HabiLife Direct Safety Gate Recall

HabiLife Direct Safety Gate was recalled on March 13, 2025⁽¹⁾ due to the risk of serious injury or death to children from an entrapment hazard. 

This violates federal regulations for gates and enclosures. Baby products must be made using delicate measures. Sticking to safety standards is crucial for manufacturers and parents when purchasing and producing baby products.

When manufacturers practice safety standards in their factories, it gives parents and caregivers confidence and safety. Parents are reassured that their baby products do not harm their baby.

Overview of the HabiLife Direct Safety Gate Recall

This recall involves retractable safety mesh gates marketed as baby or dog gates, model number SG021. They were sold in white, gray, and black. The multi-use gates measure about 34 inches high and have an aluminum frame⁽¹⁾. They are adjustable up to about 55 inches wide.

The “Retractable Safety Gate” and the model number are printed on a white label on the inside of the frame and the side of the gate’s handles.

The recall took place on March 13, 2025. About 880 units of this product were affected.

The products were sold on Amazon.com from September 2024 through January 2025 for between $35 and $45.

The recalled gates violate federal safety regulations for expansion gates and expandable enclosures because a child’s torso can fit through the opening between the gate and the floor, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to the entrapment hazard.

Why These Safety Gates Are a Safety Hazard

Safety gates are designed to prevent young children from accessing potentially dangerous areas in the home⁽²⁾. They are one tool used in childproofing the house, especially for toddlers. However, many expansion gates and expandable enclosures have violated federal safety regulations, posing serious hazards to children.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), expansion gates must meet strict design and construction standards to ensure safety⁽⁴⁾. However, some products on the market do not meet these standards, allowing gaps or sharp edges that can lead to injury. Some gates also fail to secure the door frames properly, leaving a child with easy access to dangerous areas, which completely defeats the purpose of the gate.

One of the most dangerous hazards associated with safety gates is entrapment. These gates, especially those with larger spacing between bars, can pose a serious risk for children trying to squeeze through or become caught in the gaps. 

Some of the gates on the market have V-shaped openings along the top and diamond-shaped openings on the sides. CPSC has reports of 7 deaths and 17 'near-misses' because of the entrapment hazard with these baby gates. All of the deaths occurred when children's heads became entrapped in V-shaped openings .⁽³⁾

The risk of entrapment is not limited to the gate's design but also includes how the gate is installed. Improper installation can leave gaps between the gate and the wall, where a child may become stuck. ⁽⁴⁾

Additionally, gates with vertical bars are dangerous because a child can attempt to climb them and fall, causing head or body injuries. The dangers of expansion gates are especially significant for children learning to crawl and climb.

Tips and Guidelines for Choosing a Safe Baby Gate 

A safety gate is meant to keep your toddlers safe during this stage, but it can also pose a safety hazard if not properly chosen. Following these guidelines is crucial to ensuring that a safety gate meets the necessary safety standards and is appropriate for use in your home. 

•  Always verify that the product has been tested and certified by recognized safety organizations. Look for labels like “JPMA Certified” or “CPSC Compliant” on the packaging, which indicate the product has passed safety tests.

• Before purchasing a safety gate, check the CPSC website or other consumer safety websites for any recall information related to the product. This will help you stay informed about potential safety hazards and recalls.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to install the safety gate. Ensure that the gate is tightly secured and that there are no gaps between it and the wall. 

• Even after installation, periodically check the gate for signs of wear and tear, such as loose screws, cracks, or broken parts. Regular inspections can prevent accidents caused by faulty gates.

What You Should Do Next

If you own any model of this recalled product. Here are the things you have to do. 

•  Stop using the recalled gates immediately and contact HabiLife Direct for a full refund. ⁽¹⁾
• You should destroy the gates by cutting the mesh and disposing of the gates.
• You must then send a photo of the destroyed gates to service@hblife.fans.

HabiLife Direct and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers directly.

If you are experiencing issues with this recall remedy or believe the company is not responding to your remedy request, please use this form to explain the situation to the CPSC.

To avoid issues like this, ensure your baby products meet safety standards before purchasing. Also, to ensure you don't buy a recalled product, always check this website for updates on recall alerts.