Running, playing, exploring. Once a child learns to walk, days are filled with never-ending discovery as little ones start to experience the world — a time filled with excitement and wonder for both little ones and caregivers alike.
But it’s also a time when exploration can lead to accidents. In fact, preventable injuries are the number one cause of child death in the U.S. Tip-overs of furniture, TVs, and appliances send roughly 18,000–20,000 people to U.S. emergency departments each year, based on the latest national estimates for 2022, and about 600 deaths were reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from 2000–2022, with most child fatalities involving furniture such as clothing storage units (CSUs). See CPSC’s data summaries: Furniture and TV Tip-Over Safety and the annual statistical reports in CPSC’s Product Instability/Tip-Over series. Earlier research, including the 41% increase in furniture tip-over incidents observed through the 1990s–2000s, helped spur action; since then, TV-only tip-over deaths have declined as older CRT sets left homes, but furniture tip-overs — especially CSUs — remain a persistent source of severe child injuries and deaths per CPSC. Consumer Reports and advocacy groups such as every two weeks a child dies continue to raise awareness.
Whether it’s poorly made products, unsecured pieces, or moments of a lack of supervision, furniture tip-overs require both awareness and action. The strongest near-term protections are choosing inherently stable dressers that comply with the federal CSU stability standard and anchoring tip-prone items. Federal law (the STURDY Act) led CPSC to make clothing storage unit stability requirements mandatory; see Public Law details at H.R.2617 and CPSC’s rulemaking and guidance at Clothing Storage Units – Business Guidance. Taking these steps will help prevent tip-over accidents — and will ensure your home is safe and secure.
Understanding Why Furniture Tip-overs Happen
Myth vs. fact of furniture tip-overs
While tip-overs are gaining more attention — from both media and now even Netflix — and many nonprofit groups and individual parents are helping to raise awareness, a lot of misconceptions remain. Current CPSC surveillance shows thousands of emergency department–treated injuries each year and hundreds of deaths over two decades, concentrated among young children, most often in the home (bedrooms and living rooms). See CPSC’s overview at Furniture and TV Tip-Over Safety and the underlying statistics at Product Instability/Tip-Over. Here are some persistent myths — and the facts.
Myth #1: Toddlers are the only ones to pull down furniture on them
Children under 18 account for about one-third to two-fifths of tip-over injuries each year, and among child fatalities the majority are under 6 years old; most deadly child incidents involve furniture, especially clothing storage units, per CPSC’s latest reports (CPSC; Product Instability/Tip-Over). As Laura Jana, M.D., author of “The Toddler Brain,” told Consumer Reports, between ages 3 and 5 children are still developing executive functions to anticipate consequences — one reason climbing and multiple open drawers can lead to tragedy if furniture is not stable and anchored.
Myth #2: The dresser is so heavy, it will not tip over
Weight alone does not guarantee stability. Opening drawers shifts the center of gravity forward; a child’s pull or climb can overcome a unit’s base support. Modern CSU stability tests required by CPSC simulate real-world conditions — including multiple open and loaded drawers, carpeted flooring, and dynamic forces representing a 60‑lb child — and units must remain upright without relying on wall anchors (CPSC CSU Stability Rule Guidance; ASTM F2057‑23). Anchoring is still recommended by CPSC for added protection across all tip-prone furniture and TVs (Tip-Over Information Center).
Myth #3: Parents are irresponsible if they have experienced a tip-over
Most incidents happen quickly, in familiar rooms, and often involve unanchored furniture with drawers left open or climbed on. Blame doesn’t prevent injuries; action does. Focus on proven controls: choose inherently stable CSUs that meet the federal standard, install the included tip-restraint, and anchor TVs and other tall furniture (CPSC Tip-Over Center). Stories shared online — and even difficult videos — can raise awareness, but prevention steps at home matter most. See also social shaming.
