Ikea recalls dressers after death of third child

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ikea is recalling millions of dressers that can tip over and are being blamed for the deaths of three children.

The dressers have been known to fall over if they are not fastened to the wall, and the issue was already linked to the death of two toddlers that spurred Ikea to launch a repair program in July 2015.

IKEA says it's no longer selling its products labeled "Malm." It says these products are just
too dangerous to children and it wants to help keep your family safe.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a child is sent to the emergency room every 24 minutes due to being crushed by a fallen piece of furniture or a television. The commission says a child dies every two weeks.

Last year, the commission started a campaign--asking parents to anchor their furniture to the wall.

We know children have a tendency to be curious. Items sitting on the furniture cause children to climb, then the furniture falls over. Just last year, a child in Lake City had to be airlifted to the hospital after being crushed by a falling dresser.

"We are announcing this recall today(Monday) given the recent tragic death of a third child. It is clear that there are still unsecured products in customers' homes, and we believe that taking further action is the right thing to do," the company said in a statement Monday.

Ikea said it's been in "close contact" with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which helps carry out recalls, about how to remedy the hazard.

This message comes from the U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission:

"We have to protect our children. It’s as simple as bolting the furniture up against the wall. It just
takes five minutes to attach the safety strap to the wall and into the cabinet. Secure your TVs and your furniture."

IKEA is asking parents, if you already have a piece of furniture from the "Malm" series, take it out of the house.

It's doing this despite the anchor campaign. It also said customers are eligible for a free repair kit to anchor furniture to a wall. Refunds are also being offered.


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.