Furniture: Safe, Sturdy Pieces for Every Stage

Tip-overs of furniture and TVs injure thousands of children every year, according to the CPSC, and have killed many. Kids climb open drawers like stairs. A federal standard under the STURDY Act now requires new clothing storage units to meet stability tests, but older pieces in your home or from secondhand sources may not.

Anchor dressers, bookcases, armoires and TV stands to wall studs using the kit included or a hardware-store anchor kit. Mount flat-screen TVs or strap them down. Put heavy items in bottom drawers and keep tempting things like toys and remotes off the top. The CPSC’s Anchor It! campaign has instructions.

Setting up for a newborn? Nursery furniture explains crib slat spacing, mattress fit and changing table placement. For the move to a big-kid bed, desks and storage, see kids room furniture. And for gates, childproofing hardware and pieces that adapt over time, read safety and adaptability.

Measure rooms, doorways and stairwells before buying. Pieces that convert, like a crib that becomes a toddler bed or a dresser that doubles as a changing station, can stretch your budget if you will really use the later stage. For money planning around a new baby, see financial planning for a growing family. This hub is part of products and reviews.

Think about assembly, too. Flat-pack furniture often comes with dozens of steps and a bag of nearly identical screws. Lay out every part first, follow the order in the instructions, and do not skip the wall anchor because it was the last step. Save the manual in a folder or snap a photo, so you can tighten or move the piece correctly later.