ᐅ How can I make Malm furniture more child-friendly?

Created on: 15 Jun 2016 19:07
A
Adilje
Hello everyone, I have a rather specific question today regarding the popular Malm furniture from Ikea. My goal is to make these pieces more child-friendly and safer for toddlers, as I have some concerns about their edges, stability, and the common drawer mechanisms. Specifically, I am interested in which methods, upgrades, or modifications you would recommend to adapt Malm dressers or beds to minimize injury risks while keeping the furniture functional for playing children and also more durable for everyday use. I would appreciate any tips on child-safe drawer locks, edge protection, material adjustments, or additional installations. Thank you in advance!
K
kaudi
16 Jun 2016 09:02
Good morning,

I would also like to suggest using furniture anchors for wall mounting, which should be securely screwed in place. The screws need to be tight and may need to be checked after a few months, as wooden furniture can slightly expand due to humidity.
reybo schrieb:
soft materials for edge protection must be non-toxic and firmly adhesive

Exactly, safety aspects are crucial here.

Additionally, applying special coatings, such as anti-slip film on the undersides of drawers, can help reduce slipping when children are playing and prevent damage.

Finally, it is better to start with smaller test areas to see if your child accepts the safety measures and does not have any issues with them.
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Kenton
16 Jun 2016 09:54
For Malm furniture, I always recommend securing the furniture to prevent tipping, using handle guards, and securing drawers with magnetic catches. This prevents most accidents.
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Brian
16 Jun 2016 11:45
Hi Adilje,

There is often a tripping hazard around beds: sharp edges on the bed frames, plus small gaps where children could slip into.

I recommend installing soft bed rails that are breathable and securely fitted. Also, make sure that any potential storage areas are out of reach for small fingers to prevent injuries.

You can additionally equip bed drawers with stronger child safety locks, as they are often secured differently compared to chest of drawers.

May I ask how old your children are? That way, I can provide more specific recommendations.
A
Adilje
16 Jun 2016 13:20
Thank you for the multiple feedback!
Brian schrieb:
May I ask how old your children are?

They are 2 and 4 years old. That's why I want to take precautions as early as possible to prevent any accidents.

Your advice about the bed sounds very helpful; I will definitely look into bed rails.

Do you also have tips on surface maintenance? I want the protective measures to last a long time while keeping the furniture looking good and easy to clean.
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Santiagobu
16 Jun 2016 14:03
Hello again,
Adilje schrieb:
Do you have any tips on how to care for the surfaces?

For Malm furniture with edge protectors or other protective measures, I recommend using a mild soapy solution or special furniture cleaners without harsh chemicals. Avoid strong solvents that could damage the edge protection. Damp cloths are often sufficient, followed by drying to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood.

For adhesive edge protectors: Check regularly to ensure they are firmly attached, as the adhesive bond may loosen due to moisture or children playing – reattach or replace if necessary.

Your protective measures mainly aim to prevent injuries, while proper care helps ensure they last a long time and remain safe.