Safety Advice

Parenting is the most fulfilling, fun-filled, and most difficult challenge you’ll ever face in your life. It takes a lot responsibilities that you must do every day. We know that this is not an easy job, but despite all the obligations and difficulties that you have, that you encounter to provide time for your children, be aware that being a parent is a big responsibility but in the same time it is fun and interesting.

Having a baby changes every aspect of your life. This will be evident not only in your lifestyle but also in your home. In addition to making preparations for nursery design and furnishings, you will have to take measures to ensure that your home is as safe as possible. The natural curiosity of children will lead them to explore everything within their reach. To enable a child to explore without compromising safety, parents should childproof their homes by the time their child is crawling. The Safety Advise section has been prepared based on real life experiences of parents, child safety experts, childproofing professionals and educational material presented by International Association for Child Safety (IAFCS) and other such child safety dedicated institutions. It is a resource for parents, caregivers or anyone seeking real-world, up-to-date information and practical advice for keeping homes, daycares and play facilities safer for young children. Our objective is to provide information and create awareness about what causes injuries to children, suggest the best quality products in the market and to share expertise with you to help you with creating a safer environment for your child.

We understand not everyone will choose to seek the services of a child proofing professional and may instead prefer the do-it-yourself option. The Safety Advise section is a good resources for such parents as it provides safety tips to help you effectively childproof your home.

Child Safety resources

B-Safe Safety Gate Finder

Safety gates are designed to prevent your child falling down the stairs and to stop them having access to selected areas of the home. In general, they range in size from widths of approximately 600mm to 10m and are around 1m in height.

There are two main categories of gates – screw fixing and pressure fitting. There are also many specialty gates and fixing kits available to fit odd and irregular shaped openings. You can be sure that whatever the size or shape of opening you want to secure, there will be a gate available. Most gates are only suitable for children up to the age of between 24 and 30 months, so your child’s age is also a key parameter for you to choose the safety gate

Make the correct choice – Know the Safety Gate you need!

There are a number of different types of stair gates available which are described below. It is important for you to first understand the type of gate that you should put in your own unique home setting. The parameters to choose a gate should be safety first, followed by ease of use, and aesthetic value. Whatever gate you choose, make sure it complies with Safety Gate Standards of the country it has been manufactured in.

Screw Fitting Stair Gates – These can be used at the top of stairs or on doorways. They are fairly easy to install but do require fixings to be screwed to the wall so you need to get out the drill. The two main benefits of this type of gate are that, when fitted properly, the gate cannot come loose, and there is no bar across the bottom which can present a tripping hazard at the top of a set of stairs when the gate is open.

Pressure Fitting Stair Gates – These are easy to fit without the need for screws or permanent adhesives, as they basically expand outward until they become wedged into the doorframe. These gates are ideal for separating rooms that are on the same level but they must never be used at the top of stairs (see below). They offer the benefit of being able to be moved fairly easily between any openings.

Auto Close Baby Gate – These gates, as you might expect, close by themselves to give extra security and peace of mind. Most are easy to install with pressure type fittings

Banister and Balcony Guards –These are a simple way to ensure that your child doesn't get stuck or slip through gaps. Two popular uses are on stairs and banisters and railings on balconies.

Auto Close Baby Gate – These gates, as you might expect, close by themselves to give extra security and peace of mind. Most are easy to install with pressure type fittings

Travel Safety Gates – These are collapsible gates for travelling are pressure mounted so there is no fixing required. They are generally made of heavy duty nylon and mesh and weigh between 2kg-3kg.

Unique Space Stair Gate – These are gates that are specifically designed to handle a variety of unusual spaces and configurations, such as spaces without opposing and parallel walls, fireplaces, and extra wide spaces.

Wooden Baby Gates – Generally available in both screw fixing and pressure fitting gates are available in a wood finish. The main advantage of these gates is the aesthetic appearance. One consideration is the potential damage by pets.

Baby Gate Extensions Pieces – Most of the gates comes with extension pieces to extend the span that the gate will protect. You need to make sure you use the appropriate extension kits for your gate

Never Use a Pressure Fitting Gate at the Top of Stairs!

Particular attention should be given when selecting a baby gate for use at the top of a stairway. A pressure mounted gate uses pressure to 'clamp' itself in between an opening and there is the danger your child can push the gate over. In addition, there is a bottom rail which presents a major tripping hazard. Always use a screw fitting gate on stairs.


