Safe Montessori wooden chair for children

Is It Safe? A Parent's 10-Point Checklist for Children's Wooden Furniture

When you buy something your child will climb, sit on or put in their mouth, it's reasonable to ask: is it really safe? Use this checklist.

The checklist

  1. Clear materials. The seller should state what the item is made of: for example birch plywood and solid wood.
  2. Safe coating. Look for water-based paints and varnishes free from harmful substances.
  3. Rounded corners. No sharp points anywhere a child can bump.
  4. Smooth sanding. Run your hand along the surface: no splinters, no rough patches.
  5. Stated load limit. It should be listed on the product page, and should suit your child's weight with room to spare.
  6. Recommended age. Look for a clear age range and follow it.
  7. Stable base. A wide base and solid joints. Give it a gentle shake before use.
  8. Complete fasteners and instructions. Good assembly is part of safety.
  9. Warranty. A manufacturer who stands behind the product will say so.
  10. Easy returns. If something isn't right, you should be able to send it back.

Safe set-up at home

  • Place on a flat floor, away from radiators, sharp furniture and windows.
  • Use a soft mat under climbers.
  • Supervise young children, especially at first.
  • Check screws and joints every few months.

How we answer this checklist

All PlayWoodKids products are made of natural birch plywood and solid wood, finished with eco-friendly water-based coatings. Corners are rounded, surfaces carefully sanded, and each product page lists the recommended age and maximum load. Fasteners and simple instructions are included, a quality guarantee covers manufacturing defects, and you have 14 days to return an item you aren't happy with.

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