Choosing Safe, Friendly Toddler Furniture

Everything from toddler beds, chairs, and potty chairs to miniature versions of adult dining tables and sofas are available for purchase. However, there are many important things to keep in mind when shopping for toddler friendly furniture. The safety factor should be the most important consideration. Items with sharp edges or protruding fittings can cause injuries. For wooden items, make sure the items are free of exposed splinters. It is better to choose furniture without opening doors or make sure the door mechanism includes safety latches.

Toddler furniture should be wide based and sturdy to make sure that it will not turnover when the child holds on to it. It is very important to check the stability of all furniture in the home from the perspective of a toddler learning to pull themselves up on every piece of furniture. They can and often do shake things, so shake every piece of furniture to make sure nothing on top of it can topple onto the child.

If the furniture item has been painted or refinished, be sure the finish is non-toxic and not lead based. Avoid heavy furniture that can be tipped or pulled over. These items can crush a small child. Look for furniture that provides an eating, sitting or playing surface low to the ground. Wheels can be convenient for moving toddler furniture from room to room, but be sure the wheels can be locked in place. Always use the wheels in their locked position when the furniture is in use. Whenever possible, choose toddler furniture that is adjustable. Your child will grow up rather quickly and convertible furniture will enable you to keep the furniture for a longer period. This is particularly true for bedroom furniture, which can be especially costly.

Make sure the furniture you choose is easy to clean and includes easy to wipe off surfaces. For furniture made of fabric, make sure it has a removable cover that can be easily laundered. Look for furniture that is easy to assemble. Furniture that can be folded when not in use can make storage much easier.
Furniture such as feeding chairs, high chairs, beds, and changing tables should have safety straps or guardrails to prevent your toddler from falling. Choose furniture that is attractive and inviting for your toddler. Toddlers generally enjoy brightly colored furniture in small sizes. When shopping for toddler furniture you will find plenty of choices and styles.

Careful selection and proper use of other household furniture should be made to ensure toddler safety in the home. You can buy an array of items that can secure furniture and other items in your home to help you make them safer in the presence of children. Brackets, angle braces, and other hardware devices can be installed to protect your children from becoming trapped under them if they should turn them over accidentally. Basically these braces will anchor the furniture item to the wall, but they are not always foolproof methods or protection. Adult supervision is the best prevention of accidents, but these items will assist in creating a safer home environment. Parents should also discourage climbing on, jumping off, and crawling behind furniture as these activities may result in injury or entrapment of a child.

There is a variety of safety items on the market that can assist in shielding children from injuries as well as preventing damage to your furniture. Some of these include corner protectors for tables and other sharp corners, table pads, finger pinch protectors, computer and electronics protectors, wire guards, kitchen and other appliance safety latches, stove and door knob locks, fireplace hearth gates, banister guards, and electrical outlet covers, to name a few.

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