DO select a safety gate which complies with a recognized standard such as EN 1930:2000 – for home safety barriers designed to fit across openings to limit access to stairs for children aged less than 24 months. DO read the manufacturer's mounting instructions and be sure the gate is secure when installed. Use a mounting kit, unless you are mounting the gate to a wooden door frame or other flat wood surface. DO get in the habit of closing child safety gates all the time, even if your baby is sleeping. After closing, test the locking mechanism to make sure it works properly. DO install baby safety gates early – before your child is mobile and remove the gate in accordance with manufacturer instructions (normally when your child is around 24 months old).	DON'T use a pressure-mounted gate at the top of the stairs. DON'T buy a second-hand gate. The gate may not adhere to current safety standards and may have worn over time. It's not worth the risk given the price of a new gate. DON'T let your child see you climb over a child safety gate – they will attempt to copy you. DON'T leave your child unattended, or rely on safety gates to keep your child safe.

DO select a safety gate which complies with a recognized standard such as EN 1930:2000 – for home safety barriers designed to fit across openings to limit access to stairs for children aged less than 24 months.
DO read the manufacturer's mounting instructions and be sure the gate is secure when installed. Use a mounting kit, unless you are mounting the gate to a wooden door frame or other flat wood surface.
DO get in the habit of closing child safety gates all the time, even if your baby is sleeping. After closing, test the locking mechanism to make sure it works properly.
DO install baby safety gates early – before your child is mobile and remove the gate in accordance with manufacturer instructions (normally when your child is around 24 months old).

DON'T use a pressure-mounted gate at the top of the stairs.
DON'T buy a second-hand gate. The gate may not adhere to current safety standards and may have worn over time. It's not worth the risk given the price of a new gate.
DON'T let your child see you climb over a child safety gate – they will attempt to copy you.
DON'T leave your child unattended, or rely on safety gates to keep your child safe.

Baby Safety in Nursery

Safety precautions for common home hazards

Falls

The most common unintentional injury to children in the home is injury from a fall. Children living in apartment buildings are at a five times greater risk to falls from windows than those living in residences, but any window could pose a risk. Nearly half (40%) of the injuries from falls affect children under 4 years old, making this a critical age group for parents and caregivers to take extra precautions regarding supervision and preventative measures.


Install gates both at the top and at the bottom of the staircase. Restrict access to outdoor balconies and railings with high door latches and locks on the doors leading to them. Always use Safety straps when children are in highchairs, strollers, or wherever they are provided to help prevent falls. Use Banister shield for Any railing with horizontal or decorative designs, vertical baluster spacing greater than 3” apart. Use absorbent non-skid rugs should be used in bathrooms. Use Floor cushions or playmats, for children learning to crawl or walk on marble/hard floors. Use Sturdy step stools should be present for children to reach the sink safely. Cushion Bath spouts and tub edges and sharp furniture corners, Make children wear properly fitted helmets and appropriate padding when using tricycles, bicycles, scooters, skates, etc.	Keeping furniture or other structures (such as stool, chair, ladder etc.) near the railing of a balcony, window or staircase. Leaving a baby unattended on any elevated surface, such as a bed or sofa. Wet surfaces – wipe them immediately. Avoid using Pressure mounted gates on the top of the stairs. Baby Walkers are a leading cause of injury. It is safest to avoid using Baby walkers.

Install gates both at the top and at the bottom of the staircase.
Restrict access to outdoor balconies and railings with high door latches and locks on the doors leading to them.
Always use Safety straps when children are in highchairs, strollers, or wherever they are provided to help prevent falls.
Use Banister shield for Any railing with horizontal or decorative designs, vertical baluster spacing greater than 3” apart.
Use absorbent non-skid rugs should be used in bathrooms.
Use Floor cushions or playmats, for children learning to crawl or walk on marble/hard floors.
Use Sturdy step stools should be present for children to reach the sink safely.
Cushion Bath spouts and tub edges and sharp furniture corners,
Make children wear properly fitted helmets and appropriate padding when using tricycles, bicycles, scooters, skates, etc.

Keeping furniture or other structures (such as stool, chair, ladder etc.) near the railing of a balcony, window or staircase.
Leaving a baby unattended on any elevated surface, such as a bed or sofa.
Wet surfaces – wipe them immediately.
Avoid using Pressure mounted gates on the top of the stairs.
Baby Walkers are a leading cause of injury. It is safest to avoid using Baby walkers.

