On this page
About safety gates
Safety gates help keep children safe. They restrict access to areas or objects that may be dangerous. There are 2 types of safety gates.
Pressure mounted safety gates
The safety gate is tightened between two solid wall surfaces like a door frame.
These safety gates are easy to set up and take down.
Hardware wall mounted safety gates
The safety gate is attached with screws directly into a solid wall or wood post.
These safety gates are more secure and can withstand more pressure. They are useful to block off high-risk areas such as stairs, fireplaces and kitchens.
The safety gates are often made from wood, plastic, metal or mesh. You can also get extension pieces that help to cover different shaped areas like hot tubs or fireplaces.
Risks and injuries from the product
Children have been injured by safety gates. Most injuries are from their arms, legs or heads becoming trapped between the bars.
Children have also been injured falling when safety gates have come away from the wall.
Things to look for when buying the product
Children can be injured while using safety gates. There isn’t a mandatory safety standard for safety gates, but the following is a guide.
Design and construction
- Spaces between the bars are between 5 cm and 9.5 cm to avoid trapping a child's head.
- Consider if you need to open the safety gate with one hand.
- Choose a hardware wall mounted safety gate if you need to block off high risk areas.
- Don’t buy crisscross diamond-shaped accordion gates. These can trap children's heads and clothing.
- Avoid safety gates that have a fixed horizontal bar at the bottom. These can become a risk for tripping when the safety gate is opened.
- Don’t buy or use a pet gate. They are not secure enough or designed for children.
Second-hand safety gates
If you decide to use, buy or borrow second-hand safety gates, make sure:
- the product hasn't been recalled
- it includes the instructions for safe use
- all of its parts are in good working order.
For tips and more information, see Buy second-hand products that are safe.
How to use the product safely
To keep your child safe, make sure you:
- follow the product assembly instructions
- make sure the safety gate is securely attached
- check regularly that the safety gate is secured tightly between the walls and working properly
- don’t allow your children to play on the safety gate. This can make them less secure.
