A safer home is a better home

Safety should be top of mind in your home.

Research commissioned by IKEA revealed one in four Australians do not have safety top of mind when it comes to making decisions about their home.

However, almost half of Aussies (48.8%) admit they would like to be educated on the dangers and risks around the home.

In 2018, IKEA launched an app called ‘Safer Home’. The app, which is available from the app store, helps consumers learn about key development milestones based on their child’s age so that parents are aware of hazards and can make adjustments around the home accordingly.

When it comes to safety testing, no product is exempt.

When IKEA develops products for children, the first step is to see things the way children do.

Their world revolves around play and movement, and bumps and bruises along the way are a normal part of growing up – but serious injuries are unacceptable.

Through the IKEA product testing phase, the intended and unintended uses of products by children are carefully considered, to identify and minimise potential safety risks.

Each product goes through a long process of testing and will not be launched unless it meets the highest safety standards.

Five quick safety tips
1. Are all bookcases, wardrobes, chest of drawers and other storage furniture secured to the wall?
This is extremely important, even if you think your furniture won’t tip. Be sure to secure it to the wall.
2. Lock it up!
To make sure little curious hands don’t get hold of anything dangerous, use child safety locks on kitchen doors and drawers and child safety window locks to prevent falls.
3. Is there a first aid kit in the home and does everyone know where it is?
Also check to make sure you have functioning fire extinguishers and a fire blanket.
4. Is your home fitted with smoke alarms? If yes, are the batteries charged?
5. For baby safety, check to make sure your baby cot and baby highchairs are safe and functioning properly.

Check baby toys for possible choking hazards, especially the eyes on soft toys. And for baby care, be sure to use a safe baby bath and changing table.