ᐅ What safety measures can I take for children when using Ikea Besta drawers?
Created on: 27 Oct 2024 09:43
T
tarkuHello everyone,
I recently bought an Ikea Besta sideboard with several drawers and am looking for suitable safety measures, especially to protect toddlers at home. The drawers are quite easy to open, which obviously poses a potential risk when little children play with them or pull them out.
I’m interested in effective and practical solutions that prevent children from opening the drawers on their own, without making daily use inconvenient for adults. I’m considering both mechanical locks, like latches or child safety locks, as well as possible modifications to the furniture itself or its installation. It would also be helpful to know if there are recommended original accessories for child safety with the Ikea Besta drawers, or if universal solutions are generally better.
Who has experience with this? Which safety measures for Ikea Besta drawers have proven effective in households with young children? Thanks in advance for your constructive tips and advice!
I recently bought an Ikea Besta sideboard with several drawers and am looking for suitable safety measures, especially to protect toddlers at home. The drawers are quite easy to open, which obviously poses a potential risk when little children play with them or pull them out.
I’m interested in effective and practical solutions that prevent children from opening the drawers on their own, without making daily use inconvenient for adults. I’m considering both mechanical locks, like latches or child safety locks, as well as possible modifications to the furniture itself or its installation. It would also be helpful to know if there are recommended original accessories for child safety with the Ikea Besta drawers, or if universal solutions are generally better.
Who has experience with this? Which safety measures for Ikea Besta drawers have proven effective in households with young children? Thanks in advance for your constructive tips and advice!
Hi tarku,
I completely understand your concern! When little ones are curious, we just have to be a bit smarter than they are. 😊
We’ve found that so-called child safety locks work well, which are simply attached inside the drawers. They can only be opened with both hands at the same time – something children that age usually can’t manage. Although IKEA doesn’t officially offer drawer locks for Besta, there are universal models that can be fixed with either adhesive tape or screws.
Another tip: the drawer slides can be equipped with so-called soft-close systems, which prevent slamming while adding some resistance. However, this alone isn’t enough as a child safety measure. So it’s best to combine everything!
Additionally, we fixed the sideboard to the wall to prevent it from tipping over if a drawer is opened forcefully. Safety comes first!
Good luck with your project – and keep us updated here! 😉
I completely understand your concern! When little ones are curious, we just have to be a bit smarter than they are. 😊
We’ve found that so-called child safety locks work well, which are simply attached inside the drawers. They can only be opened with both hands at the same time – something children that age usually can’t manage. Although IKEA doesn’t officially offer drawer locks for Besta, there are universal models that can be fixed with either adhesive tape or screws.
Another tip: the drawer slides can be equipped with so-called soft-close systems, which prevent slamming while adding some resistance. However, this alone isn’t enough as a child safety measure. So it’s best to combine everything!
Additionally, we fixed the sideboard to the wall to prevent it from tipping over if a drawer is opened forcefully. Safety comes first!
Good luck with your project – and keep us updated here! 😉
Hello tarku,
Regarding your detailed question, I would like to go into great detail, as there are some technical nuances to consider when making the Ikea Besta drawers childproof.
First of all: The drawers in the Besta system usually use roller or metal tracks with soft-close options, designed for a light pulling force. A standard child safety lock mounted on the outside effectively blocks the drawer; however, depending on the child's strength, it can be forced open.
Alternatively, I recommend the following steps:
- Install internal magnetic locks, which are invisible from the outside and can only be opened with a special magnetic tool.
- Fit automatic latch mechanisms that mechanically block the drawer until an unlock button is pressed.
- To ensure the overall stability of the entire shelving unit, make sure to secure it to the wall, as the furniture may slide or even tip over when the drawers are opened.
Important: Before installation, be sure to check the dimensions of the drawer sides and accessibility, since Ikea uses different versions in Besta (e.g., full extension, half extension) that offer different mounting options.
One question for you: How old are the children, and roughly how much strength do you expect them to have? This helps to select the most suitable solution more precisely.
Regards
Regarding your detailed question, I would like to go into great detail, as there are some technical nuances to consider when making the Ikea Besta drawers childproof.
First of all: The drawers in the Besta system usually use roller or metal tracks with soft-close options, designed for a light pulling force. A standard child safety lock mounted on the outside effectively blocks the drawer; however, depending on the child's strength, it can be forced open.
Alternatively, I recommend the following steps:
- Install internal magnetic locks, which are invisible from the outside and can only be opened with a special magnetic tool.
- Fit automatic latch mechanisms that mechanically block the drawer until an unlock button is pressed.
- To ensure the overall stability of the entire shelving unit, make sure to secure it to the wall, as the furniture may slide or even tip over when the drawers are opened.
Important: Before installation, be sure to check the dimensions of the drawer sides and accessibility, since Ikea uses different versions in Besta (e.g., full extension, half extension) that offer different mounting options.
One question for you: How old are the children, and roughly how much strength do you expect them to have? This helps to select the most suitable solution more precisely.
Regards
Domau0 schrieb:
One question for you: How old are the children, and roughly how strong do you think they are? That helps to choose the most suitable solution more precisely.Good question – that is indeed a very important factor when choosing safety measures. I have two children myself who are now of preschool age. From about 3 years old, a good toddler safety device can prevent quite a bit, but starting at 4 years old, children increasingly learn techniques like opening simple locks.
Domau0 schrieb:
Installation of concealed magnetic locks, which are invisible from the outside and can only be opened with a special magnetic tool.I can only warmly recommend that – we did it on our Besta drawers. The installation was a bit tricky, because you need to practice using the tool first, but the result is great: The children can’t reach them, it looks neat, and we adults open the drawers without much effort. At the same time, we used spacers and stoppers in more sensitive areas to prevent finger pinching.
Also a note on mounting: Be sure to secure the furniture to the wall, as already mentioned. Toddlers tend to tip furniture when opening drawers. In the worst case, this can cause injuries.
You can also consider covering the lower drawers completely with a panel – this isn’t always the most attractive option, but it is very effective.
I hope this helps a bit!
Similar topics