Baby barriers don't reach international standard

By JULIE MIDDLETON

Indoor child safety gates available in New Zealand are "disappointing" performers which don't come up to international standards, according to a new study by the Consumers' Institute.

Children under five were predominantly injured by falls in and around the home, according to national injury prevention body Safekids. Spokesperson Joy Gunn said she was also unhappy with the test results.

Safekids would "follow this up fairly promptly" with manufacturers.

"It's very disappointing, because this is a piece of equipment we recommend quite readily."

Consumer Online tested five hinged gates that can open, and two that are stepped over.

Writer Bev Frederikson said none of the gates or barriers met the standard. "All had spaces where a toddler's fingers, limbs or body could be trapped," she said. "Five had parts that stuck out - clothing could get caught on them, possibly even strangling the child.

"One [gate] was too low and three had footholds that an agile toddler could use to climb over the gate."

The gates tested were the Denby Swing Back Gate SG-03 ($100) and the identical Valco Swing Back Gate SG-03 ($120); Dream Baby Swing closed gate ($100); Safety 1st Pressure Fit Gate 41815A ($120); Childcare Small Stairgate ($70); and The First Years Hands-free Gate 3600 ($159).

The solid barriers tested were the Kiddy Cots Door Barrier DG1 ($36) and the Evenflo Simple Security Gate ($80).

The gates and barriers, available from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch outlets in January this year, were ranked for ease of use, and for safety against the British/European safety standard, which covers security of fit, footholds, detachable small parts, possible snagging points, protrusions and entrapment risk.

Consumer Online didn't recommend any of the barriers, and said that just the first three in the above list were worth considering.

"If you have a steep staircase or some other dangerous area, installing one of the better gates from our tests is better than having no gate at all," said Ms Frederikson.

Consumers' Institute head David Russell said: "We think for something that people are putting their faith in, these products should come up to the internationally recognised standard."

Number-crunching of 1994-1998 hospitalisation statistics by Safekids found that in the up-to-four-years age group, 70 per cent of injuries - 6474 accidents - resulted from falls "from one level to another". Many of them were from playground equipment. But 10 per cent of those injuries were caused specifically by tumbles down stairs.

Gate facts

Buying a child safety gate: what to consider - Your child's age: Most gates are made for under-twos. Older children might be able to climb over them or knock them down.

Type: Gates are safer than fixed barriers. But you need to consider whether older children will remember to always close gates.

Size: Ensure the gate fits the space you want to block off. Some manufacturers make extension bars.

Placement: Check the manufacturer's advice. Install gates on very top or very bottom of steps so children can't find a foothold.

Footholds and height: could an agile toddler climb over? The standard says a safety barrier should be at least 65cm high. There should be no horizontal bars or mesh. Check the latch can't be used as a foothold.

Pressure-mounted gates and barriers are held in place by friction. Some have spring-loaded bars. Some have spindles that wind out until they are tight against the wall.

Ease of use: Gates that can be opened with one hand or foot are convenient. Some are self-closing but you need to ensure they latch properly.