Injuries from Safety Gates

There were 1,900 gate related injuries requiring emergency room care in 2009.  Older accordion style gates with diamond shape openings are  a main culprit because they can entrap a baby’s head, hand or arm.  It is better to use a gate with vertical bars.

It is very important to use the right gate at the right location.  Using a pressure mounted gate at the top of a stair is inadequate.  A screw-in hardware mounted gate is much safer at a stair.

Baby Stairway Gate

You also have to install the gate in a proper manner, by securely attaching it to the wall with screws that reach the underlying wall stud, or by using hollow wall anchors. Follow all manufacturer instructions when installing.

It is also good to be mindful of the small plastic parts on a gate that may break over time. Small pieces could be a choking hazard, and the gate may not work properly if a part is broken. It is a good idea to monitor product recalls in case your gate is recalled for safety reasons.

Kidsafe has put together a guide to help you choose the right gate. Guide Link                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

KidSafe to be on National TV

Home child proofing expert Michael Hixson owner of www.KidSafeInc.com and writer of this blog is pleased to announce his appearance on ‘The Balancing Act’ television series. ‘The Balancing Act’ is an Emmy nominated national television series focusing on issues and solutions for today’s women.

The segment is entitled ‘Safer homes for kids, Peace of mind for Parents’. In it Michael discusses the safety hazards in homes for toddlers and small children, and demonstrates baby proofing products that will help eliminate potential accidents. It will air on Saturday, November 10th, 2007 at 8am EST & PST/7am CST/6am MST on the ‘Lifetime Television Network’. The segment will also be broadcast on the ‘Women’s Entertainment Network’ on Monday, November 12th at 7am. It will be shown on the ‘Healthy Living Channel’ shown on the Dish Network, Comcast, and Time Warner cable systems on November 6 at 7pm, November 7 at 7:30pm, and November 8 at 7pm.

KidSafeInc.com sells over 150 different child safety items such as baby gates, outlet covers, cabinet locks, corner cushions, window guards, door knob covers, and also provides guides and checklists for child proofing your home.

Safety products from KidSafeInc.com will also be appearing on an episode of the ABC television series ‘Extreme Makeover Home Edition’ on the evening of Sunday, December 2nd, 2007 at 8pm/7c. KidSafe donated multiple products to the show for a family with four kids under six who have severe medical problems.