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What should I consider when choosing a gate?

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Location: There are a variety of kinds and qualities of baby gates available, costing anywhere from $10 to $125 or more. When choosing the gate that is right for you—keeping your child’s safety top of mind—consider first where you intend to place the gate. Are you blocking off one room from another on the same floor? Or are you trying to keep a child from falling down stairs, or from climbing up them from a lower-level floor? Pressure-mounted gates work well between rooms on the same floor. At the top or bottom of stairways, however, you really need to invest in a wall-mounted gate that will be harder for a child or pet to push over, and easier for adults to open and close without knocking out of place.

Slats: Next, look into the slats of the gate itself. Make sure the gate has closely-spaced slats, making it difficult for a child to get his head or body stuck. Also, gates with square holes in them are easier for children to climb, so you’ll want to avoid this style.

Size: Measure the opening that you’re purchasing the baby gate for. Is it an extra-wide space? Will you need to invest in an extender to make the gate fit? Or do you need to spend a bit more to get a larger gate? Sure, it’s an extra expense, but it’s your child’s life you’re striving to save. Also, if the child has a penchant for reaching over the gate, or the gate is placed in an area that has temptations on the opposite side, you might want to get a taller gate. Some come in sizes up to about 41 inches tall. Standard gates are often just 29 inches.

Safety: Baby gates are safety certified. Look for the ASTM/JPMA certification seal on the packaging before making your purchase. The seal assures you that the product complies with all voluntary safety standards.

Swing: Does the gate swing open easily? Can you maneuver the gate one-handed? When carrying a squirming child downstairs for a bottle of milk in the middle of the night, the last thing you want to deal with is opening a difficult gate. Make sure it’s easy enough for you to open while holding your precious cargo—child or otherwise.

Next Page: What other kinds of gates are available?

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