawers and, in my opinion, the standard design is not completely safe for young children.
My main concerns are:
- The drawers can be pulled out quite easily, which could lead to accidents with small children.
- Fingers might get caught when closing the drawers.
- The operation should be simplified for small children without affecting the functionality for us adults.
Does anyone have experience with this or ideas on how to modify or equip the MALM drawers to make them both safer and easier to use for children?
Thank you very much for any tips or personal experiences!
sandrous schrieb:
The drawers can be pulled out quite easily, which can still lead to accidents with small children. That is exactly why I recommend installing so-called drawer stops. These prevent the drawer from being completely removed.
Additionally, the drawers should be slowed down, for example with dampers, since children often pull quickly, which can otherwise cause pinch injuries.
Important: Layered safety measures are more effective than a single change. Such solutions are available from various online shops specializing in child and furniture safety.
In addition to the previous suggestions, it is also recommended to install so-called soft-close drawer slides. These not only enhance safety but also improve the user experience for children, as the drawers do not slam shut.
It is also advisable to check the handles. For example, in the Malm series, the recessed handles are flat and can be difficult for small children to grip. Replacing them with rounded, easy-to-grip handles (e.g., wooden knobs) makes operation easier.
To prevent finger trapping, applying soft edge protectors made of foam or rubber to the inner edges is also recommended.
Costs and installation effort are moderate, while safety is significantly increased.
It is also advisable to check the handles. For example, in the Malm series, the recessed handles are flat and can be difficult for small children to grip. Replacing them with rounded, easy-to-grip handles (e.g., wooden knobs) makes operation easier.
To prevent finger trapping, applying soft edge protectors made of foam or rubber to the inner edges is also recommended.
Costs and installation effort are moderate, while safety is significantly increased.
Lorukeo schrieb:
Soft-close drawer slides not only enhance safety but also improve the user experience for children Agreed. For less experienced DIYers, it’s important to choose models specifically compatible with MALM drawers to avoid unnecessary frustration during installation.
klo61 schrieb:
Multiple layers of safety measures are more effective than just one change. That’s a key point I’d like to emphasize as well. A combination of stoppers, edge protectors, and appropriate handles provides the best solution.
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