Baby Proofing IKEA BESTA: 7 Steps to Secure Your TV Unit (2026)

By Graham Fisher

Baby proofing an IKEA BESTA unit comes down to three jobs: anchor the unit so it cannot tip, protect the sharp and pinch-prone parts, and lock or limit the drawers and doors so a curious toddler cannot pull out a shelf or reach what is stored inside. This guide walks through each job in order, with measurements, a checklist and a table of common fixes so you can finish the work in an afternoon.

The BESTA line includes TV storage units, wall-mounted shelves and cabinets with glass or laminate doors, and many of them are tall and light relative to their width. That combination is exactly what makes them a tip-over risk once a child starts climbing. Manufacturers specify anchoring for these units for that reason, and it should be treated as a required step rather than an optional extra.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Baby Proofing Service Houston: 7 Best Options Compared (2026).

Why BESTA units need attention before your child starts walking

Most toddler injuries from furniture involve climbing or pulling. A child grabs a drawer front to pull up, the unit shifts forward, and the top of the cabinet comes down. Glass doors add a second hazard, because a child who falls against a closed door can break the glass. Soft-close hinges and push-to-open fronts also tend to draw small hands in for a closer look.

If you are working through your whole home, you may also find it useful to read Baby Proofing Securing Furniture: A Room-by-Room Step-by-Step Guide, which covers the same anchoring logic across other furniture types.

Tools and supplies you will need

• Stud finder, or a small magnet to locate the metal screws in the back panel
• Drill with a bit matched to your anchor size
• Furniture anchor kit (wall straps with screws, or a flexible steel cable with a wall bracket)
• Pencil and level
• Corner guards with adhesive backing, rated for your wall surface
• Cabinet or drawer locks sized to your drawer front thickness
• Outlet covers for any plugs behind or beside the unit

Step 1: Anchor the unit to the wall

Anchoring is the single most important step. Stand at the unit and push the top corner firmly. If it rocks or the back leans, it needs to be attached.

1. Locate wall studs with a stud finder. Mark the center of each stud at the height you plan to attach the strap, usually near the top third of the unit.
2. Fasten the anchor bracket to the wall with screws long enough to reach at least 1 inch into the stud. Drywall anchors alone are not enough for a unit that holds a television.
3. Attach the strap or cable to the back or top of the BESTA unit using the screw points that came with the kit. Use the existing back-panel holes if the instructions point them out; do not drill new holes through the laminate without checking the manufacturer’s guidance.
4. Tighten the strap until it is snug, then test by pulling the top of the unit gently forward. There should be no visible movement.

If your unit sits against a wall with no studs at the right spot, use a rated toggle or hollow-wall anchor and confirm the load rating on the package matches or exceeds the combined weight of the unit and what sits on it. When in doubt, a handyman or installer can check the wall type and recommend hardware.

Step 2: Cover sharp corners and edges

Many BESTA shelves and door fronts have square corners at toddler head height once a child is standing. Add corner guards to the vertical and horizontal edges that sit between about 18 inches and 40 inches off the floor, since that is where a face-first fall is most likely to land.

Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying adhesive guards, and press each guard firmly for at least 30 seconds. Check them weekly for peeling, since adhesive can loosen where a child keeps pressing.

Step 3: Lock drawers and cabinet doors

BESTA drawers and doors can be opened by a toddler who learns to pull at the handle or the bottom edge. Start by identifying which compartments hold anything you do not want a child reaching, such as cleaning products, batteries, remotes or small electronics.

Choosing the right lock

Magnetic locks work well on drawers and cabinets with wood or laminate fronts. They install with a small catch plate inside and a magnet outside. Adhesive or strap-style locks suit doors where you do not want to drill. Test each lock by pulling firmly on the handle after installation; a properly fitted lock should hold with a steady hand but release for an adult who knows the trick.

Protecting pinch points

Slide-out shelves and push-to-open drawer fronts can pinch small fingers. Finger guards or door-edge bumpers reduce that risk. Make sure nothing can be closed on a hand by standing a child-height gap check at the edge of each door.

Step 4: Protect glass doors and shelves

If your BESTA unit has glass doors, apply safety film to the glass in a clear or lightly tinted pattern. Safety film holds broken fragments together rather than preventing breakage, so it is a backup, not a substitute for keeping children away from the glass. Keep heavy objects off the top shelves and avoid placing toys or remotes on high shelves where a child might climb to reach them.

