ᐅ How can I secure Billy shelves when there are children in the household?

Hello everyone, I have two small children at home and several Billy bookcases from IKEA that I would like to make childproof. Since the bookcases are quite tall and narrow, I am concerned they might tip over if the children are playing or climbing on them. I know that IKEA usually provides wall anchoring materials, but I’m wondering if there are additional options to secure these bookcases or recommended extra safety measures to prevent injuries or damage at home. Do you know how to firmly and safely secure Billy bookcases, especially when young children like to be nearby and sometimes try to climb on them?

It is best to always use the included wall fixings. To do this, screw the shelf firmly into the wall, preferably into a solid wall anchor. Additionally, you can secure the shelves with child safety straps to prevent them from falling out.

sarGabriel schrieb:
It's best to always use the supplied wall fixings.

Absolutely! By the way, I found that small hook-and-loop stops on the back of the shelf are also quite useful—they provide a bit of support in case the screws are not in the best condition. And kids often love these little everyday helpers, although with a climbing ladder, the shelf is still off-limits 😉 A bit of humor helps to keep the situation relaxed 😉.

As an addition: Wall mounting should always be done at a load-bearing point, ideally directly into a wooden stud or using appropriate anchors for concrete. It is also possible to use special anti-tip devices that prevent a shelf from tipping forward, even when loaded. Additionally, I recommend storing heavy items as low as possible to reduce the risk of tipping.

olivernu schrieb:
Wall mounting should always be done at a load-bearing point

And importantly: regularly check whether the screws are still tight. Especially when children are playing roughly, they can loosen.

sebastianm schrieb:
And importantly: regularly check that the screws are still tight.

Thank you for the important reminder. Are there specific products or fastening systems that go beyond the standard IKEA kits and are particularly recommended if you have very small children who frequently try to climb on or pull down furniture? I ask partly because I often read that some parents also install brackets or metal braces to provide additional stability.