Any parent-to-be or new parent knows that one of the most important things to do before welcoming a new baby into their home is baby proofing; and any parent of a toddler can tell you first hand just why thorough baby proofing is so important. While your precious new infant may not seem like a height-defying gymnast now, it won't be long before your baby grows into a toddler who loves to defy the laws of gravity on a daily basis. And it often starts earlier than you’d think! It’s not surprising that injuries frequently occur. Just look around your house, and you’ll see that there are many hazards, which can become a problem as soon as your child becomes mobile, including outlets (plug them!), cabinets (lock them!) and stairs (gate them!).

Another important piece of the baby-proofing puzzle has to do with furniture. From dressers to bookshelves, many children see a jungle gym when they look at furniture. Even well-mannered children who rarely get into trouble (we’ve heard they exist!) may push the boundaries from time to time, and decide their new dresser works as a stepping stool to reach those top-shelf treasures. In fact, according to anchorit.gov , tipped furniture or a falling television sends an injured child to the emergency room approximately every 30 minutes.

For this reason, it’s important to secure furniture to the wall, so these heavy pieces don’t tip over on your acrobatic child and cause serious injury or even death. Whether it’s a brand-new entertainment center, Grandma’s heirloom chest or your favorite bookshelf, these pieces are susceptible to tips and must be properly anchored in place. You can do this with an anti-tip kit, available for no cost at HOM Furniture.

Where Can I Get an Anti-Tip Kit?

Many furniture manufacturers and/or furniture stores provide anti-tip kits to keep your furniture and environment safe. HOM Furniture provides these life-saving anti-tip kits with all chests, dressers, and yes, even nightstands over 30" high. To prevent incidents, the kits should be installed according to package directions immediately upon your furniture delivery.

Do you have a baby on the way, and need anti-tip kits for furniture that you already have in your home? If you need additional anti-tip kits for your home, we provide FREE anti-tip kits at all HOM Furniture showrooms. Just see guest services.

How do I Install an Anti-Tip Kit?

These instructions are for HOM Furniture’s Anti-Tip Kits. If you are using another type of kit to secure heavy furniture to your wall, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and confirm that the tip kit is securely installed.

Install HOM Furniture Anti-Tip Kit:

1. A tip restraint must be attached to a wall stud using the 2" screw enclosed:
2. Attach a bracket to the back top rail or back top edge of the furniture using the 5/8" screw provided, through the smaller hole in the brackets.
3. Locate the other bracket on the wall over a wall stud and 2 inches below the mounting bracket secured to the back of your unit. Attach to the wall stud using the 2" screw provided, through the smaller hole.
4. Place the furniture into position so both mounting brackets are vertically in line.
5. Lace the end of the restraint strap through the larger hole in each mounting bracket. Bring both ends together and slide the flat end through the locking end and draw it through until all slack is removed.
6. Confirm that the strap is securely laced and locked.

What About TVs?

In addition to furniture, TVs are another heavy object that can be tipped over, causing serious injuries and even death. TV’s placed on top of furniture should be secured with special TV straps, available at a wide range of retailers, to prevent dangerous tip overs. Furniture anti-tip kits are NOT suitable to be used as TV straps.

What Else Can I do to Prevent Tip Accidents?

While anti-tip kits are a non-negotiable for parents with active youth, there are several additional safety precautions that you can take. Of course, young children should be monitored by a parent or other trusted adult. You can also discourage climbing on furniture by removing some of the temptation. Do not place tempting objects such as favorite toys, remote controls, drinks and snacks on top of your furniture. And don’t forget to install anti-tip kits at other places where your child spends time during the day or overnight, such as Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

For additional information go to www.anchorit.gov

Need additional child proofing ideas? Read our baby proof chic blog post.