Choosing Safety Gates Safeguard Your Toddlers

When it comes to protecting your child from hazards in your home it’s best to know what you need and implement the best safety gate possible. From baby gates to electrical outlet covers, every parent knows baby-proofing is imperative, but with a bevy of options from a slew of manufacturers and retailers, making a selection can seem daunting.

The following information will help you wade through the many options to find the right choice for you, your home and your little one.

Baby gates: when and where

Baby gates should be installed as soon as your child can crawl. This is especially important if you have a staircase in your home. Your baby may seem slow now, but she will be able to speed around soon enough. There are baby gates designed to block all types and widths of areas from fireplaces and wide stairwell bottoms to large entryways. Some need hardware mounted for security, while others are portable. 

Pressure-mounted versus hardware-mounted gates

There are two main types of safety gates: the pressure mounted gate and the hardware mounted gate. 

The first is the most common and requires no permanent installation. The pressure mounted style wedges between the door frame so the padded or rubbery pieces on the sides press against the door frame or wall. They typically have two sliding panels that adjust to fit the opening and have a pressure bar or locking mechanism that holds the gate in place.

This type of gate is generally inexpensive and portable. Of the two types of gates, pressure-mounted are the least sturdy and are better suited for areas such as between rooms where falling is not a concern.

The hardware mounted gate is installed by using screws or brackets to secure the gate in place. They take time to install and will leave holes in your wall or doorframe when you take the gate down. This type of gate is the safest option by far and is recommended for higher danger areas such as the top of a staircase. 

Materials and types of closures

Safety gates come in wood, plastic or metal. Metal is the sturdiest choice and is the best choice for the top of a staircase. Wood gates, which are generally pressure mounted, are inexpensive and can be moved around the home when different needs arise. For example, a wood gate may be a good choice for grandparents who may not have a baby in the home regularly and don’t want to permanently block doorways. Wood gates may also work fine for the bottom of a staircase. 

Always check the construction and make sure wood finishes are smooth. Do not purchase gates with horizontal slates.

Most pressure-mounted gates do not have a walk-through passages and require an adult to step over or remove the gate to pass. There are some models that offer a gate door that swings open. Many metal and plastic model gates offer a swing-away door for adults to walk through. While these swing-away doors are handy, it is not uncommon that older babies and toddlers figure out how to open these.