Frequently Asked Questions
- When will I need a safety gate?
- Where will I need to put a safety gate?
- What types of safety gates are available?
- Which safety gate should I choose?
- How do I know whether the safety gate will fit?
- I want a pressure fit gate - do they all fit the same space?
- If I choose an extending gate, will I need extensions?
- My biggest worry is the stairs - what style of safety gate is best?
- Do I need a gate on every door of every room?
- How many safety gates will I need?
- How do I maintain the safety gate?
- How can I secure areas when I'm on holiday or staying with relatives?
- How do I make empty plug sockets safe?
- My toddler is always trying to open the kitchen drawers and cupboards to see what is inside them, which is a real hazard. How do I prevent him from hurting himself?
- I have huge French doors and I worry about my toddler running into them. Are there any safety products that will warn of potential danger?
- I have an open fireplace that needs some sort of fireguard fitted. What do you suggest?
- What sort of thermometers should I have at home?
- How do I know that a product has been tested to the relevant British, European or International safety standards?
- Are safety products a guarantee of safety in the home?
1. When will I need a safety gate?
Safety gates are designed to secure certain areas of your home, traditionally the top and bottom of your stairs. However they can also be used to keep your little one out of a potentially hazadorous room - such as the kitchen, or keep them within a room such as their bedroom on a night.
Safety gates are suitable for children up to the age of 24 months, however the best time to buy your safety gate is when your little one starts to crawl.
2. Where will I need to put a safety gate?
a. Stairs
The most important place to fit a safety gate is at the top and bottom of your stairs, preventing your child from falling and causing themselves injury.
According to CAPT [Child Accident Prevention Trust] the largest number of non-fatal injuries happen when children fall. In 2002 390,000 children aged under 15 were taken to UK hospitals after a fall at home. Most falls are either slips or trips on the same level. Babies and young children are also hurt after falling from one level to another (such as from a chair, bed or changing table) or on or from stairs
b. Kitchen doorway
Using a safety gate on your kitchen doorway is also a good idea. Kitchens hold a multitude of dangers from hot appliances to cleaners and chemicals. A safety gate ensures that your little one can't gain access without you being in the same room.
According to CAPT in 2002 almost 37,000 children aged under 15 were taken to hospital after an accident in the home resulting in a burn or scald and over 26,000 children under 5 years were taken to hospital after a suspected poisoning, the great majority being in the home
c. Bedroom door
Changing from a cot to a bed brings a whole new challenge. With more freedom to get in and out of bed, a safety gate on their bedroom door means you can be assured that they won't wander from room to room in the night and more importantly, will be unable to get into the bathroom, another danger zone when unsupervised. Using a gate also helps to discipline your child to stay in bed, without the need to close the door completely.
d. Bathroom door
If you like your little one to be able to come into your room on a night and would prefer not to fit a gate to their bedroom door, it could be a good idea to fit a safety gate in the bathroom doorway. Bathrooms, like kitchens, contain many dangerous substances, from bathroom cleaners to shampoos, shower gels and lotions, not to mention medicines. Not only can these but water itself be extremely dangerous, with risk of drowning.
3. What types of safety gates are available?
Lindam provide two main categories of safety gates:
1. Pressure fit.
These gates are ready to assemble and do not require drilling or screwing to the wall. The pressure fit gate design incorporates a power frame; a "u" shaped frame which enhances the stability and safety of the gate through added strength. The pressure fit gates can be extended using extensions (8 sizes available, creating a maximum gate width of up to 138cm - opening sizes vary so check each model for exact sizes).
2. Wall mounted
These gates are mounted directly onto the wall and therefore require drilling. The benefit however is that they are extending gates and can fit a maximum opening of 106cm (opening sizes vary so check each model for exact sizes). They also do not have a bottom rail which is a feature of the pressure fit gate and can be a potential trip hazard, especially at the top of the stairs.
We recommend that a wall mounted safety gate is used at the top of the stairs for additional safety and strength. Wall mounted gates do not have a bottom support rail which can potentially cause a tripping hazard when used at the top of the stairs.
4. Which safety gate should I choose?
Once you have considered whether you want a pressure fit or a wall mounted gate, you need to consider the features you need your gate to have. We have a number of different safety gates to suit every requirement:
- Alarmed pressure fit gate - each time the gate is opened a primary alarm sounds. Should the gate be left open, this sound increases to a secondary alarm. A reassuring alert to parents that the gate has been left open or incorrectly installed.
- Auto close pressure fit gate - the autoclose system automatically closes the gate door behind you so you are always safe in the knowledge that the gate is closed.
- Extending wall mounted gates - the extending gate fits directly into the wall and can be extended from 62cm up to 106cm (opening sizes vary so check each model for exact sizes). They are the preferred solution for use at the top of the stairs and do not have the bottom support bar, which can be a potential trip hazard.
- Wooden safety gate - available as a wood / metal pressure fit gate or an extending wall mounted gate, the primary advantage to these gates is their stylish and sleek look. They come with all of the benefits and features of their metal counterparts.