Myth #4: The only way to prevent a tip-over is to buy really expensive, heavy furniture
Price and weight don’t predict stability. Design features do. Many newer CSUs are engineered to pass mandatory stability tests with features like drawer interlocks/limiters (only one drawer opens at a time), counterweights, widened/deeper bases, adjustable leveling feet for carpet, and slide designs that limit over‑extension (CPSC CSU Stability Rule Guidance; ASTM F2057‑23). Independent testing by Consumer Reports’ furniture tip-over testing has shown stability varies widely regardless of price. Whatever you buy, install the provided anti-tip kit and anchor the unit.
Myth #5 Small furniture is always safe
Shorter or lighter furniture can still tip, especially when drawers are opened or items are stored high. Even dressers as low as 27.7 inches have been linked to deaths. Today’s mandatory CSU rule focuses on clothing storage units within its scope; some units under about 27 inches tall and non‑CSU furniture (e.g., bookcases, hutches) may fall outside the rule’s scope and may not include restraints, so anchoring remains essential across all tip‑prone items (CPSC CSU Guidance).
A child’s point of view on tip-overs
It may be hard as an adult to step back into the wonderment and constant “newness” of taking those first steps into the big, wide world. But seeing things through your child’s eyes is key to helping you keep them safe from harm. CPSC investigations frequently cite climbing behavior, multiple open drawers, and attractive items placed on top as contributing factors (CPSC Tip-Over Information Center). Understanding how your child sees things can help you take proactive measures to secure your home.
Eliminate temptation
Keeping desirable items (toys, remotes, treats) visible on top of dressers or bookcases can encourage climbing. Place tempting items out of sight and out of reach, and avoid placing TVs or decor that attracts attention on unstable furniture. Open drawers shift weight forward, so close them promptly and use drawer interlocks when provided (CPSC).
Reserve active play for outside
Channel high energy into safe spaces so furniture doesn’t become an “indoor jungle gym.” Most tip-over incidents occur in bedrooms and living rooms, per CPSC summaries; set clear rules for climbing and keep heavy, tall items anchored so spontaneous play doesn’t turn hazardous (CPSC Tip-Over Safety).
Find safe ways for your child to express self-sufficiency
Encourage independence while reducing risk. For example, let children pick clothes from options you place on a low surface rather than opening multiple dresser drawers. Use furniture with built‑in interlocks when available, store heavier items low, and keep top surfaces clear of “targets” that invite climbing (CPSC guidance).
The Importance of Securing Your Home
Each year, thousands of injuries caused by furniture tip-overs are serious enough to send children to the emergency room. CPSC estimates place total U.S. ED‑treated injuries at about 18,000–20,000 in 2022 for TVs/furniture/appliances combined, with roughly one‑third to two‑fifths of victims under 18; about 600 tip‑over deaths were reported to CPSC from 2000–2022, most of them children (CPSC overview; CPSC statistical reports). U.S. law has advanced: the STURDY Act is now law (H.R.2617), and CPSC has adopted a mandatory stability standard for CSUs that reflects real‑world hazards (CPSC CSU Guidance). Tip-over injury and death remain preventable — and there are concrete steps you can take now.
Today, clothing storage units are covered by a mandatory federal safety standard administered by CPSC. ASTM International’s tip-over standard (ASTM F2057‑23) is incorporated into the federal rule for CSUs, requiring stability tests that reflect real‑world use (carpet, multiple open and loaded drawers/shelves, and dynamic child‑interaction forces) for units manufactured on or after the rule’s effective date. Other furniture types and TVs may not be covered, and legacy units remain in homes, so it’s essential for consumers to choose stable products, install the provided tip restraints, and anchor tip‑prone items (16 CFR Part 1261; CPSC Tip-Over Center).