Step 5: Manage cords and electronics

A TV stand is often a magnet for cords. Route power and HDMI cables through cord channels or behind the unit, and keep any extra slack secured. Cover exposed outlets behind or next to the unit with plug covers or a sliding outlet cover. Keep remote controls and game consoles in a locked drawer or on a surface out of reach.

Step 6: Check the setup weekly

Toddlers change quickly. A unit that was stable at 12 months can become a climbing frame by 20 months. Build a short routine: once a week, push each unit at the top, check the anchor strap for slack, look for loose corner guards, and test each lock. Look at the setup from a child’s eye level once a month, since you will notice new hazards that are invisible from adult height.

Step 7: Review the full room

Once the BESTA unit is secured, walk the rest of the room. Mount or cover any wall art that could fall, move chairs away from the unit so they cannot be used as a step, and check whether a toddler could reach a nearby table lamp or heater. For a broader checklist that covers every room, see Full House Baby Proofing: A Room-by-Room Step-by-Step Guide (2026).

Quick reference table

Common mistakes

• Anchoring to drywall only. Screws in drywall without an anchor rated for the load can pull out. Always reach a stud or use a rated anchor.
• Assuming a light unit is safe. Empty BESTA units are still top-heavy. Anchor them regardless of what you store inside.
• Using the strap as a shelf. Do not hang bags or lean heavy items on the anchor hardware.
• Skipping the test push. A strap that looks tight can still have slack. Push the unit after every adjustment.
• Locking only the handles. Some drawers can be pried at the edge. Test the lock from several angles.
• Leaving cords trailing. A dangling cord is both a pull hazard and an entanglement risk.

Tips for long-term safety

• Keep a small kit of spare corner guards and a screwdriver near the unit so repairs take minutes.
• Re-check anchors after moving the unit, since the strap may need a new stud location.
• Store medicines, button batteries and cleaning products in a locked cabinet elsewhere, not in a BESTA drawer.
• If you rent, look for anchor kits and locks that do not require drilling. Check your lease before attaching anything to the wall.

Recommended gear

• Furniture anchor kit: A strap-and-bracket kit lets you secure the top of a tall unit to a stud. View on Amazon
• Magnetic cabinet locks: These install without drilling into the drawer front and hold well on laminate and wood. View on Amazon
• Adhesive corner guards: Clear or neutral guards blend with BESTA finishes and cover sharp edges at toddler head height. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I have to anchor an IKEA BESTA unit if it is light?

Yes. Light units are still top-heavy, especially when a child pulls on an open drawer or door. Anchoring is the reliable way to prevent tip-overs regardless of weight.

Can I anchor a BESTA unit into drywall?

Only with a hollow-wall or toggle anchor rated for the combined weight of the unit and its contents. Screwing directly into drywall is not secure. Where possible, attach to a stud.

Will magnetic locks damage the laminate?

Most magnetic locks use a small catch plate fixed inside the drawer and an external magnet, so the outer surface stays intact. Check the instructions for your specific finish, since some adhesive backings can leave residue.

Is safety film enough for glass doors?

No. Safety film helps hold fragments together if glass breaks, but it does not stop a child from hitting the door. Keep children away from the glass and avoid placing heavy items where they could fall.

How often should I re-check the anchor?

A quick check once a week is a good habit, with a deeper look monthly. Re-check after any move or if the unit has been bumped.

Should I remove the doors from a BESTA cabinet instead of locking them?

Removing doors can create new hazards, such as exposed shelf edges and easy access to contents. Locks are usually the better choice. If you are unsure how to proceed, ask a qualified installer.

When should I call a professional?

If your wall type is unclear, the unit is mounted in an unusual location, or you are not comfortable drilling into a wall, consult a licensed handyman or installer for advice.

Conclusion

Baby proofing an IKEA BESTA unit is mostly about anchoring, edge protection and drawer control. Start with the wall strap, because that prevents the most serious injuries, then work through the corners, locks and cords. A weekly check keeps the setup safe as your child grows.

Related reading

• Viking Stove Baby Proofing Review: Features and Performance

About Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.