Child safety products are basically an unregulated business .
So how does a good business person figure out how to choose good safety products ?
Here is how I do it, in principle.
I have been installing and selling child safety products for 17 years now .
One of the first things I had to do, was figure out how to separate the
junk child safety products from the best products .
Of first concern, is the material it is made of . I find plastic to be a terrible
choice, in most products .
The reason is because plastic breaks down quickly . It is brittle . So
for instance, plastic cabinet locks tend to bend out of shape
quickly . And because plastic has a lot of "give", plastic gates tend to bow
easily, and crack . Some plastics have additives to make the
material stronger. Also, some plastics have better engineering to make
them stronger . For instance, the newer overhead door locks have some
gussets in them, to add strength, plus they are heavier .
Normally, a better choice of material would be nylon . It holds up
longer than plastic and takes longer to break down . Both
eventually do break down. Sunlight also plays a factor in how long
it takes either product to break down. Both eventually do break down
over time . So, when using and purchasing these products, it is necessary
to keep these facts in mind .
When a true baby proofer sells and installs products for a client it
can be expensive . The reason is this......they should be using the best
products available, which are more expensive . Also, it is necessary for them to
be educated in their line of work, and have the proper tools, in order to give you
the best service possible . They should have the know how, in order to give you
expert installation. Why do I say "should" ? The fact is, some companies that
claim to be experts, really aren't . You should take care in who you hire . Ask a lot
of questions, get references etc ., until you are comfortable with them .
Just because the happen to belong to an association of some sort doesn't mean they are
really qualified .
We have recently seen other countries, China in particular, which have
been sending toys and plastics containing lead, into the U.S.A.
Fortunately, President George W. Bush signed legislation to stop this .
This may surprise you, but not all products made in China are inferior.
Personally, I would like to see everything made in the U.S.A. Most child
safety products are made in China .
I use and sell, a very well made gate that was previously made in the
U.S., which is now made in China . The gate has tighter eyebolt inserts
and better welds . It is a beautiful, well functioning gate. The hardware ,
screws etc ., are in my opinion junk, and I throw them out . I replace the
hardware with better, quality hardware . Be watchful of the hardware . Is
it made of good hardened steel, or is it soft, brittle steel ? If in doubt
throw it out and replace it .
You, as a typical consumer, may not have thought of that. That is why I
always recommend using a professional childproofer, when possible . You
can do the job yourself, but mistakes can be made which could lead to
tragedy .
As for padding around hearths or tables-----most suppliers have been using
products from China. Padding is difficult to make, and suppliers are using their
products, due in part, to competition, as well as being cost effective .
Here is the problem, though. Although the padding may be thicker, it may not
be better . Density of the padding is what is important . The denser the padding,
the more it absorbs shock . It may be more expensive here, but it is by far better .
Bannisters usually require some type of barrier . One reason may be the balisters
are too far apart . The other reason, and most common, is weak balist, which
break out easily . Materials commonly used are netting, clear film, acrylic and Lexan .
Okay, safety netting------This is where I am going to direct you to a page on my web
site--http://www.dmtoddlersafety.com/toddler_safety_004.htm. You will see what I
generally find with netting . Aside from being ineffective, it can also cause
strangulation ! You can save money using it, but is it worth it ? As for clear
film----it is razor sharp, flimsy, and can be hard to install properly . And in both
cases, they are ugly .
I prefer acrylic . It protects the ballast from being broken out, is clear and looks
good . Lexan is good too, except it is more expensive . It will will bend though .
so if you have a lot of bends, use Lexan. Once again, if you do it yourself, you may
find glasslike sharp edges, and stand a chance of cracking it, as well . An expert
baby proofer will know what kind of drill bits to use, cut to fit accurately, and remove any
sharp corners or edges .
Lastly just pay attention to how things around you are constructed . Homes and bridges, cars,
other products . Take a good look at them and try to understand why they are constructed
the way they are . That may help you in deciding what baby proofing product is best .
In terms of price and quality are you only going to use this product a few weeks . Or are you
planning on having more children where you will want products to last for many years .
Whats your best investment .
