Baby Gate Buying Guide
A baby gate is an essential part of keeping a safe environment for a baby. As babies develop, their mobility and curiosity increase, and gates are necessary to keep them away from dangerous situations. However, they can not be relied on 100% and need close supervision to go with them.
Baby gates are barriers that can be opened by an adult, but not children. There are two basic types of baby gate depending on how it is installed, the hardware mounted baby gates and pressure mounted baby gates. A Hardware mounted baby gate is actually installed into the wall or door frame with hardware, becoming a permanent fixture until “uninstalled.” The pressure fit gates fit into a door frame and can be adjusted for a proper fit.
Each gate has its own best purposes, sometimes the two can be switched, but there are some situations where one needs to be used over the other. In the case of stairs, a hardware mounted gate must be used. A pressure mounted baby gate, no matter how tight the fit can be knocked over and can result in a dangerous accident. When buying a gate for the stairs, always look for a hardware mounted one and make sure the top has a straight edge and vertical slats as opposed to horizontal which can be a tempting foothold. Mesh screens are acceptable as well.
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With any gate, horizontal slats can be a bad idea; the vertical gate ones are much better as they do not provide easy climbing access. If there is a mesh screen, look for a tight weave, again it prevents climbing. Make sure there are no spaces for fingers to be trapped no matter what style is chosen. The same goes for the plastic styles.
When buying a safety gate, a good idea is to think about all the scenarios where it will be used. What part of the house? Will it be taken to other places (child gates come in handy on vacation or other people’s homes to prevent accidents when traveling with young children)? Remember, stairs need hardware installed gates, other areas can have pressure mounted, and a pressure mounted is the type that you will want to take other places.
A new child gate is a wise investment for the safety of the baby. Over the years, baby products quickly become outdated whether it is due to materials, functions or styles. The newer models made within the past five years or so, are safer.
Buying a safety first baby gate will add peace of mind for you along with safety for your curious little one.