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The Do’s and Don’ts of Child Safety Gates – Make Sure That You Are Correctly Using Your Gate to Keep Your Baby or Toddler Safe

TamiPort's picture
Posted by TamiPort on Mon, 2008/10/06 - 12:01am in

Child Safety Gate 101
Buying the right baby gate is one of the most important choices that you can make for you child’s safety. Gates can be metal, wooden, pressure mounted, screw mounted, hand release, foot release; the varieties seem almost endless. But safety doesn’t end with just purchasing the right gate for your needs. There are some critical tips to keep in mind for the safe use of your new baby gate.


Tips for Safely Installing and Using a Child Safety Gate

  • Carefully measure the opening that you want to block: Gates are adjustable, but all have a specific range of widths for which they will work. A gate that is too big obviously won’t fit. But a gate that is just a hare too small can be insecure and dangerous for your child.
  • Use a gate approved for your child's age: Most gates are designed for children up to 24 to 30 months old, and may not be safe for older toddlers. Be sure to check the specific age range recommended for your gate.
  • Never, ever install a pressure-mounted gate at the top of a staircase: Pressure mounted gates have a bar along the bottom that can be easily tripped over.
  • Don’t wing it when installing your gate: Read and follow the installation instructions very carefully. Use the mounting material included, or a specially designed mounting kit. Never use a home-made slip-shod technique to mount your gate.
  • Make closing your child’s safety gate a habit: Close it every time, even when you child is napping or with someone else. It is very easy to forget to close a safety gate if you don’t do it every single time, and one time left open is all it takes for an accident to happen.
  • Anticipate your child’s mobility: Install your baby's safety gates before you think your child really needs them, and be sure to remove the gate once your child exceeds the age recommended for its use.
  • Never buy a second hand gate or use a friend’s hand-me-down: Although recycling and reusing is a very earth-friendly activity, gate safety standards are commonly updated and a used gate may also have worn over time.
  • Never climb over your gate: Even though you may be tempted to take a shortcut, and step over the gate, children mimic the behaviors of adults. You don’t want to do something that will encourage your child to attempt climbing the gate.
  • Child safety gates aren’t babysitters: Never rely on a gate to keep your child safe in your absence.
Do you have any other tips for those new to the world of child safety gates? Let other Organic Family Circle readers benefit from your experience and leave a comment. 

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