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Features to Look For When Purchasing a Baby Gate

susanw | Jun 30, 2010 |

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There are two main classifications of baby gates, those that are hard mounted meaning that they are actually fixed to the wall or some other permanent fixture in your home and non mounted gates which usually just fit snugly between a doorway. Aside from these two main classifications, there are also a lot of differences between child safety gates which are far too many to enumerate here. Following are just a few tips on buying a safety gate for your child though it does not take into account things such as what the gate is made from, or any other safety features included with the gate.

If you are planning on buying a gate to set at the bottom or top of a flight of stairs you must buy a hard mounted gate. It is imperative that your child cannot dislodge the gate as that would be disastrous for baby and for you, the parents. While it does mean that you need to make some minor modifications, these can usually be reversed once you no longer have need of baby gates for stairs.

Non mounted gates are usually either clipped in place or pressed up against the sides of the doorway and tightened in place. While they do prevent your child from freely moving from room to room, they are not as secure as a hard mounted gate. In other words, if enough pressure is forced on the gate it may be possible to dislodge it, though it is rare that this would happen. If it does happen, it rarely results in serious injury to a child.

If you frequently have your hands full when moving around your home you may want to look for a gate that can be opened with your foot. These type of gates baby uses are commonly classified as 'hands-off' gates. They are particularly useful for busy mommies, or for mothers with a toddler and a small baby as it enables you to walk around the house with both children safely accompanying you.

You can also buy gates that are extendable. They can either expand width ways or they can be pulled up so that they are taller. These type are very helpful if, or when, your young child begins to experiment with trying to climb.

While standard gates usually work well for most parents with toddlers, it is comforting to know that there are special features that can be found on some gates should you ever need them.