Baby Gates

by Pregnancy.org Staff

Now that your little one is setting out on his latest quest to explore the world (or at least his portion of it), you may find it necessary to set some physical limits for either safety or for reasonable containment (to help you keep up!) Safety gates strategically placed to block stairs or doorways can aid you in meeting this goal. It's important to understand the options available and which type you should use for your particular situation.

Hardware Mounted or Permanent Gate

These gates screw into the doorway or if the door frame isn't sturdy, into the stud behind the wall. Since they are not easily dislodged, hardware mounted gates are the best choice for hazardous areas like the top of the stairs. Most hardware mounted gates will swing only one direction for added safety.

Pressure Gates

Pressure gates are useful in areas where falling isn't such a concern, such as between rooms with same-level flooring. Examples of use would be between kitchen and living area to protect your baby while you're making dinner or at the bottom of the stairs to discourage your able-climber.

Retractable Gates

Do you have a irregularly shaped, a tiny space or large doorway? A retractable gate is a good solution. These gates look a bit like a window shade placed on its side and can adapt to odd shapes. Because they are constructed of mesh material, they are not intended to be used at the top of stairs.

Accordian Type Gates

Warning: The old pre-1990 accordion type gate that is not safe. Do not use this type of gate, even if you're given one, as your child's head or neck could become trapped.

Pre-1990 accordian type gate     unsafe     

Baby Gate Safety Tips

• Do not use a pressure type gate at the top of stairs as a child can push the gate out and could fall down the stairs with the gate.
• Do not use any gates that have openings that could trap your child's head or neck.
• Use a hardware mounted gate at the top of all stairs following the manufacturers instructions for installation.
• Install pressure gates with the pressure bar away from the area the child is in to prevent the child from climbing over the gate. There should be no more that 2" (5 cm) of space below the gate when it is installed. This prevents the child from slipping underneath.
• Remove all gates when your child reaches the age of 2 and the gate height is at their chin level. At that time teach your child to use the stairs safely.

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