Scalds & burns

A child’s skin is thinner than an adult’s and burns more easily and more severely. The most common source of scald burns for young children are hot liquids and steam. Your house is full of common things that can burn your child. Here are some easy steps that can help prevent burn injuries:


Install Stove guards to prevent children from reaching hot burners when cooking. Taste cooked food and heated liquids to make sure they’re not too hot. Try using temperature color utensils. Latch Dishwashers and ovens to keep children from opening them when hot. Check the water temperature before placing your child in the bathtub. Use a bath temperature thermometer to be sure. Make the stove area a “KidFree Zone” (3 feet is a good distance). Mark it on the floor with bright tape. Lower the setting on water heater thermostats. Install anti-scald devices in water faucets and shower heads Cook with pots and pans on back burners and turn handles away from the front.	Holding children while cooking or while carrying hot foods or liquids. Microwaving a baby’s bottle. Drinks heated in a microwave may be much hotter than their containers. Use a bottle warmer or warm water instead. Using Placemats and table cloths. Children can pull hot beverages placed on them. Placing hot foods or liquids near the counter or table’s edge. Leaving your children alone in the kitchen. Leaving hot appliances like curling irons and irons within a child’s reach. Keeping heat producing appliances switched-on when not in use

Install Stove guards to prevent children from reaching hot burners when cooking.
Taste cooked food and heated liquids to make sure they’re not too hot. Try using temperature color utensils.
Latch Dishwashers and ovens to keep children from opening them when hot.
Check the water temperature before placing your child in the bathtub. Use a bath temperature thermometer to be sure.
Make the stove area a “KidFree Zone” (3 feet is a good distance). Mark it on the floor with bright tape.
Lower the setting on water heater thermostats. Install anti-scald devices in water faucets and shower heads
Cook with pots and pans on back burners and turn handles away from the front.

Holding children while cooking or while carrying hot foods or liquids.
Microwaving a baby’s bottle. Drinks heated in a microwave may be much hotter than their containers. Use a bottle warmer or warm water instead.
Using Placemats and table cloths. Children can pull hot beverages placed on them.
Placing hot foods or liquids near the counter or table’s edge.
Leaving your children alone in the kitchen.
Leaving hot appliances like curling irons and irons within a child’s reach.
Keeping heat producing appliances switched-on when not in use

Tip overs

Injury from tip-overs can occur when heavy objects fall on an individual- Any furniture that is taller without a wide base is likely to be tipped over. When the product falls on children, the injuries are typically crushing or compressing in nature.


Strap or anchor all furniture that is taller than it is wide - tables with unstable bases or on pedestals, bar stools, tall lamps and standing mirrors. Remove unstable furniture, large wall art, pedestal stands, plants/plant stands, lamps, etc. from the child's environment Place TV's on stable TV stands (appropriate for the size of the TV) and not on tall dressers.	Using unstable furniture, with a shaky base Placing TV's, other AV equipment and other heavy objects on top of tablecloths or runners that a child may pull. Putting incentives for climbing that may be on the top of a piece of furniture, such as toys, remote controls, videos or models

Drowning

Drowning is one of the most preventable hazards with active supervision and simple barriers installed, but one of the quickest, most silent and irreversible injuries. If a child is ever momentarily missing, look in the pool or other water locations first. It can take less than a few minutes for death or irreversible brain damage to occur. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 14 years old.


Fill the tub only as much as required for bathing the infant. Empty the tub completely after bath. Lock toilets and latch bathrooms doors to prevent access to young children. Remove unstable furniture, large wall art, pedestal stands, plants/plant stands, lamps, etc. from the child's environment. Install pool fences and use swimming pool alarms if you have a swimming pool. Learn CPR and swimming. Teach children how to swim at an early age. Use Floor cushions or playmats, for children learning to crawl or walk on marble/hard floors. Use door locks, door alarms, pool alarms, automatic pool covers, and self-closing self-latching gates add extra layers of protection.	Leaving infants in a bathtub to answer the phone, door or to get a towel. Babies should NEVER be left alone in a bathtub even for a moment Leaving filled buckets of liquid accessible to children. Using flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Leaving wading pools unattended after the swim – they should be emptied immediately. Leaving children to swim alone, even if they have learnt swimming.

