Keeping their children safe is any parent’s top priority. We buckle them into their carseats, hold their hands when crossing the street, even “baby proof” every corner of our homes with cabinet locks, crib bumpers, and baby gates. However, what many parents don’t realize is that the dangers threatening their children may be closer than they think. Something right next to them while they sleep – their dresser – poses a silent, deadly threat most parents don’t see until it’s too late.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) every 24 minutes, a child in the United Sates is injured by falling furniture, such as dressers or televisions. In addition, on average, once every two weeks, a child dies from the injuries sustained in such an accident.
In response to these statistics and a string of specific issues arising from them, more than 29 milion IKEA MALM dressers have been recalled this week following the death of a third child in two an a half years. The dressers in these accidents, the company says, were not properly anchored to the wall, a critical safety measure that many parents either don’t know about or skip altogether. This happened despite a massive PR campaign by IKEA last year to get free anchoring kits into the hands of its consumers following the death of a different toddler, so they have decided to simply recall the dangerous units instead.
What to Do If You Own an IKEA MALM Dresser
In the midst of this recall, IKEA has released specific instructions for anyone owning one of its MALM dressers, which come in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-drawer models ranging in height from 23.5-29.5 inches. They say:
- Immediately discontinue using any MALM dresser that is not properly anchored to the wall.
- Remove the dresser from any area where children have access.
- Either call IKEA for a free anchoring kit or return the dresser to any IKEA store for a full refund.
IKEA is also offering to send installation professionals to the homes of concerned parents and other consumers. These professionals will anchor the dresser to the wall for you in a safe and effective manner for those unwilling or unable to do so themselves.
Any owner of a MALM dresser, regardless of when or how it was acquired, is included in this recall, as IKEA’s main goal is to make sure these dressers are no longer a threat to children. They have set up an FAQ page that directs consumers on what to do, regardless of how they purchased their MALM dresser.
They also encourage any consumers with questions or concerns to contact them directly at (866) 856-4532 between 9am and 12 midnight EST.