How a Baby Gate Ensures the Baby Safety?
A baby becomes critical to control when it comes to the age of 6months plus or when it starts to crawl or walk. At this age, babies become inquisitive to test everything and every place in the house. They start to follow the elders to do all these acts. This level of acts sometimes brings danger for them, as these include lots of movement.
A baby gate helps to reduce lots of danger associated with those. If there are stairs in the house, then this equipment is a must. But sometimes people install the gate to prevent a baby from going to risky places or the kitchen. A baby gate can ensure safety in a lot of cases.
What is a Baby Gate?
A baby gate is a safeguarding structure that prevents a baby or toddler from moving to places in the house that are not safe, like a staircase or kitchen. These gates are of different sizes or materials according to your need. The size, length, and gaps of slats must be considered according to the ages and development of the babies.
Hardware Mounted
This type of baby gate is popular on the top and bottom of the staircase. The hardware mounted means it is mounted to the wall and on the floor. This is exclusively safer than other options. One problem is that the installation method can leave a mark on the installation point. So, it may need to be repaired when it is removed.
Pressure Mounted
There are other mounted baby gates that are supported by pressure. It is not fixed to the floor or wall, so it is not as safe as the mounted one. The pressure-mounted one is opted to use on the doorway, with outward light pressure, it is kept in place. The pressure is not hardware-mounted, so babies of 1 year who are advanced at their ages, can pull or push the gate aside. Thus, it may cause accidents. This baby gate cannot be fixed on stairs as it is highly risky.
Baby Gates for Stairs
Stairs are used regularly, so baby gates for stairs are made especially for that purpose. The gate should be tall enough not to step over. This must be hardware mounted and sturdy enough. Most of the type includes a door stopper.
Step-over Gate
This type of gate is small-sized and can be crossed over. This gate is for very small babies who can sit and just learn to crawl. Babies who cannot step over or climb the gate can be safe with this type of gate.
Baby Gates with Door
Sometimes the situation is that you have to put a baby gate, and at the same time you need to step over the gate frequently. In that case, you can install a baby gate with a door within it. You can easily open and cross the place. There is a latch within the door to lock and unlock it.
Retractable Baby Gates
You may put a roll-out mesh material baby gate that is easy to manage.
Extra Tall Gate
These gates are for older toddlers who can climb over the minimum length. Then the necessity asks for an extra tall gate. This works for the staircase the most.
Freestanding Baby Gate
This gate is sturdy but freestanding, which means a small push can make it fall. If you have a very small baby who cannot move much yet, this is for you.
Extra-wide Gate
If your door to the kitchen or hallway is extra wide, or you have an open kitchen; there is an option for the extra wide gate. You can make it by pre-order with the supplier.
Baby Gate with Pet Door
There is a customized gate that goes well with the movement of animals. Pets cannot step over all the time or cannot open it. So, a baby gate with a pet door is available in the market.
Considering factors during the installation of a baby gate
Hardware or Pressure Mounted
For a baby of one year, it is recommended to use a hardware-mounted baby gate for ultimate safety. Another thing is that on the stairs, a pressure-mounted baby gate is a must.
Childproof Lock
You do not have to worry if your baby is little enough. But you never know, this baby would grow up soon. Use a child safety lock for all the time otherwise, the safety kit would become a threat.
Material
Diverse types of materials are available. You can use plastic, metal, mesh, or wood. Pick one among those.
Choose the Right One
Choose the best one for a specific place. First fix the place where the baby gate is going to be placed. This works a lot behind the types of baby gates. The ones for the staircase must be the best ones with all safety measurements and you have to close both ways. Child-proof locks with proper length and slats sizes should be checked.
Never Think that Your Baby will Remain Like this Forever
Always consider some ages ahead of the baby. It will make you spend one time and provide support for a long. Another thing is that babies grow fast. You are relaxed with the baby playing near the baby gate which is not long enough. But it is not late when it can climb over the gate suddenly without your notice.
When Should you Remove the Gate?
It depends on your child. From the day the baby or toddler is capable of stepover the gate, the need for it ends. Just watch the baby closely to make the decision. You may change the design or increase safety with additional features if there is still a way for protection.
Final Verdict
You may make your own customized baby gates too if you are an expert at the DIY method. A baby gate is very important in all ways. We have lots of risky things in different places at home. To prevent the babies to reach there, a baby gate is an affordable and crucial thing.
