Child safety: 5 elements to be controlled absolutely with an observation tower

Practical furniture … which can be risky

At first glance, the observation tower has everything to be satisfied: inspired by Montessori’s pedagogy, he puts the child at the height of adults, cooking, foaming or simply observing. Autonomy, trust and complicity of the family: the profits are real.

But behind this attractive image, US security organizations such as consumer relationships played the alarm. Several models have failed to stability or robustness: Thank you too low, slippery platforms, structures that overturn easily. The often spectacular falls are among the main accidents reported. For a child, they can have serious consequences.

Clearly, not all the tricks are created equal and the absence of rigorous international standards leaves the market sometimes vague for parents.

The essential criteria to be verified

Before falling for a model, some points are essential for the review. Security experts recommend that they systematically ask the right questions.

Stability above all
A tower must be heavy and stable, with a base large enough not to change as soon as the child leans. The models that are too light or plastic are more prone to inversion.

Safe slows
The side bars must surround the child on four sides. If they are too low or spaced, the risk of passage or fall increases.

A height adjustable but well closed
Adjustable platforms are practical for growth monitoring, but the fixing systems must be solid and safe. There is no doubt that the tray flows fully.

Non -slip surfaces
The floor should prevent the small feet from sliding, especially if the child climbs with the socks.

Healthy and durable materials
Solid wood preferably, rounded finishes, without solvents or toxic paint. Parents must avoid too much “gadget” towers, folding with excess or approximate finishes.

Parents’ supervision remains essential

Even with a robust model, it remains a basic principle: Never leave a child alone on an observation tower. As with a high chair, the presence of an adult nearby is essential. The children improvised rapidly, leaning on capturing an object or climbing the railing.

The installation of the tower against a light work surface, keep knives, burn pots or fragile objects and gradually teach the child to stick to essential reflections.