Safety gates and barriers

Here's how to spot a safe safety gate or barrier.

Like many other baby products we test, most safety gates have some safety issues.

In past tests we've tested according to the British standard for safety gates and barriers, as there’s no Australian standard.

The main hazards we found when testing are:

Entrapments: If toddlers’ fingers get trapped in holes or limbs get stuck between bars, this can be quite distressing and may bruise, although it’s unlikely to be life-threatening. However, some gates have gaps which, according to the standard, may even allow a baby to get its torso stuck or, potentially more dangerous (especially at the top of stairs), pass through, leaving the head trapped. However, the standard covers all babies and children from birth to 24 months, and the average crawler or toddler is likely to be too large to squeeze through such gaps.
Snagging or protruding parts: Clothing could get caught on them, possibly even strangling the child.
Footholds that allow a child to climb the gate.

For most people, gates that swing open are probably more practical than barriers you have to step over — and probably safer.
Look for a model that can be opened by a foot pedal or at least is easy to open with one hand.
Latches should either require a reasonable force to operate them or at least two separate actions.
There should be no crossbars or mesh that provide footholds, no sharp edges or protrusions, and no detachable small parts that could pose a choking risk.
Check that the size of the opening to be gated is within the recommended dimensions for your preferred model — many have extensions you can use for larger openings.
Models you can adjust without the need for a spanner are more convenient, and are safe as long as the nuts are done up tightly.

See the full CHOICE Online report for more information.

Go to http://www.choice.com.au/ for expert, unbiased tests and reports on baby products, appliances, electronics, food and finances.