Putting our children into their own room can be daunting & here in Australia we are lucky that we have the ACCC who have mandatory standards for many everyday items.

Such as Cots, Portable Cots, Bunk Beds, Treadmills, Soccer Goals – the full list can be seen on the ACCC website.

But there are things to think about which may not be a “Mandatory Standard”.  We would love for you to take the time to read through this list & if you are putting your child into their first room, or perhaps you already have, just take the time to make sure your room is a safe environment.

1. Secure Tallboys, Bookcases and any item of furniture over 50cm from the ground to a wall.
   1. The ACCC has an excellent PDF on furniture stability Read Here
   2. Securing heavy furniture items to a wall will prevent injury from falling or toppling, which can occur if a child climbs or pulls out all of the drawers.
   3. Toppling FurnitureWhy Anchor it?

      Small children have died or suffered serious injuries from unstable furniture. Small children can be trapped under furniture; unable to breathe or be hit/struck by falling furniture. You can prevent death or injury to small children when choosing and securing furniture in your home.

      There are simple ways to prevent death or serious injury to small children when choosing and securing furniture in your home by anchoring furniture.

      Buy Safe

      • Purchase low-set furniture or furniture with sturdy, stable and broad bases.
      • Look for furniture that comes with safety information or equipment for anchoring it to the walls.
      • Test the furniture in the shop—make sure it is stable. For example, pull out the top drawers of a chest of drawers and apply a little pressure to see how stable it is; make sure the drawers do not fall out easily.

      Use safe

      • Attach, mount, bolt or otherwise secure furniture to walls and floors.
      • Do not put heavy items on top shelves of bookcases.
      • Place televisions at the back of cabinets or secure them to the wall.
      • Discourage small children from climbing on furniture.
      • Do not put tempting items such as favourite toys on top of furniture that encourage children to climb up and reach.
      • Do not place unstable furniture near where children play.

      Put locking devices on all drawers to prevent children opening them and using them as steps

   4. We suggest using a product like Dream Baby Wall Straps but please seek professional advice from a Master Builder regarding your type of wall & the correct mounting.

1. When thinking about a bunk bed, we ensure that the product meets all Australian Standards but there are several things which may influence your decision, based on each individual child & room.
   1. Ensure no ceiling fans are within reach of the top bunk
   2. Think about curtain/blind cords
   3. Do you have a tallboy or dresser within “climbing” reach of the bunk
   4. Always attach the ladder – this is the safest option for climbing up & down
   5. Read more at the ACCC “Think First” information page

These are not necessarily nice things to think about, but a little time & care will ensure a safe space for your child.