- Travel flexi guard - a lightweight and portable alternative to conventional safety gates. This 'twists and folds' into it's own carry bag and is perfect for travel or occasional use - such as at relatives or grandparents.
5. How do I know whether the safety gate will fit?
We advise that you measure your doorway from your skirting board as this is the narrowest part of the doorway. This will provide the most accurate measurement.
6. I want a pressure fit gate - do they all fit the same space?
Metal pressure fit models safety gates fit openings between 75cm and 82cm without the need for extensions (opening sizes vary so check each model for exact sizes.) We recommend that you measure your opening before you buy your safety gate.
If you have an opening which is larger than 82cm, you can use extensions which will extend your gate up to 138cm. Extensions come in 3 sizes - 7cm, 14cm and 28cm.
7. If I choose an extending gate, will I need extensions?
Wall Fix extending gates screw directly into your wall and extend to fit openings of 62cm to 102cm (106cm is you choose the wooden extending gate). You do not need additional extensions with the wall fix options.
8. My biggest worry is the stairs - what style of safety gate is best?
We recommend that a wall mounted safety gate is used at the top of the stairs for additional safety and strength. Wall mounted gates do not have a bottom support rail which can potentially cause a tripping hazard when used at the top of the stairs.
Pressure fit gates are suitable for the bottom of the stairs.
9. Do I need a gate on every door of every room?
Safety gates are designed to secure certain areas of your home, traditionally the top and bottom of your stairs. However they can also be used to keep your little one out of a potentially hazadorous room - such as the kitchen, or keep them within a room such as their bedroom on a night.
Safety gates are suitable for children up to the age of 24 months, however the best time to buy your safety gate is when your little one starts to crawl.
10. How many safety gates will I need?
It is recommended that you secure the top and bottom of your stairs using a safety gate, so you will need at least 2 gates.
11. How do I maintain the safety gate?
If you are using a pressure fit gate, it is paramount that you check the pressure of the gate in a daily basis. This is very easy to do. Simply ensure that both sets of the top and bottom adjusters are tight. A key indication that the gate is not fitted properly is the handle as it will not fit neatly into the handle if there is not enough pressure.
All of the gates have been tested to the highest British and European standards however their effectiveness will depend on how the gate is used and the general maintenance and upkeep of the gate.
Checking the gate daily will ensure you maintain its effectiveness and safety and will also ensure you spot any sign of damage.
Like any product, if you look after your gate it will last for the duration it is intended.
Important Tips
- Fit a wall mounted safety gate to the top of the stairs
- Check your pressure fit gates on a daily basis to ensure they maintain their pressure and strength
- Ensure you read the mounting instructions to ensure the gate is installed correctly
- Fit safety gates either before or as soon as your child becomes mobile
12. How can I secure areas when I'm on holiday or staying with relatives?
We recommend using a portable safety barrier. This allows you to secure doorways and the bottom of stairs, openings 71-92cm using a pressure fit barrier. The barrier folds into it's own carry case and can even fit into a large suitcase
13. How do I make empty plug sockets safe?
Socket Covers are used to prevent children inserting fingers or other objects into plug sockets. If resources are scarce you can limit these to areas where children spend most of their time. However, it is felt that modern sockets pose minimal danger.
14. My toddler is always trying to open the kitchen drawers and cupboards to see what is inside them, which is a real hazard. How do I prevent him from hurting himself?
Simple safety accessories such as multi purpose latches, cabinet and drawer locks restrict access to these areas. They are easy to install and remove when required. For optimum safety a safety gate should be fitted to the kitchen doorway if possible to restrict your toddler from entering the kitchen unsupervised.
15. I have huge French doors and I worry about my toddler running into them. Are there any safety products that will warn of potential danger?
It is advised not to use colourful stickers on glass as these can entice children to the glass.
A 5 panel room divider (converted from a play pen) is the best solution as it will allow the doors to be secured whilst also providing the functionality of having a gate enabling adults to continue to use the French doors.
16. I have an open fireplace that needs some sort of fireguard fitted. What do you suggest?
It is important to choose a fireguard that can be secured directly to the wall, solid wood or stone fire surround. It should restrict access to the hearth as well as the fire itself. The fire surround should completely cover the fire - even from the top of the guard.
17. What sort of thermometers should I have at home?
It is advised that you have the following thermometers readily available at home:
Room thermometer - The nursery should always maintain a temperature between 16 oC and 20 oC so it is important to use a room thermometer to ensure temperature remains constant.
Digital thermometer - The normal temperature for a child is between 36.6oC to 37.2oC. To check the temperature place the digital thermometer in the childs ear or on their forehead.
18. How do I know that a product has been tested to the relevant British, European or International safety standards?
Most standards require that the number of the standard is placed either on the product or the giftbox. Look out for safety warning and correct use or fitting guidelines. Major retailers will never sell a product without reviewing certification from the supplier.
19. Are safety products a guarantee of safety in the home?
No. Used correctly, safety products help reduce potential dangers and hazards within the home however it is every parents responsibility to ensure their child's safety. Safety products should be checked regularly to maintain efficiency and replaced at the first sign of damage or wear and tear. It is parents' responsibility for the safety of their child within the home.
