You might think all baby safety gates
are the same, but you would be making a mistake. There are actually five
different kinds of safety gates to choose from, and each one has different
features that make it ideal for different situations.
If you have a baby or
toddler at home, it is important that you have a safety gate to keep her in
safe areas and prevent accidents. Safety gates can be used to contain your
toddler to one room so she can’t wander away or they can be used to block off
dangerous areas like stairways.
When you choose a baby
gate, make sure you are choosing the best one for your home and baby. It is
also recommended that you don’t install used baby gates, since you can’t be
sure if it is reliable and older models don’t always meet current safety
standards.
Hardware Mounted Gates
Hardware mounted gates come
with all the supplies you will need to install the gate directly onto a door
frame, wall or other stable surface. This kind of gate is extremely sturdy and
safe, and there is very little risk that your child will be able to push the
gate over.
Keep in mind that hardware
mounted gates are more difficult to move from one location to another. This
kind of gate is best for a place where you know you will want the gate
installed for a long period of time. A hardware mounted gate should always be
attached to a stud or sturdy door frame so that it will be completely stable.
Most hardware mounted gates
can be used at the top of stairs since they are extremely stable. Be sure to
install the gate so that it doesn’t open over the stairs. One tip is to make
sure all the adults and older children in your home know how to unlock and
securely lock the gate each time they pass through it.
Pressure Mounted Gates
If you are looking for a
gate that you can easily move around your home, a pressure mounted gate is a
good choice. These gates don’t use hardware, but are braced in an opening
instead. Pressure on either side of the gate keeps it sturdy between walls or a
doorway, so you can easily adjust it and move it when needed.
Being able to move this
gate to different areas in your home is one of the biggest benefits it has to
offer. And, since you won’t have to screw hardware into your wall to install
it, you won’t have to permanently alter your walls or doorways.
These gates can be less
sturdy than hardware mounted gates, and older toddlers may be able to push them
over or pull them down if they attempt to climb over the gate. Pressure mounted
gates should never be used to block stairs.
Barrier Gates
Barrier gates are very
similar to pressure mounted gates because they also use pressure to block off
an area. The difference between this gate and other gates is that this one
doesn’t have a door for passing through it. Barrier gates are simply barriers
that block off a room.
Again, since these gates
are pressure mounted instead of installed directly on your wall or door frame,
they are very easy to install and move around your home if needed. Since they
don’t have a gate, these barriers are ideal for areas that you don’t pass
through very often but want to block your child from.
Since this is a pressure
mounted gate, keep in mind that it should never be used in front of stairs.
This wouldn’t be a good idea anyway, since it would make it very difficult to
access your stairway.
Pass-Through Gates
Pass-through gates are
probably better defined as a safety gate subtype, since they come in both
hardware mounted and pressure mounted models. As the name describes, this kind
of gate has a gate that swings open so people can walk through easily, unlike a
barrier gate.
This kind of gate is very
common and useful, since it works well in areas you use regularly but sometimes
need to close off for your baby. In general, gates should have latches or locks
that require two steps to open or close, making it harder for your baby to
manipulate or accidentally open.
If a pass-through gate is
hardware mounted, it can be used to block stairs only if the gate swings in
just one direction. If it does, install it so that the gate does not open over
the stairs. Pressure mounted pass-through gates or gates that have doors that
swing in both directions should not be used in front of stairs, since they
don’t provide adequate safety for your child.
Extra Wide Gates
You can purchase safety
gates that are wider than average gates to block off larger openings in your
home. These gates are perfect for rooms with large, arched entries and can help
you keep your baby in a safe area and away from household dangers.
Some safety gates are even
designed to fit angles and baseboards, so you can find a model that fits most
spaces. Both wide gates and specially designed gates come in hardware and
pressure mounted models. This means you can choose an option that is easily
moved to different areas or one that is more permanent.
Again, if you choose a wide
or specialised gate that is pressure mounted, do not use it to block off
stairs. Hardware mounted gates should be installed according to directions and
should always be attached to a wall stud or other sturdy fixture.
Choosing the right safety
gate is a matter of deciding where you want to install it and whether or not
you need the flexibility of being able to move it around your home. It is important
to choose the right safety gate for your home and to install it correctly.
When you pick a gate that
meets your needs and when you install it and use it correctly, it will help you
protect your baby so you can rest assured that she is safe and sound.
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for more information on baby gates.
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