ᐅ How can I make Malm furniture safer for children?

Created on: 17 May 2020 19:12
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benkar
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benkar
17 May 2020 19:12
Hello everyone,

I have some concerns about the safety of IKEA Malm furniture in the children's room and am looking for effective ways to make these pieces safer, especially around children. The Malm series is well-known and quite popular, but it has also been criticized for tipping hazards.

My main question is: How can I secure furniture from the Malm range, especially dressers and wardrobes, so that they won’t tip over or cause injuries even when children are playing roughly?

I am particularly interested in practical tips for securely anchoring the furniture to the wall, using appropriate child-safe securing systems, and advice on the best way to arrange and use the furniture in the children’s room.

I want to avoid only implementing partial solutions or making mistakes, so I appreciate your experiences and recommendations. Thank you in advance!
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Celia
17 May 2020 19:36
The easiest solution is using tilt restraints, which are offered by IKEA or third-party suppliers. Secure these to the wall with anchors and screw them onto the furniture.

Also, make sure the chest of drawers is not too tall or overloaded. Place heavy items at the bottom.
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SUDAN
18 May 2020 06:51
Hello benkar,

For safe use of Malm furniture in a child's room, I recommend following this 3-step plan:

1. Secure Wall Fixing: Always use the included or suitable anti-tip brackets with appropriate wall anchors for your wall type (e.g., concrete, drywall). This greatly improves stability and prevents tipping.

2. Proper Furniture Selection: Choose dressers and cabinets with heavier items stored in the lower drawers. Securing the load at the bottom further stabilizes the furniture.

3. Child-Friendly Storage: Frequently used items should be stored in the upper sections so children don’t need to climb, while keeping the weight low.

A common mistake is loosening screws too much or using unsuitable wall anchors – I have experienced this myself. Also, check the fixings regularly to ensure they remain secure and stable.

In summary: wall fixing, weight distribution to the bottom, and regular checks are essential.

Good luck!
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Nauman5
18 May 2020 14:23
Hey benkar 🙂

I secured the Malm dresser in our kids’ room with a simple anti-tip safety kit. It works great! It’s also important to teach the kids not to use furniture for climbing.

A little tip: I attached felt pads to the bottom of the dresser to protect the floor in case it gets moved around 😉
Celia schrieb:
The easiest are the anti-tip devices offered by IKEA or third-party suppliers.

I totally agree. These things are really worth their weight in gold.
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Juan31
19 May 2020 09:59
In addition to the measures mentioned, I would like to emphasize the importance of assembly quality.

Many accidents involving Malm furniture result from improper securing of the furniture parts or the wall mounting. A correct screw connection between the furniture and the wall using appropriate anchors is crucial. The screws should be driven in deep enough and tightened firmly without damaging the material.

Furthermore, I advise against placing too much weight on the upper drawers, as this can increase the risk of the unit tipping over.

Regarding tip-over protection, IKEA has issued an official recommendation letter aimed at parents. It explains why smaller children are at higher risk due to their weight and behavior.

Those who prioritize safety should also consider using corner protectors and avoiding sharp edges on furniture. This completes the protection against injuries.