Safety Barriers

Children can

• get stuck in gaps - gaps 30-50mm can trap arms and legs and gaps between 85mm-95mm can trap a baby's head
• climb over and fall if the barrier is too low or has horizontal bars.

When buying , look for

• Information indicating compliance with a British (BS), American (ASTM or CFR), European (EN) or Australian/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS)
• manufacturer's instructions for installation and use
• edges that are smooth and rounded
• spaces between the vertical bars in the barrier that are between 50mm and 85mm wide
• Height of at least 750mm from the floor
• Features that could provide footholds – such as locks and horizontal bars – your child could use these to climb out.

At home

• fit the barrier strictly to manufacturer's instructions
• make sure it is held securely in the doorway or passage
• check regularly that it is firmly in position
• watch your child even if you have safety barriers.