One of the main aspects of childproofing your house should be the installation of safety gates in critical areas such as stairs, fireplaces and doorways. Safety gates are designed to keep kids between 6 months and 24 months of age away from hazards. A properly selected and installed baby gate will make your life easier and your baby safer.
But how do you select the right gate for the right place? There is a wide variety of safety gates on the market, and whether you shop at a store or on-line, it can get confusing. Here are some simple tips that may help you with your selection:
1. Gate Location
In most cases location will demand what type of gates will have to be used.
There are two basic types of child safety gates: hardware-mounted and pressure-mounted.
Hardware-mounted gates will require drilling holes in the walls, door frames or stair balusters, but it is the most secure gate. In some areas, like the top of the stairs, a hardware mounted gate should be the only option for providing maximum security.
Pressure-mounted gates are installed by applying pressure against solid objects, such as a door frame or wall. Installation will not require drilling any holes or using screws to mount the gate.
2. Width of Opening
Measure the width of the location where you will be installing the baby gate. Most safety gates have an adjustable width so they can fit different size openings. Make sure the opening does not exceed the recommended maximum width of the gate. The gate should fit snugly and not wobble. Stay on the safe side. If a gate is recommended to use for openings 28" to 36", then do not use on openings more than 34" wide. Try to stay on lower side of the adjustment range.
Some safety gates have optional extensions that can be added to the base unit. Typically, extensions are available in widths of 8", 12", 24", etc. Try to use as few extensions as possible. For instance, use one 24" extension instead of two 12" extensions. Always remember: the more extensions you use, the more connections there will be, and the less stable the safety gate will become.
3. Few other things to keep in mind:
Gate height - The safety gate should stand a minimum of three-quarters of the baby’s height.
Gate slats - Vertical slats should be less then 2.5" apart. Stay away from the gates with horizontal slats.
Installation flexibility - Gates can be hardware-mounted or pressure-mounted. Make your selection based on location.
Opening and closing the gate - Check what type of latch is being used and how convenient it will be to open and close the gate.
Irregular-shaped areas - Consider using the HearthGate or ConfigureGate made by Kidco, as they will give you maximum flexibility and options.
Installation kits - Different kits are available for secure installation against drywall, stair posts, etc.
Hopefully these few tips will make your selection effortless and your home safer for your precious one.
Author: Alex Nisman
Alex Nisman is a Manager of Baby Supermall, an online retailer of baby bedding and nursery decor. Baby Supermall carries a wide selection of baby gates.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Nisman
If you’re using safety gates to block the top of stairs, make sure to use the type that can be secured by screwing them into the door frame rather than just pressure.
Baby Safety Gates Information,
The site safetybaby.info is fef a weblog about Baby Safety, featuring videos, articles, reviews and discussions
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