Hello everyone,
I recently purchased some MALM furniture from IKEA and am considering how to make it as childproof as possible. I’m especially concerned about drawers and cabinets, as small children could get hurt or the furniture might tip over if they try to pull themselves up on it.
My specific question is: What measures do you recommend to make MALM dressers and beds with drawers safe for children? I am interested in tips both for anti-tip protection and for preventing injuries from closing drawers or sharp corners.
I have already heard about anti-tip devices but am unsure which products or solutions work best for MALM furniture, since it is often not very heavy and is made from wood panels.
It would be great if you could share your experiences with special safety devices, installation methods, or practical everyday tips. Thanks in advance!
I recently purchased some MALM furniture from IKEA and am considering how to make it as childproof as possible. I’m especially concerned about drawers and cabinets, as small children could get hurt or the furniture might tip over if they try to pull themselves up on it.
My specific question is: What measures do you recommend to make MALM dressers and beds with drawers safe for children? I am interested in tips both for anti-tip protection and for preventing injuries from closing drawers or sharp corners.
I have already heard about anti-tip devices but am unsure which products or solutions work best for MALM furniture, since it is often not very heavy and is made from wood panels.
It would be great if you could share your experiences with special safety devices, installation methods, or practical everyday tips. Thanks in advance!
Hello,
for MALM furniture, I mainly recommend tipping restraints, like those IKEA also provides. These are mounted on the wall and prevent the furniture from tipping over. For drawers, there are child safety locks that can be hooked on to make opening more difficult. This is usually sufficient.
for MALM furniture, I mainly recommend tipping restraints, like those IKEA also provides. These are mounted on the wall and prevent the furniture from tipping over. For drawers, there are child safety locks that can be hooked on to make opening more difficult. This is usually sufficient.
Making MALM furniture child-safe requires a multi-step approach, as the combination of lightweight construction and the appealing design of the drawers poses a notable safety risk.
1. Anti-tip protection: Since MALM dressers and sideboards often have several drawers, they are not very heavy and can tip over if children pull themselves up on them. IKEA offers special anti-tip devices that are attached with screws to the wall and the back of the furniture. I strongly recommend using wall anchors and screws suitable for your wall material—for example, do not use standard anchors only in drywall; better options are heavy-duty anchors or metal fixings. Proper installation is crucial; otherwise, even the best device is ineffective.
2. Drawer safety: Children can easily pinch their fingers if drawers close suddenly. There are plastic clip-on locks designed specifically for MALM drawers that act as latches on the handle. Alternatively, soft-close mechanisms are helpful if not already installed.
3. Edge protection: The edges of MALM furniture are generally rounded, but for sensitive toddlers, they can still be uncomfortable. Soft edge protectors made of foam or silicone can provide additional safety.
I would be interested to know if you already have specific products in mind, or if you are considering modifying the furniture (e.g., installing new handles) to improve safety?
1. Anti-tip protection: Since MALM dressers and sideboards often have several drawers, they are not very heavy and can tip over if children pull themselves up on them. IKEA offers special anti-tip devices that are attached with screws to the wall and the back of the furniture. I strongly recommend using wall anchors and screws suitable for your wall material—for example, do not use standard anchors only in drywall; better options are heavy-duty anchors or metal fixings. Proper installation is crucial; otherwise, even the best device is ineffective.
2. Drawer safety: Children can easily pinch their fingers if drawers close suddenly. There are plastic clip-on locks designed specifically for MALM drawers that act as latches on the handle. Alternatively, soft-close mechanisms are helpful if not already installed.
3. Edge protection: The edges of MALM furniture are generally rounded, but for sensitive toddlers, they can still be uncomfortable. Soft edge protectors made of foam or silicone can provide additional safety.
I would be interested to know if you already have specific products in mind, or if you are considering modifying the furniture (e.g., installing new handles) to improve safety?
Hey gigazar,
we’re very familiar with this here as well! Honestly, MALM looks great, but small hands can quickly make it a bit tricky.
Tip-over prevention is absolutely essential, because nobody wants that thing falling on them (especially not the little ones). 😅
I simply used these combined safety straps that you screw into the wall and the furniture – super easy and very secure. For the drawers, these small clips that attach inside are recommended, and with a little trick, you can still open them quite easily (parent-friendly, child-safe, that is 😉).
A little tip: If the drawer closes fully, it also reduces the risk of fingers getting pinched. And hey, a bit of edge protection with baby foam padding helps keep little fingers safe!
Good luck – and let me know if you need any more tips!
we’re very familiar with this here as well! Honestly, MALM looks great, but small hands can quickly make it a bit tricky.
Tip-over prevention is absolutely essential, because nobody wants that thing falling on them (especially not the little ones). 😅
I simply used these combined safety straps that you screw into the wall and the furniture – super easy and very secure. For the drawers, these small clips that attach inside are recommended, and with a little trick, you can still open them quite easily (parent-friendly, child-safe, that is 😉).
A little tip: If the drawer closes fully, it also reduces the risk of fingers getting pinched. And hey, a bit of edge protection with baby foam padding helps keep little fingers safe!
Good luck – and let me know if you need any more tips!
Tilt locks on the wall are mandatory for MALM furniture. I would also recommend securing the drawers with magnetic locks or catches to prevent young children from easily opening them.
Edges on MALM furniture are generally not a concern, but using soft edge protectors is always a good idea for additional safety.
Edges on MALM furniture are generally not a concern, but using soft edge protectors is always a good idea for additional safety.
Thanks for the quick and helpful responses so far!
So far, for the locks, I’ve been thinking about the toggle lock from IKEA that can simply be mounted on the wall. Regarding drawer locks, I haven’t chosen any specific products yet and would like to hear your recommendations on what has worked well for you.
About the handle situation: MALM has flat grip grooves, which makes attaching external bolts or locks a bit difficult. I was thinking more about clip-on hooks or magnetic solutions.
Does anyone have experience with how stable these are and whether they are practical for everyday use (by adults)?
Has anyone also dealt with this regarding MALM series tables or beds? I’m particularly concerned about lifting and tilting the bed.
PLOMA schrieb:
I’m curious if you already have specific products in mind ...
So far, for the locks, I’ve been thinking about the toggle lock from IKEA that can simply be mounted on the wall. Regarding drawer locks, I haven’t chosen any specific products yet and would like to hear your recommendations on what has worked well for you.
About the handle situation: MALM has flat grip grooves, which makes attaching external bolts or locks a bit difficult. I was thinking more about clip-on hooks or magnetic solutions.
Does anyone have experience with how stable these are and whether they are practical for everyday use (by adults)?
Has anyone also dealt with this regarding MALM series tables or beds? I’m particularly concerned about lifting and tilting the bed.
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