Safety barriers
Safety barriers are used primarily to stop your child falling down stairs, but can also
be placed across a doorway to stop your child getting into an unsafe room. Some can be
used across a window. Barriers are designed to protect your child up to the age of 24
months.
Safety barriers come in metal, wood or plastic. The finish you choose is largely a
matter of preference. Coated metal may chip over time, wood may mark, plastic may be less
attractive but will wipe clean.
There are two types of barrier:
- Walk-through gates - these either have an integral door within the
frame or swing open on a hinge attached to the wall. They are quick and easy to use and
once fitted provide effortless safety
- Barriers - these block access in the same way but are detachable and
have to be removed for access. They are more versatile and can be moved around to secure
different places through the day, but require refitting after each move which may be
inconvenient. Adults may be tempted to climb over them rather than release and then re-fix
them, which makes them a hazard when used at the top of the stairs. Movable barriers need
a flat surface on either side to grip to and are often not suitable on curved stair rails
Features to look for
- Two-way opening gate
- Self-locking catch. When you’re in a hurry it is all too easy not to secure a
manual catch
- Extension kits to fit extra wide spaces
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