Fill the tub only as much as required for bathing the infant. Empty the tub completely after bath.
Lock toilets and latch bathrooms doors to prevent access to young children.
Remove unstable furniture, large wall art, pedestal stands, plants/plant stands, lamps, etc. from the child's environment.
Install pool fences and use swimming pool alarms if you have a swimming pool.
Learn CPR and swimming. Teach children how to swim at an early age.
Use Floor cushions or playmats, for children learning to crawl or walk on marble/hard floors.
Use door locks, door alarms, pool alarms, automatic pool covers, and self-closing self-latching gates add extra layers of protection.

Leaving infants in a bathtub to answer the phone, door or to get a towel. Babies should NEVER be left alone in a bathtub even for a moment
Leaving filled buckets of liquid accessible to children.
Using flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
Leaving wading pools unattended after the swim – they should be emptied immediately.
Leaving children to swim alone, even if they have learnt swimming.

Fire

Smoke alarms are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries. Children in homes without smoke alarms are at greater risk of fires and fire related death and injury.


Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in each bedroom. Latch Cabinets, bathroom doors and closets to keep children from such things as matches, lighters, curling irons, and other things that could cause fires or burns. Keep a fire extinguisher and fire ladder handy (in the kitchen or in your store) Make the stove area a “Kid-Free Zone” (3 feet is a good distance). Mark it on the floor with bright tape.	Don’t use candles since they are a common cause of home fires. Teach your child to never touch matches or lighters. Store these items in locked cabinets and do not use these items for fun — children can imitate you Avoid keeping anything that can catch fire near your stovetop.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in each bedroom.
Latch Cabinets, bathroom doors and closets to keep children from such things as matches, lighters, curling irons, and other things that could cause fires or burns.
Keep a fire extinguisher and fire ladder handy (in the kitchen or in your store)
Make the stove area a “Kid-Free Zone” (3 feet is a good distance). Mark it on the floor with bright tape.

Don’t use candles since they are a common cause of home fires.
Teach your child to never touch matches or lighters. Store these items in locked cabinets and do not use these items for fun — children can imitate you
Avoid keeping anything that can catch fire near your stovetop.

Electric Shocks

Most of the electrical injuries occur when young children insert metal objects, such as hair pins and keys, into the outlet, resulting in electric shock or burn injuries to the hand or finger.


Install Outlet covers to protect children from the risk of electrical shock, electrocution or electrical burns. Avoid Small outlet caps because children can typically remove them from the receptacle (and tend to put them in their mouth). GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) outlets should be in place in all “wet” areas, i.e.kitchens, baths, laundry, outdoors and garages. Check that plugs are inserted completely into receptacles so that no parts of the plug prongs are exposed. Surge protector power strips should be used in place of extension cords/ multi-plug adaptors. Surge protector power strips should be protected with covers.	Don’t keep electrical items within the reach of children. Extension cords, shredders, small appliances and curling irons are just a few examples of dangerous electrical items in the home. Don’t keep open electric wires. Cover them prevent access to children. Don’t use broken outlets or frayed cords. Have a certified electrician replace them.

Install Outlet covers to protect children from the risk of electrical shock, electrocution or electrical burns.
Avoid Small outlet caps because children can typically remove them from the receptacle (and tend to put them in their mouth).
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) outlets should be in place in all “wet” areas, i.e.kitchens, baths, laundry, outdoors and garages.
Check that plugs are inserted completely into receptacles so that no parts of the plug prongs are exposed.
Surge protector power strips should be used in place of extension cords/ multi-plug adaptors. Surge protector power strips should be protected with covers.

Don’t keep electrical items within the reach of children. Extension cords, shredders, small appliances and curling irons are just a few examples of dangerous electrical items in the home.
Don’t keep open electric wires. Cover them prevent access to children.
Don’t use broken outlets or frayed cords. Have a certified electrician replace them.

Choking

Most of the electrical injuries occur when young children insert metal objects, such as hair pins and keys, into the outlet, resulting in electric shock or burn injuries to the hand or finger.


Strap or anchor all furniture that is taller than it is wide - tables with unstable bases or on pedestals, bar stools, tall lamps and standing mirrors Remove unstable furniture, large wall art, pedestal stands, plants/plant stands, lamps, etc. from the child's environment Place TV's on stable TV stands (appropriate for the size of the TV) and not on tall dressers.	Using unstable furniture, with a shaky base. Placing TV's, other AV equipment and other heavy objects on top of tablecloths or runners that a child may pull. Putting incentives for climbing that may be on the top of a piece of furniture, such as toys, remote controls, videos or models.