Tips on securing the home and preventative measures
Anchoring furniture
A survey of over 1,500 adults in the U.S. showed that only about a quarter to one‑third of households have anchored tip‑prone furniture, despite CPSC’s guidance that anchoring TVs and furniture is the most effective in‑home step to prevent tip‑overs (Anchor It!; Tip-Over Information Center). From tall (and even short) bookcases, to chests with drawers, to hutches and display cabinets, secure every tip‑prone piece. Anchoring correctly takes a little planning but offers a high safety return.
Here are a few things to consider and how to to do it right:
- Purchase furniture with anchors. Keep in mind that furniture under 30 inches is not required to come with restraints even with the voluntary standards, so make sure to purchase anchoring support separately from a safety specialist for all pieces of furniture that do not come with anchors. And don’t forget to secure other items in the home, including large mirrors, coat racks, and bookshelves.
- Make sure to place anchors only on solid backing. Note that many units use thin pieces of particle board on the back of the unit versus solid wood, so ensure that you attach the anchor to the solid wood area only.
- Attach anchoring to the stud in the wall. Because furniture restraints need to withstand tip-overs that can pull the unit straight out from the wall, they need to be attached into a wall stud to be secure. Use a stud finder if needed, and never use drywall anchors like those for hanging pictures. Also consider hiring a professional to ensure anchoring is completed correctly, especially for first-time anchoring.
- Use at least two restraints per furniture piece. Even small pieces of furniture require two restraints, and wider items may need additional anchoring. For stacked pieces of furniture, make sure to also anchor the base of the top piece to the bottom unit before anchoring to the wall.
- Mount TV units securely into a wall stud as well. Don’t forget that TVs also need to be restrained, and must be anchored into a stud only. Also ensure that any old, unused TVs that may be stored elsewhere in the home are either on the floor or are also safely secured.
Monitoring your child
Monitoring your children is key to not only to help prevent furniture tip-overs, but for overall home safety as well. Try placing the children’s play area in common or visible rooms only, and lock or close doors to spaces that aren’t used as much. A motion-sensor toddler room monitor can be helpful for when kids are sleeping (or not!), as nap time isn’t always fun for little ones and they may get out of bed or leave the room.
Monitoring when babysitters or other temporary caretakers are watching children can be a helpful extra precaution as well. You may also consider a home security system that allows you to sync to your devices in order to keep a closer eye on children while they are playing to keep them safe while at home. Add cameras outside the home where there are outdoor play areas with furniture, and make sure all outdoor playsets are also anchored well. Home safety is an important consideration, especially for young children, and monitoring kids in and around furniture inside and outside will allow them the freedom to safely explore.
Proactive measures
Furniture tip-over protection is not a “once-and-done” task; it needs to be continually checked. In addition to keeping items tempting to a child out sight (not just out of reach), it’s also a good idea to place yourself in your child’s shoes to ensure safety measures are in place from that new perspective, ensuring heavier items are stored on bottom shelves of bookcases, and that shelves, cabinets, and dressers aren’t overloaded.
It’s also important to take a look at existing furniture and anchoring systems regularly to make sure there’s been no damage or wear, such as the anchoring beginning to detach from the wall. Any aging systems should be removed and replaced. And if you ever have concerns about how well items are anchored, consider professional installment.
And don’t forget to talk to your kids about furniture safety — keeping in mind that little brains don’t have the skills yet to always grasp consequences, so you’ll need to continue keeping a close eye on them. You can also consider reaching out to any daycare providers to ensure they have taken all the necessary precautions as well.
And remember to do your homework before purchasing any new furniture pieces. There is a wealth of information out there to help, especially from reputable nonprofits and consumer organizations. Check the full list of product recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and consider taking this online furniture safety quiz. When shopping for dressers/chests, look for claims of compliance with the federal CSU standard (16 CFR Part 1261 / ASTM F2057‑23), and confirm that a tip‑restraint kit and clear instructions are included.
Stay aware of the risks, or even get involved in spreading the word and encouraging manufacturers to take action towards safer products. By staying proactive, you can make smart, informed furniture-buying decisions for your family, and ensure the safety of everyone in your home.
