I'd suspect those early cages were to prevent accidentally bumping into it, rather than child-safety. Child-safety is a pretty high bar, even if it's common to

I'd suspect those early cages were to prevent accidentally bumping into it, rather than child-safety. Child-safety is a pretty high bar, even if it's common today. You not only have to prevent someone accidentally hurting themselves, but more-or-less intentionally doing so.