Little fingers in hinges

8 February 2010

Ouch! Or even worse. Hinges are stronger than little bones so when they meet it’s going to be the finger that snaps first. Your little darling could lose a finger before he loses his baby teeth.

Hinges are a common mechanism in products that fold away. But for little children there is a risk that they will put their finger in the middle of the hinge while it is being closed. The force of the mechanism can slice, break or cut off the child’s finger.

Taking care with prams and strollers Prams and strollers have a few hinges. If these hinges are exposed you need to keep your child well away when operating the folding mechanism, or any other moving part such as the canopy.

This may be easier said than done if you have a toddler trying to help juggle the pram, a baby and some shopping. But while you aren’t looking, your child could put their finger in the gap and get hurt.

Children will be safer around hinges that are locked into place and can’t suddenly shut on tiny digits.

Other risky products Other common household items, like fold up chairs, also have hinges that could hurt your child. If your child tries to pull themselves up on a foldable chair they could put their hands in the hinge space as a place to grip.

Other items that pose risks are cupboard door hinges, folding outdoor play equipment, step ladders, ironing boards, collapsible beds, and toy versions of these items.

It is difficult to avoid products with hinges but you can pay extra attention when children are near unsecured and unprotected hinges. It might mean keeping them out the way for a while, or stopping them from playing with certain objects until they are old enough to understand the danger.