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Buying Guide: Safety Gates

• Types of Gates
• Additional Features
• Safety Tips

Once your baby becomes mobile, at about 6-8 months old, you'll find that a safety gate can offer peace of mind when it comes to stairs and other dangers. There are 4 types of gates available. Each is designed to accommodate a different function and location, so you're sure to find one that's appropriate for your needs.

Types of Gates:

Pressure Mounted Gates

• Suitable for use at the bottom of stairs or between rooms
• Panels slide apart to fit the doorway or opening, a locking mechanism uses pressure to secure the gate in place
• Pressure mounted gates should never be used at the top of a stairway

Hardware Mounted Gates

• Must be used at the top of stairs; also ideal for window openings
• Mounted with screws directly into the wall for added strength

Walk-Through Gates

• Good choice for high-traffic areas
• One-hand release allows adult to swing the gate open in either direction

Free-Standing Gates

• Multiple panels fold to enclose a safe play space for your child
• Every other panel opens like a gate

Additional Features:

Available in a variety of materials, you can chose from wooden, plastic, plastic-coated steel, or soft mesh gates to match your décor. Most gates are washable, portable, and easy to install. For extra safety and convenience, look for the following additional features:

• One-hand release, allowing you to open and close the gate with one hand
• Dual-direction swing opening so you can open the gate in either direction without re-installing it SAFTEY NOTE: If you're using your gate at the top of a stairway, look for one with a swing-stop mechanism that will prevent the gate from swinging open over the stairs.
• Expandability that will allow your gate to fit different sized doorways or openings
• See-through clear plastic or mesh panels so you can have a full view of baby on the other side of the gate
• Installation kit to make it easier to mount your gate on various surfaces
• Extension kits - some can enlarge your gate to fit openings up to 13' wide.

Browse our full selection of safety gates.

Safety Tips:

A safety gate can help keep baby away from danger, but there are some precautions that you should keep in mind when using them. Most importantly, remember that your child should never be left unsupervised.

• Never install pressure-mounted gates at the top of stairways
• A gate should never be less than ¾ of your child's height
• Always install the bar side away from baby when using gates with expanding pressure bars
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing and anchoring your safety gate
• Always close the gate behind you and never leave your child unsupervised
• Do not use older gates that are not certified for safety. Older safety gates are more likely to present a safety hazard.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) has developed a certification system to identify which products have been manufactured with safety in mind. Look for the JPMA seal while you're shopping for a safety gate. It's an easy way to make sure the safety gate you choose meets the highest standards for safety.

Safety gates are a great way to give your child the freedom to develop curiosity and motor function within a safe play space. Add one to your registry - it won't be long before you precious little one begins to explore his surroundings!

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