Things to Consider Before Buying a Baby Gate
There are many things to consider before making an important purchase of a baby gate.
We’ve listed out many of the things to consider before outlaying your hard earned money to buy a baby gate.
Gate Height – Baby gates are required to be at least 22 inches tall by law. You should purchase a gate that is at least your child’s height to lessen the chance that your infant may climb over it. You won’t likely need a baby gate after your child reaches the age of two or reaches three feet in height. You’ll want to make sure the gate is difficult for your youngster to hop over in the interim so they don’t risk falling.
Gate Spacing – To prevent your child’s arms, legs, hands, or head from becoming caught between the baby gate slots, the slots should be no more than three inches apart. To lessen this risk, be sure to read your owner’s manual and double-check the slat distance before making a purchase. To avoid unintentional pinches, you should also take into account a baby gate with a plastic telescoping rail.
Baby Gate Materials – The majority of baby gates are constructed of plastic, wood, or metal, but this does not mean that they are all made of these materials; certain plastics contain toxins and chemicals that should not be around your child. As a word of advice, if you’re considering a plastic baby gate, make sure it’s PVC-free because polyvinyl chloride can be harmful to youngsters. Also, pay attention to how your baby gate is set up. Sharp ends or loosened screws might be harmful.
What Are the Different Types of Baby Gates?
There are two kinds of baby gates that are safe to use according to U.S. guidelines. You should check how the baby gate will be mounted again depending on where you intend to put it.
Pressure-mounted – Pressure-mounted baby gates fit snugly between walls and doorframes and are simple to install and relocate without the use of screws or brackets. Pressure-mounted baby gates are not advised at the top of the stairs due to the manner they are installed, which increases the risk of your kid falling if they are relocated. You can place pressure-mounted baby gates at the bottom of the stairs or in the spaces between doors. Baby gates with pressure mounts are frequently used to divide spaces into two, including the kitchen and family room.
Hardware-mounted – Hardware-mounted baby gates come with a mounting kit and need to be installed. The greatest places for these gates are in permanent settings, as at the top of stairwells. To fasten the gate to the wall, they frequently need screws, brackets, and other hardware. Due to the bolted installation and the fact that hardware-mounted baby gates may be placed more conveniently throughout the house, parents suggest these as the safest baby gates. Baby gates with hardware mounting need to be installed, which includes using a mounting kit. To fasten the gate to the wall, they frequently need screws, brackets, and other hardware.
Baby Gate Features to Look For
Indicators – The best baby gates feature indicators built in to let you know when the gate isn’t closed completely. Some baby gates alert you by making a sound or shining a little red light on the gate’s door when it isn’t shut tightly. You might also think about including a door alarm, such as the Toddlermonitor Door Alarm, which will inform you through text message if the gate’s door is opened.
Self-Closing – Parents frequently question whether they left the baby gate unlocked. Baby gates that close automatically ease this concern. When you enter the gate through the door, the gate automatically and securely closes behind you.
Dual-Swing – Baby gates with two swinging doors are popular among parents. The door in your house swings both ways so you can pass through it effortlessly no matter which direction you’re heading. These frequently have a double-locking function to secure the door. You won’t ever have to be concerned about your child pulling or pushing open the door.
Multi-Use – Some baby gates have multiple uses in mind. These are frequently 3-in-1 baby gates that offer several protections for your infant. Some are built-in barriers that go around fireplaces. They can also be turned into a fantastic yard so your child can play in a secure setting. Some of them double as stairway obstacles. For the safety of your kid and the optimal use, double check the locations the baby gate can and cannot be installed before purchasing a multi-use baby gate.
Extensions – You can increase the width of your baby gate with additional baby gate extensions to fit various areas of your house. At the bottom of the stairs, you might seek for a baby gate that acts as a barrier, but with extensions, you can use the baby gate to keep your child out of the kitchen or other larger spaces. Many extensions are offered for sale separately.
Walk-Throughs – Although they are frequently less expensive, some baby gates are made to be stepped over, which makes them less safe for you and your kid because you run the risk of falling when you do so. Parents should search for a baby gate that has a door that they may securely pass through. To prevent your infant from pulling or pushing the door open, walk-through doors frequently include simple, safe locking.
Baby Gate Safety Tips
- Never attempt to scale a baby gate. Although climbing over the fence might appear easier, doing so puts you at danger for falling or having your foot get caught in one of the slats. Also keep in mind that your infant is watching everything you do. They might try to do the same if they see you climbing over the gate.
- Your baby gate should always be properly closed. Your baby gate is made to protect your child from potential danger. When the gate’s door is left pushed open, your infant is more likely to access household objects and hazardous objects. You might want to think about a baby gate that automatically closes after each usage to lessen the chance of leaving the entrance open.
- Correctly assemble the baby gate. Keep in mind to consult your manufacturer’s handbook to install the baby gate correctly. Not all baby gates are created equal. Use the tools and brackets provided for a secure setup if it has a mount. Finally, for your baby’s protection, always know where to install the baby gate.
- When there are stairs, use two baby gates. Remember to install a baby gate at both the top and bottom of any stairs you have. For security, any baby gate at the top of the steps should be metal mounted. The bottom of the stairs can be equipped with pressure-mounted baby gates.
- The first step in making your home baby-proof so that your child can live there safely is to install a baby gate. Always consider the architectural style of your house in mind when choosing a baby gate. To keep your infant safe, you’ll want to put the proper one in the appropriate location. Check out our top recommendations first, then browse the complete list of Amazon’s best-selling baby gates to see which ones parents tend to vouch for.
FAQs About Baby Gates
When should I install baby gates? – Baby gates should be installed by parents after their infants are six months old, or before your child begins to crawl. To keep your infant away from potentially dangerous regions and objects in your home, they should be left in place until the child is at least two years old. If your property has steps, you might want to think about placing gates even sooner, at the top of the stairway.
What are baby gates used for? – Baby gates are used to keep babies away from potentially dangerous objects and regions in the home. They are frequently positioned before fireplaces, at the bottom and top of stairs, and in the spaces between rooms. The greatest baby gates are made to serve multiple purposes, such as creating a play area or a barrier. To prevent your toddler from readily opening or moving the gate, baby gates are constructed of durable materials like metal or wood.
How should I measure for a baby gate? – Start by determining the baby gate installation area’s width. You should measure from wall to wall before purchasing a baby gate for stairs to ensure that it will fit. The same principle applies to doorways and walls; for proper fit, measure from wall to wall.
