Furniture, appliance and television tip-overs

Learn what causes furniture, appliances and televisions to tip over, and how to reduce the risks.

On this page

About

Children sometimes try to climb on bookshelves, dressers, appliances and TVs, which can cause these items to tip over. This is very dangerous, as it can cause serious injuries or even death.

How furniture and appliance tip-overs happen

Tip-overs can happen when furniture and appliances become unstable. This can happen when:

  • they have a top-heavy design
  • they're placed on an uneven surface
  • they have heavy objects in or on top of them
  • a child tries to pull themselves up on or climb them

Dressers, appliances and other furniture with drawers have extra risks, and can become unstable when drawers are open at the same time. Even furniture that looks stable can tip over if your toddler tries to pull themselves up on it. Children may try to:

  • climb up open drawers like a ladder
  • lean on an open drawer for support
  • sit or stand in an open drawer

This puts them at further risk of injury.

Image 1. A toddler climbs up the open drawers on a piece of furniture.
Image 1. A toddler climbs up the open drawers on a piece of furniture.

Safety tips for furniture and appliances

Follow these tips whether you're buying new or used, in-store or online.

Before you buy

Choose furniture with wide and stable bases that sit directly on the floor. Pieces with legs or wheels are more likely to tip over.

Look for furniture with safety features and safety instructions, such as:

  • dressers that only allow one drawer to open at a time
  • furniture that comes with materials for securing it to a wall

Find out if the furniture or appliance you want to buy has been recalled.

Set-up, installation and use

Follow the manufacturer's instructions when assembling your furniture. Improperly assembled furniture and appliances aren't safe to use.

Use anti-tip devices such as angle braces or safety straps to anchor furniture to the wall. Secure furniture to a wall stud, or with heavy-duty dry wall anchors made for specific furniture types. Install locking devices on drawers so your child can't open drawers and use them as steps to climb.

Place heavier items, like books, in lower drawers to reduce the risk of furniture becoming top-heavy.

Use furniture and appliances for their intended purposes.

Image 2. Child can't open drawers because of safety locks.
Image 2. Child can’t open the drawers because of safety locks.

Maintenance and monitoring

Regularly check that furniture and appliances are stable and secure. Read the labels and learn about safety features by visiting the manufacturer's website or talking to your retailer.

Supervise children and teach them not to climb or hang from furniture or appliances. Help keep them safe by:

  • closing drawers when not in use
  • only opening one drawer at a time
  • removing toys or attractive items from the top of furniture and appliances

Safety tips for TVs

TVs can pose a risk if they aren't secured properly. If you have a flat screen TV, secure it to a wall if possible.

If you use a stand, attach your TV to the stand and the wall if possible. Use a stand that is designed for the right size and type of TV.

Older-style, front heavy TVs are especially dangerous if they tip over. If you have an older TV, put it on a low, stable TV stand that can support its weight and size. Attach your TV to the stand if possible.

Keep heavy items and items that are attractive to children off of the top of the TV, such as toys, plants and remotes.

Image 3. TV can't tip because it is secured to a wall.
Image 3. TV can’t tip because it is secured to the wall.

Related links

Page details

Date modified: